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Kentucky Mule

Since the 1940s, the Moscow Mule has been one of the most ordered cocktails nationwide. The fizzy and refreshing combination of ginger beer, lime, and vodka quenches your thirst year-round.

kentucky mule

While the Moscow Mule may be the most well-known of its kind, it’s actually part of a larger drink category called bucks, classified by the presence of ginger beer. The Kentucky Mule is in this bracket of ginger beer cocktails: instead of the Moscow’s vodka, it uses Kentucky bourbon.

History

The Kentucky Mule is a variation on the classic Moscow Mule, but it’s exact origin is unclear. It’s a regional variation on the Moscow Mule, made with Kentucky bourbon instead of vodka.

kentucky mule

While the Moscow Mule dates back to the 1940s, it’s unknown when someone decided to mix in bourbon instead to create this Southern sister cocktail.

More aggressive than vodka, the bourbon creates a drink with increased flavor by cutting more sharply through the ginger. A top-quality ginger beer with extra spice will hold its ground against the whiskey, making the most of each ingredient.

How To Make It

A popular drink at both the bar and at home, its simple recipe makes this cocktail a cinch to make; the only true effort is squeezing the lime juice. Combining your ingredients with ice and a sprig of mint is really all that’s needed.

The cup of choice is a copper mug as it takes on the temperature of the drink it’s holding. If copper is not available, a highball glass is a suitable substitute. No stirring or shaking is necessary.

kentucky mule

Kentucky Mule

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Try this popular twist on the Moscow Mule made with Kentucky bourbon.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
  • Ginger beer
  • Mint sprig and lime for garnish

Instructions

  1. Fill a copper mug with ice
  2. Add the lime juice and the bourbon and stir
  3. Top off the ice with ginger beer
  4. Add a sprig of mint for garnish

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Bourbon Is Just a Co-Star

Being well-balanced is what makes this mule so tempting.

The ginger beer and the lime are equally as potent as the bourbon whiskey. Because of this, a high-quality bourbon is not as important as it might be in another whiskey-heavy recipe.

Since the lime and ginger beer balance it out, the nuanced flavors of the alcohol won’t matter quite as much. Trying a variety of different bourbons will give you an appreciation for the refinement each company gives its spirit.

A good rule of thumb is that a decent liquor makes a decent drink, though. Choose a bourbon that is priced right in the middle. A mid-priced bottle is usually a good indicator of quality, and using locally distilled spirits is always a great way to incorporate your recipe with a domestic flair.

You may even notice that the growth in popularity has caused some restaurants to offer the Kentucky favorite using their own distilled spirit made in-house.

This Kentucky version of a classic is perfect for a party or on the porch during a long, summer evening. Try your hand at this recipe today to see the beautiful simplicity that makes this cocktail a favorite season after season.

Variations

The Kentucky mule is a variation itself on the classic Moscow mule. Here are a few other variations to try!

  • Homemade ginger syrup is a great way to add your own little special ingredient to the recipe. If you choose to make your own, use club soda in place of the ginger beer to keep its signature bubbly personality.
  • London Mule – uses gin instead of vodka or bourbon.
  • The Dark n Stormy is a classic cocktail made with dark rum, ginger beer, and lime.
  • A Mexican Mule uses tequila as the base spirit.

FAQ

What is a Kentucky Mule made of?

A Kentucky Mule is a simple cocktail made with Kentucky bourbon, ginger beer, and lime, garnished with a sprig of fresh mint.

What’s the difference between a Moscow Mule and a Kentucky Mule?

A classic Moscow Mule is made with vodka as the base spirit, where a Kentucky mule replaces the vodka with Kentucky bourbon.

What whiskey is best for a Kentucky Mule?

For an authentic Kentucky Mule, we like to use Kentucky bourbon. Jim Beam is a great choice, but you could also opt for Maker’s Mark, Evan Williams, or your bourbon of choice!

Is a Kentucky Mule made with rye or bourbon?

A Kentucky Mule is typically made with bourbon, but if you prefer the spicy flavor of rye whiskey you can always use that instead!

Please drink responsibly, be fully accountable with your alcohol consumption, and show others respect.

Written by Paul Kushner

I have always had a deep interest in the restaurant and bar industry. My restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. By the time I turned 17 I was serving tables, and by 19 I was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week.

In 2012, after a decade and a half of learning all facets of the industry, I opened my first restaurant/bar. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

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