Best Bourbon Mule Recipe (Kentucky Mule)

This Bourbon Mule, aka Kentucky Mule, is refreshing, bright, and bold. It’s a bourbon twist on the classic Moscow Mule that combines smooth bourbon, with the spicy sweetness of ginger beer, and ends with a tangy splash of lime. This 3 ingredient cocktail is the perfect fit for any time of year.

Delicious Bourbon Cocktails

Bourbon cocktails offer a wonderful blend of flavors and aromas that fit any occasion. Bourbon whiskey, with its rich, complex notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, adds depth to any drink. Its versatility allows it to shine in a variety of cocktails, from timeless classics like an Old Fashioned to creative modern drinks. Whether you prefer something sweet, sour, or savory, there's a bourbon cocktail for you.

You’ll find the perfect balance of flavors when mixing up this Brown Sugar Old Fashioned, Blackberry Bourbon Smash, or Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail. The bourbon’s smoothness and warmth make these a great choice for sipping by the fire on a chilly evening or enjoying with friends on a summer day.

Why You'll Love This Bourbon and Ginger Beer Cocktail

Simple Ingredients - with just 3 easy-to-find ingredients, bourbon, ginger beer, and lime, this is one of the easiest cocktails to make.

Quick & Easy - Mix it up in about 1 minute

Easy to Make Ahead - Make a batch in a pitcher for a party and refrigerate until needed.

What is a Kentucky Mule?

A Kentucky Mule, also known as a Bourbon Mule, is a refreshing and popular cocktail that offers a delightful twist on the classic Moscow Mule recipe. Instead of vodka, the Kentucky Bourbon Mule uses bourbon as its base spirit, which gives it a distinctive rich and smooth flavor profile. The bourbon's notes of caramel and vanilla beautifully complement the zesty sharpness of the ginger beer and the bright, tangy flavor of fresh lime juice.

The cocktail is typically served in a copper mule mug, which not only keeps the drink chilled but also enhances its aromatic qualities. The copper mug is iconic to mule cocktails and adds a touch of rustic elegance to the presentation. The Kentucky Mule is often garnished with a lime wedge or a fresh mint sprig for an extra burst of freshness.

This drink has become a staple in the American cocktail scene, especially in the South, where bourbon is deeply rooted in the culture. Its popularity is due to its simplicity, the balance of flavors, and the comforting warmth of bourbon, making it a perfect choice for both warm summer evenings and chilly nights.

Other Types of Mules

The Mule cocktail, best known for its signature copper mug and refreshing taste, has inspired many Moscow Mule variations across the globe, each with its unique twist:

• Irish Mule: Irish whiskey is featured in this cocktail. Known for its smooth, light, and slightly sweet characteristics, it makes this drink a bit more mellow compared to bourbon or tequila-based options.
• Jamaican Mule: features Jamaican rum, known for its bold and fruity flavors, with a hint of spice. The Jamaican Mule brings a tropical, spicy flavor to the mule family.
• Mexican Mule: Swap the traditional vodka for tequila and you'll have a cocktail that has bold and slightly earthy flavors, a favorite for those who enjoy agave spirits.
• Tennessee Mule: uses Tennessee whiskey, which is similar to bourbon but with a smoother, sweeter flavor. This gives it a distinctively smooth and inviting character.
• Gin Buck / London Mule: replaces vodka with gin. This introduces botanical and floral notes, offering a complex and aromatic experience compared to the classic mule.
• Dark and Stormy: Technically not a mule but associated with the family due to its use of ginger beer. Made with dark rum, it has a richer, more intense flavor with molasses and spice notes, differentiating it from the lighter, more citrusy traditional mule.

Each of these variations maintains the core elements of the traditional Moscow Mule — a strong spirit base, spicy ginger beer, and a splash of lime — but introduces unique flavor dimensions and cultural twists, making the Mule cocktail a versatile and globally beloved drink.

Ingredients

Here are the main ingredients you need to make this Kentucky mule recipe. The exact measurements are in the printable recipe card below.

• Bourbon - use the best bourbon to achieve the most flavor. I recommend either Woodford Reserve, Bulleit bourbon, or Maker's Mark.
• Lime Juice - fresh-squeezed lime juice is best
• Ginger Beer - use a high-quality ginger beer as this provides one of the main flavors
• Garnishes - Fresh Mint Leaves and Lime Slice or Wedge

It's crucial to use ginger beer and not ginger ale. Ginger beer offers a stronger, spicier flavor which is key to the cocktail's profile. Ginger ale is milder and sweeter, which can alter the intended taste significantly.

