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The Kentucky Mule is our new favorite mule which should be no surprise since we adore bourbon. Who knows? Maybe it will be your new favorite mule too.
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Everybody knows about the Moscow Mule. It’s been a fixture in American bars since it was first crafted in Los Angeles back in 1939. Not only does it have a distinctive taste, but its copper dimpled mug is a cultural icon.
But what if we told you that there’s a better mule co*cktail – one you can craft in less than five minutes at home?
After crafting and drinking a Kentucky Mule, you won’t just believe us. You’ll become a Kentucky Mule fan too.
What Is a Kentucky Mule?
In simple terms, a Kentucky Mule is a Moscow Mule crafted with bourbon instead of vodka.
There’s no debate that the two drinks are similar. However, in our opinion, the Kentucky Mule is the superior co*cktail.
We don’t know why bourbon combines splendidly with ginger beer. Then again, bourbon pairs well with most mixers. Ginger beer is no exception to this rule.
Fun Fact
Bourbon can be produced anywhere but it isn’t officially bourbon unless it’s produced in Kentucky.
Ingredients
You don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients to craft a Kentucky Mule. You probably have the following ingredients in your pantry and/or bar:
- Bourbon
- Ginger Beer
- Lime Juice
- Lime Wheel
- Mint Sprigs
- Ice Cubes
Essentially, you just need bourbon, ginger beer, lime and ice to craft a Kentucky Mule at home. However, you’ll also want some fresh mint for garnish. That being said. your Kentucky Mule will taste great with or without mint.
Don’t feel compelled to run to the liquor store to buy a special bottle of bourbon for this co*cktail. Instead, you can and should use your favorite bourbon. There are no bad bourbon choices here!
We use Bulleit Bourbon due to its warm, rich flavors. This bourbon has a 45% ABV and a generous amount of rye in its mix.
Discover our favorite bourbon co*cktails.
Fever-Tree is our typical choice when it comes to ginger beer. This ginger beer blends fermented ginger root from Cochin, Nigeria and the Ivory Coast to create a spicy yet balanced mixer. It works well in our Kentucky Mule recipe.
How to Craft a Kentucky Mule co*cktail
The first step in this recipe is to pour freshly squeezed lime juice into a Moscow Mule mug.
We use a miniature angled measuring cup for this step but you can use a jigger instead.
The second step is to measure the bourbon and ginger beer. We use a Japanese Jigger for this step to ensure accurate measurements and clean pours.
Buy a Japanese jigger from Amazon if you need a jigger or want an inexpensive upgrade.
The third step is to pour the bourbon and ginger beer into the Moscow Mule mug.
Pour these ingredients immediately upon measuring each.
The fourth step is to fill the copper mule mug with ice cubes and gently stir.
We use a metal straw to stir the co*cktail but you can use a bar spoon instead.
The final step is to garnish the Kentucky Mule co*cktail with a lime wheel and fresh mint sprigs.
Variations
Unless you’re as stubborn as a mule, consider experimenting with the following mule recipes to discover your favorite:
- Replace the bourbon with rum to craft a .
- Replace the bourbon with gin to craft a Gin-Gin Mule.
- Replace the bourbon with whiskey to craft an Irish Mule.
- Replace the vodka with tequila to craft a Mexican Mule.
- Replace the bourbon with gin to craft a Moscow Mule.
Discover 10 essential bar tools for the home mixologist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Kentucky Mule co*cktail?
A Kentucky Mule is a Moscow Mule crafted with bourbon instead of vodka.
Why is it called a Kentucky Mule?
Similar to how the Moscow Mule is named after vodka’s homeland, the Kentucky Mule is named after bourbon’s homeland.
What are the ingredients in a Kentucky Mule?
Bourbon, Ginger Beer, Lime and Crushed Ice
What’s the best bourbon for a Kentucky Mule?
Your favorite Kentucky bourbon will work great in this co*cktail.
Is the Kentucky Mule shaken or stirred?
The Kentucky Mule is stirred, not shaken.
Are Moscow Mule mugs necessary?
Yes. The Moscow Mule mug completes the Kentucky Mule co*cktail.
Did you craft this co*cktail? If so, please rate the recipe below.
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5 from 3 votes
Kentucky Mule Recipe
A Kentucky Mule is similar to a Moscow Mule but better. Learn how to craft one at home in just three minutes.
Prep Time3 minutes mins
Total Time3 minutes mins
Course: Drink
Cuisine: co*cktail
Servings: 1
Calories: 173kcal
Author: Daryl and Mindi Hirsch
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 4 ounces ginger beer
- ½ ounce lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- ice cubes
- lime wheel (garnish)
- springs fresh mint (garnish)
Suggested Equipment
Step-by-Step Instructions
Pour bourbon, ginger beer and lime juice into a copper mug.
Fill mug with ice cubes.
Stir with a co*cktail spoon or metal straw.
Garnish with a lime wheel and fresh mint sprigs.
Pro Tips
- You can use a highball glass if you don't have a copper mug.
- Adjust the bourbon/ginger beer ratio if you want a boozier co*cktail or the opposite.
Estimated Nutrition
Calories: 173kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 19mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 7IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.2mg
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Disclosures
Article Updates
We update our articles regularly. Some updates are major while others are minor link changes and spelling corrections. Let us know if you see anything that needs to be updated in this article.
Funding
We purchased the ingredients and tools used to craft this co*cktail.
