The first time I made a Kentucky Mule was during my sister's visit last summer. We'd spent all day cooking, and needed something refreshing but with a kick! The bourbon's rich warmth paired with that zingy ginger beer had us both sighing with relief. Now it's my go-to when friends drop by unexpectedly. There's something so satisfying about that copper mug frosting over while lime and bourbon work their magic inside. Simple pleasures at their finest!
Why You'll Love This Kentucky Mule
Last Thursday, my sister dropped by unannounced with news about her promotion. I wanted something special to celebrate but had barely any prep time! This Kentucky Mule saved the day. The look on her face when she took that first sip—pure joy! The bourbon adds this wonderful warmth that vodka just can't match. My husband swears it's the perfect balance—not too sweet, not too strong.
What I love most is how the spicy ginger beer cuts through the richness of good bourbon. It's become our Friday tradition now—sitting on the porch, Kentucky Mules in hand, watching the sunset.
Even my mom, who "doesn't drink cocktails," asks for one whenever she visits! Plus, it uses ingredients I always have around, making this bourbon ginger beer combo my reliable crowd-pleaser.
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What You'll Need
Pulling together a Kentucky Mule couldn't be simpler! I always keep these ingredients on hand for impromptu gatherings—the spicy-sweet aroma that fills the kitchen when you mix them together is absolutely worth it.
Main Ingredients
- Quality bourbon (I use my husband's favorite Kentucky bourbon)
- Spicy ginger beer (not ginger ale!)
- Fresh lime juice
- Ice cubes
Optional Extras
For an extra special touch, I sometimes add a sprig of fresh mint or a slice of candied ginger when company's over. My daughter loves when I rim the glass with a bit of brown sugar—makes it feel fancy!
The full Kentucky Mule instructions are right in the card below.
How to Make Kentucky Mule
Let me walk you through making this Kentucky Mule – it's become our Friday night ritual!
Start with fresh lime juice
That green juicer you see was my grandmother's – I nearly left it at her estate sale until my husband reminded me how many cocktails we make! Fresh lime juice makes all the difference. When my sister visits, she squeezes extra to make sure our drinks have that perfect zing.
Pour bourbon over ice
Last Christmas, my brother gifted us these beautiful textured glasses. I fill them with ice first, then add about 2 ounces of bourbon. My husband's partial to Maker's Mark, but I've found Bulleit works beautifully too – especially when we're making a batch for neighbors.
Add the ginger beer
This step always makes me smile! The fizzy cascade of ginger beer makes that satisfying sound that says "weekend's here!" I discovered this brand at our farmers market last June – the vendor let me sample it and I bought six bottles on the spot.
Garnish and serve
A little lime wedge perched on the rim isn't just pretty – it adds that final aromatic touch when you squeeze it in. My daughter always knows when I'm making these because the kitchen suddenly smells like summer! That first sip? Pure refreshment with a bourbon backbone.
The beauty of this drink is its simplicity. Even when we had that chaotic housewarming party last August, I could still whip these up without missing any conversations!
Top Tip
- After countless Kentucky Mules (and a few memorable failures), I've discovered the secret to taking this cocktail from good to absolutely incredible. The game-changer? Temperature! I keep my ginger beer in the coldest part of the fridge and chill my glasses in the freezer for about 10 minutes before serving. My husband laughed at me for this extra step until he tasted the difference—now he's the one reminding me to chill the glasses when friends come over!
- Another tip I learned from my bartender cousin: the quality of your ginger beer makes or breaks a Kentucky Mule. Skip the sweet, mild versions and look for one with real ginger bite. The spicier kick creates this amazing balance with the bourbon's sweetness that keeps everyone asking for refills.
- When my sister-in-law (who claims not to like bourbon) finished her entire drink and asked for another, I knew I'd nailed the recipe! That moment sealed the deal—perfect temperature and bold ginger beer are the not-so-secret ingredients to the best Kentucky Mule ever.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Not all bourbon nights are created equal, and sometimes I love switching up my Kentucky Mule recipe! When my sister visits, we add muddled blackberries for a Kentucky Blackberry Mule—the purple hue is gorgeous against the copper mug. Can't find ginger beer? In a pinch, ginger ale works for this easy whiskey cocktail, though I add a squeeze of extra lime to compensate for the sweetness.
For holiday gatherings, I'll infuse the bourbon with cinnamon sticks overnight—my husband calls it the "Winter Mule" and it disappears faster than my apple pie! If you're serving guests who prefer less alcohol, reducing the bourbon ginger mix to a 1-ounce pour still maintains that wonderful summer bourbon flavor while being lighter on the spirits. My mom prefers her Kentucky Mule this way, and she's become quite the bourbon cocktail fan since trying it!
