The Kentucky Mule combines the warmth of bourbon with the zest of ginger beer for a classic cocktail that is easy to learn and is perfect for any occasion.
A warm afternoon is never really complete without three crucial things: delightful company, good conversation, and a beautifully crafted Kentucky Mule. So you might be thinking: ‘‘Kentucky Mule, what’s that?!” Get ready to have your mind blown! This isn’t just a beverage, it’s a whole experience, an authentic southern luxury. What could be more southern than the harmonious mix of bourbon and ginger beer?!
The Kentucky Mule might ring a bell due to its familiar-sounding cocktail kin, the universally adored Moscow Mule. Our classic Russian cousin typically mixes vodka, ginger beer and a shot of fresh lime. But in true Southern fashion, we like to mix things up a notch. We replace the vodka with a rich bourbon that adds a smoky twist to the original recipe.
And let’s not forget about the eye candy: both of these delicious cocktails require to be served in iconic copper mugs.
INGREDIENTS
Don’t underestimate the importance of the ginger beer; there are good ones and bad ones. I recommend the P&M.
- 1 1/2 oz bourbon or whiskey
- 3 oz Ginger Beer
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- A few fresh mint leaves (optional)
- Crushed ice
Utensils Needed
- A copper mug or glass – to serve the cocktail
- A jigger – to measure the bourbon or whiskey and lime juice
- A stirring spoon – to gently stir the ingredients together
- Optional: strainer – to strain the lime juice if it has pulp or seeds
INSTRUCTIONS
Pour
In a copper mug or glass filled with crushed ice, add bourbon or whiskey and lime juice.
Combine
Pour Ginger Beer into the mug or glass, and gently stir the ingredients to combine.
Garnish (optional)
Garnish with a few fresh mint leaves and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
- Ingredients: Choose high-quality bourbon and ginger beer. People always overlook the importance of a good ginger beer.
- For for fresh lime juice: It is cheaper, healthier, and tastier.
- Use crushed ice: Instead of ice cubes.
- Don’t shake, stir: Shaking will make it go flat.
- Use a copper mug: A copper mug is required for a genuine “Mule” experience. It also serves a purpose: your drink will stay cold longe.
- Have fun with the garnish: Don’t think mint leaves are your only choice! I’ve had amazing luck with basil or rosemary.
Variations
1. Low-Carb Kentucky Mule: Use a sugar-free or low-carb ginger beer and a bourbon with no added sugar.
2. Spicy Kentucky Mule: Muddle some fresh jalapeño or Serrano peppers in the bottom of the copper mug before. See my delicious spicy margarita for instructions.
3. Fruity Kentucky Mule: Muddle some fresh fruit like berries, pineapple, or peaches before adding the rest of your ingredients.
4. Kentucky Mule with a Twist: I’ve used bourbons infused with maple, honey, cinnamon, or vanilla and they’re all amazing.
FAQs
Assuming you’re making a standard Kentucky Mule with the amounts I’ve specified here, it should be approximately 150 to 200 calories.
A Kentucky Mule can be sipped through a straw or straight from a copper mug. I love the look and the function of the copper mug, since it looks classy while also keeping the cocktail cold.
Nope! You can experiment with other types of whiskey, like rye. If you want something else, check out the ‘Variations’ section for my suggestions.
You could use a non-alcoholic alternative to the bourbon OR you can forgo it entirely and have a refreshing mug of ginger beer and lime juice over ice.
Of course! Mix the bourbon and lime juice ahead of time (and always make sure your ratios are correct). When you’re ready to serve, add the ginger beer and garnishes to individual glasses with ice. Your guests will clamber for more!
How to Make A Kentucky Mule Ahead of time
Mix the bourbon and lime juice beforehand, and then store in the fridge.
Keep the ginger beer separate and unopened. As a carbonated drink, the ginger beer will start to lose its bubbles and you’ll end up with a flat Mule. No one wants that!
When you’re ready to serve, pour the chilled mixture over ice, add the ginger beer, then stir and garnish.
Kentucky Mule Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz bourbon or whiskey
- 3 oz Ginger Beer
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- fresh mint leaves Optional
- crushed ice
Instructions
-
In a copper mug or glass filled with crushed ice
-
Add bourbon or whiskey and lime juice.
-
Pour Ginger Beer into the mug or glass, and gently stir the ingredients to combine.
-
Optional: garnish with a few fresh mint leaves and enjoy your refreshing Kentucky Mule.
Notes
- Stir the drink, don’t shake it. Shaking the ginger beer will reduce the carbonation and make it go flat.
- Crushed ice over ice cubes. A Kentucky Mule requires it, as it will chill your beverage faster and provides the ideal texture. Turn the cubes into crushed ice by wrapped them in a kitchen towel and gently whacking them with a rolling pin or mallet.
- Although not absolutely necessary, serving your Kentucky Mule in a copper mug will not only provide an authentically rustic aesthetic but also keep your drink colder longer due to copper’s efficient thermal conductivity.
- If you want a non-alcoholic Kentucky Mule, you could use a non-alcoholic alternative to the bourbon OR you can forgo it entirely and have a refreshing mug of ginger beer and lime juice over ice.
Nutrition
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