Kentucky Mule is a delicious take on the classic Moscow Mule cocktail but uses bourbon instead of vodka. So easy to make, this sweet and slightly spicy drink is sure to be your new favorite cocktail!
Change up your Moscow Mule with this delicious recipe for a Kentucky Mule. All of the flavors you love made with bourbon, lime juice, and ginger beer and served in the classic copper mug.
If you love Moscow Mules, be sure to these fun variations like Cranberry Moscow Mule or Apple Cider Moscow Mules. And, for more fun cocktails check out this Limoncello Spritz or a refreshing Rossini Cocktail.
Why You’ll Love a Kentucky Mule!
A Kentucky mule is a cocktail similar to a Moscow mule, but is made with bourbon instead of vodka. So, if you love the flavors of bourbon, this drink is for you!
This bourbon cocktail is mixed with lime juice and is topped off with ginger beer. I like to serve mine with a garnish of lime and a sprig of mint.
What makes mules so special is that they are served in a copper mug filled with ice. This keeps the drink extra cold and is the signature look of mule cocktails across the United States.
Because it’s made with bourbon, the Kentucky mule cocktail is especially popular in the southern United States since many bourbon brands are made in this location.
You can use your favorite Bourbon in this recipe – I personally prefer Maker’s Mark or Bulleit. This is such a fun and easy to make cocktail, you’re going to love it!
Ingredients
- Bourbon: use your favorite brand of bourbon here. I like Bulleit or Maker’s Mark for this recipe because of their milder (not too smoky) flavor.
- Ginger Beer: ginger beer is a non-alcoholic carbonated beverage that is flavored with ginger. It is slightly sweet and spicy, and works great in this Kentucky Mule recipe. You can find it in most grocery stores near the sodas and mixers.
- Lime: fresh lime juice adds a delicious depth of flavor to this cocktail. The recipe calls for half an ounce of lime juice, which is about half a lime, but can always use more if desired.
- Mint: the mint is here purely for garnish and is not necessary for the recipe.
How to Make a Kentucky Mule
This cocktail comes together quick with no special equipment needed. I like to serve Kentucky Mules in the classic copper mug, but you can use whatever glass you have on hand.
Step 1: fill mug with ice
The beauty of this drink is that it’s served ice cold. Start by filling up your copper mug or glass with ice.
Step 2: add in bourbon and lime juice
Next, measure out the bourbon and pour it over the ice. Then, add in the lime juice. Half a lime will give out about half an ounce. But you can use the whole lime if desired.
Step 3: top with ginger beer
Lastly, fill the mug with cold ginger beer. You should be able to pour in about 5-6 ounces of ginger beer. However, you can add more or less based on preference.
Step 4: garnish and enjoy
Garnish your Kentucky Mule with a sprig of mint and a slice of lime. This is optional, but adds a nice finishing touch to a simple and delicious cocktail.
Recipe Tips
- Use a mild flavored bourbon. You don’t want anything with too much smoky flavor.
- If you don’t have a copper mug, you can always serve this in a regular chilled cocktail glass.
- Ginger beer can be found in the beverage or liquor section of most grocery stores. Despite the name, there is no alcohol in ginger beer.
- Fresh mint is a pretty garnish but completely optional.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Kentucky Mule is a cocktail that is similar to a Moscow Mule but made with bourbon instead of vodka. The cocktail consists of bourbon, lime juice, ginger beer, and ice, and is commonly served in a copper mug.
Ginger beer is a carbonated beverage that is flavored with ginger. It is normally non-alcoholic, but there are a few brands that do contain a small amount of alcohol. The flavor of ginger beer is spicy and tangy, with a strong taste of ginger.
Copper mugs are often used for serving chilled cocktails, particularly Moscow Mules or other drinks with a sparkling mixer. The copper material is thought to enhance the flavor and temperature of the drink, giving it a unique taste and feel.
More Cocktail Recipes!
Kentucky Mule
Equipment
- copper mule mug
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- ½ ounce lime juice (about half a lime)
- 6 ounces ginger beer
- ice
- mint to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Fill up a copper mule mug with ice. Add in the bourbon and lime juice and stir.
- Pour in enough ginger beer to fill the mug. Garnish with a lime wedge and mint. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a mild flavored bourbon. You don’t want anything with too much smoky flavor.
- If you don’t have a copper mug, you can always serve this in a regular chilled cocktail glass.
- Ginger beer can be found in the beverage or liquor section of most grocery stores. Despite the name, there is no alcohol in ginger beer.
- Fresh mint is a pretty garnish but completely optional.
This is such a crisp and refreshing cocktail with the perfect amount of kick! Easily, the best way to wind down after a long day; delicious!
Gorgeous and delicious drink recipe. Thanks a lot for sharing.
This was a such a delicious and easy recipe! So good!
The flavour in this was amazing. Just the right amount of lime too.