What to Serve With Kentucky Mule
My Kentucky Mule has become the star of our summer gatherings, especially when paired with the right bites! The spicy-sweet profile of this bourbon cocktail works wonderfully with smoky barbecue, last weekend, my husband's bourbon-glazed ribs were the perfect companion.
For casual get-togethers, I set out a board of sharp cheddar, smoked almonds, and dried apricots that everyone gravitates toward while sipping their drinks.
The cocktail's refreshing lime and ginger notes cut through rich foods beautifully. Even something simple like buttery popcorn with a sprinkle of smoked paprika makes this summer bourbon drink shine in a whole new way!
FAQs About Kentucky Mule
What are the ingredients for a Kentucky Mule?
A Kentucky Mule needs just three essential ingredients: bourbon, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice. I always emphasize fresh lime juice—the bottled stuff just doesn't compare! You'll also need plenty of ice, and while not strictly necessary, a copper mug keeps everything wonderfully cold. My husband insists the traditional copper mug enhances the flavor, but honestly, any glass works fine. The magic is in that bourbon-ginger beer combination!
What's the difference between a Moscow Mule and a Kentucky Mule?
The main difference is the base spirit—a Moscow Mule uses vodka, while a Kentucky Mule showcases bourbon. This simple swap completely transforms the cocktail! Where vodka creates a clean, crisp backdrop for the ginger beer, bourbon adds wonderful caramel, vanilla, and oak notes that complement the spicy ginger beautifully. My sister (who claimed to hate bourbon) was converted after one sip of my Kentucky Mule. The bourbon gives this summer drink so much more character and depth than its vodka counterpart.
What whiskey is best for a Kentucky Mule?
I've experimented with many bourbons, and a mid-range Kentucky bourbon works perfectly. Anything in the $20-30 range like Buffalo Trace, Four Roses Small Batch, or Maker's Mark creates a delicious Kentucky Mule. My husband insists on splurging for Woodford Reserve when friends visit, and I'll admit it adds lovely complexity. However, super-premium bourbons are best saved for sipping neat—the ginger beer will mask their subtleties. If you're looking for a tried-and-true version, this Kentucky Mule recipe is very close to what I make at home. The bourbon should have enough character to stand up to the spicy ginger beer without overwhelming it.
What is the best ginger beer for whiskey mule?
When my mother-in-law accidentally bought ginger ale instead, the drink was far too sweet and lacked that signature kick. If you’re curious about the best options, this guide to ginger beers for Moscow Mules offers great suggestions. For an authentic Kentucky Mule experience, always choose ginger beer with visible ginger sediment and a strong, spicy aroma.
What is ginger beer and bourbon called?
When bourbon meets ginger beer, you've got yourself a Kentucky Mule! This refreshing cocktail has gained popularity as bourbon's answer to the Moscow Mule. Some bartenders call it a "Bourbon Buck" or "Bourbon Mule," but Kentucky Mule has become the standard name, honoring bourbon's heartland. At our neighborhood cookouts, this bourbon ginger beer drink has become so popular that friends just ask for "that Kentucky drink" and everyone knows exactly what they mean. No matter what you call it, this combination is a match made in cocktail heaven!
More Recipes You'll Love
If this Kentucky Mule has earned a spot in your cocktail rotation, you'll definitely want to try these other favorites from my recipe collection! My Black Manhattan Cocktail was born during last summer's berry-picking adventure with my daughter,
For cooler evenings, my Transfusion Recipe always warms things up; my husband requests it every fall when the leaves start changing.
Did you make this recipe? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - I love seeing your beautiful cocktail creations! Want more Drinks inspiration delivered straight to your inbox?
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Kentucky Mule Recipe:
Easy Kentucky Mule Cocktail
Equipment
- 1 Glass (textured or copper mug) To serve the cocktail
- 1 Jigger To measure the bourbon
- 1 Juicer For extracting fresh lime juice
- 1 Spoon (optional) To stir gently if needed
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon - Quality Kentucky bourbon
- Top with Ginger Beer - Spicy – not ginger ale
- 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice - Freshly squeezed
- To fill Ice Cubes - Enough to fill glass
Instructions
- Juice a fresh lime using a citrus juicer. Fresh juice gives the cocktail its signature zing.
- Fill your chilled glass with ice and pour in 2 oz of your favorite Kentucky bourbon.
- Top with spicy ginger beer. Pour slowly to keep the fizz strong and refreshing.
- Add a lime wedge for garnish. Optional: add mint or rim with brown sugar for extra flair.
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