An easy and refreshing Kentucky Mule recipe! It’s a twist on my classic Moscow mule recipe, made with bourbon instead of vodka. This easy cocktail requires just four simple ingredients!
I’m a huge Moscow mule fan and my refrigerator is always stocked with ginger beer and fresh limes! The classic cocktail has become a favorite because it’s flavorful and one of the easiest cocktails to make!
It has a zesty, bright flavor and tastes even better when served in a chilled copper mug. It’s a beautiful drink to serve year-round and can be altered to make different flavors, like cranberry, apple, and blueberry.
The drink is called a Kentucky mule because bourbon is used instead of vodka. Kentucky is the capital of bourbon in the United States and is home to many famous brands. Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that’s made primarily from corn. It has a distinct flavor with vanilla, oak, and caramel notes.
This drink is great to serve year-round, especially if you’re hosting the Kentucky Derby!
Kentucky Mule Ingredients
Here are all of the ingredients you need to make this Kentucky mule recipe. Most of them are at your local grocery store and liquor store.
Bourbon – Use any Kentucky bourbon you prefer.
Fresh lime juice – Fresh-squeezed lime juice is always the best. I never use already-made lime juice in our recipes.
Ginger beer – Use a good quality ginger beer for the best flavor. Something like Fever Tree or Bundaberg.
Simple syrup – This sweetener is made by simmering sugar and water. I add just a little simple syrup to this recipe to give it a touch of sweetness. Follow my complete guide to making simple syrup.
Mint leaves – This is used as a garnish for the drink. You can also use other fresh herbs.
Tips for Making The Best Kentucky Mule
- If you don’t have a copper mug, no problem! Any glass will work. Just make sure to add plenty of ice so it stays cold.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor. Bottled lime juice just doesn’t taste as good.
- Make a ginger simple syrup for an even more gingery flavor. This is optional but we think it’s worth it!
- Not a fan of mint? Leave it out or try using another herb like rosemary or thyme.
Recipe Variations
We love our Kentucky mule recipe variation, but if you’re looking for more fun ideas, check these out:
Kombucha Mule – One of our favorite variations! This one uses kombucha to give it some fizz.
Pineapple Mule – The most perfect summer mule! Use pineapple juice to make this drink tropical.
Gingerbread Mule – This one uses gingerbread spices and molasses to sweeten it!
Tokyo Mule – This is another one of our favorites. It’s made with sake and cucumber and has a spa-like flavor to it!
Spicy Mule – Use spicy ginger beer and add a jalapeno slice!
Ginger Simple Syrup
We enjoy the extra ginger flavor a ginger simple syrup adds. It’s easy to make too! The best way to make it is to use ginger juice instead of water. Equal parts ginger juice and sugar, simmered in a small saucepan until the sugar dissolves.
You can also make it with sugar, water, and 3 tablespoons of fresh ginger. Simmer everything in a small saucepan and then strain the ginger out.
Make it non-alcoholic
This is an easy drink to make without alcohol. We suggest using a zero-proof bourbon to replace bourbon whiskey. This allows the drink to have the botanical and vanilla flavors of the bourbon.
If you don’t have a zero-proof bourbon, simply leave it out and make this drink using ginger beer, lime juice, and mint. Serve it in a copper mug to get the true Moscow mule experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
The biggest difference is the type of alcohol used. A Kentucky mule uses bourbon while a Moscow mule uses vodka.
There is no alcohol in ginger beer. It’s a non-alcoholic soda that’s made with ginger, lime, and sugar. It’s called ginger beer because it has a slightly alcoholic taste without the actual alcohol.
If you don’t have simple syrup you can use agave nectar or even sugar. Just dissolve the sweetener in a little bit of hot water so it’s easy to mix into the drink.
More Bourbon Cocktails You’ll Love
Here are more refreshing cocktails made with bourbon!
Mint Julep: Another great cocktail for the Kentucky Derby! This is a refreshing bourbon drink to make in the spring.
Old Fashioned: One of the most popular cocktails in the world! Made with bourbon, bitters, and a slice of orange.
Red Moon Over Manhattan: We created this cocktail years ago, and it’s become one of our most popular drinks. It’s made with red wine and bourbon!
We hope you enjoy this delicious twist on a traditional Moscow mule! This cocktail recipe is one of our favorites! Let us know if you make this bourbon cocktail by leaving a comment and review below!
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Kentucky Mule Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 3 ounces ginger beer
Instructions
- Fill a copper cup with ice and add in the bourbon, lime juice and simple syrup.
- Give it a stir and top with ginger beer.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of mint.
I tried this recipe and it’s really good. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to try the recipe.