Recipe Tips

Some suggestions for making the perfect bourbon mule:

• Ensure your ginger beer is chilled before mixing. This keeps the drink colder longer and maintains the integrity of the flavors.
• After pouring in the ginger beer, gently mix the ingredients by stirring lightly. Over-stirring can cause the ginger beer to lose its effervescence, leading to a flat drink.
• Serving in a copper mug isn't just for aesthetics; it keeps the drink colder and adds a unique taste experience. The metal quickly takes on the icy temperature of the drink, enhancing its refreshing quality.
• Always use fresh lime juice rather than bottled. Fresh juice provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor that bottled juice can't match.
• Use large ice cubes or a single ice sphere. Larger pieces of ice melt slower, reducing dilution and keeping your drink perfectly chilled for longer.
• A lime wedge or a sprig of mint can add both visual appeal and a hint of extra flavor. Squeeze the lime wedge into the drink before dropping it in for an extra kick.

Recipe Variations

Want to give your bourbon mule a fruity flavor or a little sweetness? Here are some ideas:

• Apple Cider Bourbon Mule - Add ¼ cup of apple cider.
• Blackberry Bourbon Mule - Muddle 6 blackberries in the bottom of the mug.
• Brown Sugar Bourbon Mule - Use BSB Brown Sugar Bourbon.
• Cherry Bourbon Mule - Muddle 5 or 6 fresh cherries in the bottom of the mug.
• Cranberry Bourbon Mule - Add 2 ounces of cranberry juice.
• Peach Bourbon Mule - Peel and chop ½ of a peach. Muddle it in the bottom of the mug. Alternately, add 2 ounces of peach puree or 1 ounce of peach schnapps.
• Pomegranate Bourbon Mule - Add 2 ounces of pomegranate juice.
• Raspberry Bourbon Mule - Muddle 8 fresh raspberries in the bottom of the glass or mug.

Each of these variations maintains the spirit of the original Kentucky Mule while introducing new flavors and aromas, making them exciting alternatives for both seasoned bourbon lovers and newcomers alike.

What to Serve With a Bourbon Mule

Pairing food with a Bourbon Mule can enhance both the drink and the dining experience. The bold flavors of bourbon and the spiciness of ginger beer make it versatile for various dishes. Here are some suggestions:

• Barbecue: The smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors of barbecue pair exceptionally well with the Whiskey Mule. The drink's spiciness and bourbon's richness can cut through the fattiness of ribs or pulled pork.
• Spicy Foods: Spicy dishes, like buffalo wings or spicy Asian cuisine, complement the ginger beer's zing in this easy bourbon cocktail. It helps balance the heat from the food.
• Grilled Meats: The charred flavors of grilled steak, chicken, or sausages are a great match. The bourbon in the drink brings out the savory umami flavors of the meat.
• Seafood: Lighter seafood dishes, like grilled shrimp or a fresh seafood salad, can be a refreshing contrast to the Bourbon Mule's bold flavors.
• Cheese Platters: A selection of cheeses, especially stronger varieties like blue cheese, gouda, or aged cheddar, pairs nicely. The creaminess of the cheese balances the spiciness of the ginger beer and the depth of the bourbon.
• Fried Foods: Fried chicken, onion rings, or tempura vegetables can complement the cocktail well. The crispness of the fried foods contrasts with the smoothness of the drink.
• Snack Platters: Nuts, olives, and charcuterie are excellent for nibbling alongside this classic cocktail. The salty and savory snacks enhance the sweet and spicy notes of the drink.

When serving food with a Bourbon Mule, the key is to balance the drink's strong, spirited character with foods that can either complement or pleasantly contrast its flavors.

Make Ahead Pitcher

If you are entertaining and want to make a pitcher in advance, here's how:

• 2 cups bourbon
• ½ cup lime juice
• 4 cups ginger beer

1. Combine bourbon and lime juice in a pitcher.
2. Add a handful or two of ice.
3. Stir for about 15 seconds then use a slotted spoon to remove any ice.
4. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.
5. When ready to serve, pour in the ginger beer.
6. Have mugs and ice by the pitcher so your guests can make their own Kentucky Mule.

More Refreshing Cocktail Recipes

• Blueberry Mojito
• Hawaiian Mimosa
• Mermaid Water
• Pink Lemonade Cocktail
• Raspberry Lime Rickey

Find lots of easy recipes for cocktails right here on 2CM!

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