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This easy and refreshing Kentucky Mule recipe is a Southern twist on the classic Moscow Mule, made with smooth bourbon in place of vodka. With just four simple ingredients, it’s the perfect cocktail to whip up in minutes!
If you’re looking for more Moscow Mule recipes try my apple cider Moscow Mule, Blueberry Moscow Mule and Cranberry Mule!
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Pin ItI’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!
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.
It’s great to serve year-round, especially if you’re hosting the Kentucky Derby! Also check out all of my favorite Moscow Mule recipes for more ideas!
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.
How to Make
Fill a copper mug with ice
Use cubed or crushed ice to chill the drink and keep it refreshing.
Add the bourbon, lime juice, and simple syrup
Pour everything directly over the ice to start blending the flavors.
Stir to combine
Give it a quick stir to mix the ingredients together before topping.
Top with ginger beer
Pour the ginger beer over the top for a fizzy, spicy finish.
Garnish and serve
Add a lime wheel and a fresh mint sprig for a classic, aromatic touch. Serve immediately!
Recipe Tips
- 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.
Kentucky Mule Flavor 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!
Lemon Mule: This lemon version is refreshing and easy to make! It’s made with fresh lemon juice and ginger syrup!
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!
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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 mug with ice: Use cubed or crushed ice to chill the drink and keep it refreshing.
- Add the bourbon, lime juice, and simple syrup: Pour everything directly over the ice to start blending the flavors.
- Stir to combine: Give it a quick stir to mix the ingredients together before topping.
- Top with ginger beer: Pour the ginger beer over the top for a fizzy, spicy finish.
Notes
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.Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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.
Personally, I think a copper mug really adds to the presentation—and even enhances the flavor by keeping it super cold. You don’t have to use one, but it definitely makes the experience feel a little more special!
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!
Whiskey Lemonade: If you haven’t tried whiskey and lemonade, this is a must. It’s so easy to make and really refreshing!
Whiskey Sour: This is another one of my favorite whiskey cocktails and I’ve mastered the ratio!
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This Moscow mule looks so tasty! I saved it for Derby Day cocktails coming up! Thanks xoxo
I tried this recipe and it’s really good. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to try the recipe.