Kentucky Mule
The Kentucky Mule is a Southern twist on the classic Moscow Mule, swapping out vodka for smooth bourbon. Served ice-cold in a signature copper mug, this cocktail delivers a refreshing zing of ginger beer balanced with the mellow, caramel notes of bourbon and a bright splash of lime. It's the perfect marriage of spicy, sweet, and citrus—an easygoing yet sophisticated sipper for any occasion.
- Bourbon60 ml (2 oz)Use a good quality Kentucky bourbon for authenticity.
- Fresh lime juice15 ml (0.5 oz)Freshly squeezed is best.
- Ginger beer120 ml (4 oz)Chilled; choose a spicy, robust ginger beer for more kick.
- Simple syrup (optional)10 ml (0.25 oz)Add if you like it a touch sweeter.
- Ice1 cupCrushed ice works best, but cubes are fine.
- Copper mug (or rocks glass, if you prefer)
- Jigger
- Bar spoon
- Citrus juicer or reamer
- Ice scoop
Fill a copper mug or rocks glass with crushed ice to the top.
Pour 2 oz bourbon over the ice.
Add 0.5 oz fresh lime juice. If you like it sweeter, add 0.25 oz simple syrup.
Top with 4 oz chilled ginger beer.
Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine.
Garnish with a fresh lime wedge and a sprig of mint.
- Celebrates bourbon’s smooth, caramel flavor in a refreshing cocktail.
- Perfectly balanced with spicy ginger beer and zesty lime.
- Served in a copper mug that keeps your drink icy cold.
- Easy to make with just a few ingredients.
- Ideal for summer gatherings, backyard barbecues, or relaxing after a long day.
The Kentucky Mule is a modern riff on the Moscow Mule, a cocktail born in the 1940s when vodka and ginger beer found their perfect match. Bourbon lovers in Kentucky wanted a mule of their own, so they swapped vodka for their favorite homegrown spirit. The result? A distinctly American cocktail that celebrates bourbon’s rich heritage while keeping the Mule’s signature fizz and punch. Today, the Kentucky Mule is beloved in bourbon bars across the country, especially during warm weather months.
A fresh lime wedge and a sprig of mint. The lime adds aromatic citrus notes and extra color, while the mint gives a fragrant, cooling finish with every sip.
Approximately 180 calories per serving. Contains carbs (from ginger beer and simple syrup), small amounts of vitamin C (from lime), and zero fat or protein.