A Kentucky Mule is a Moscow Mule made with whiskey instead of vodka. Only three ingredients and so delicious!
This amazing Kentucky Mule is perfect for celebrating the Kentucky Derby or making it to Friday. This simple spin on the original Moscow Mule is made with bourbon instead of vodka. And if you switch the bourbon to whiskey, it becomes an Irish Mule. You are going to love this simple spin on a classic cocktail.
Original Moscow Mule Recipe
What is a Kentucky Mule
As mentioned above Kentucky Mule, sometimes known as an Irish Mule, is basically just a Moscow Mule in which you switch out the vodka for bourbon.
If you are a purist, you will want to make this cocktail with some Kentucky Bourbon. But of course, any whiskey that you pick up will be delicious in this recipe.
Kentucky Mule Ingredients
This great cocktail comes together with just three simple ingredients. For the measurements, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Kentucky Bourbon: While all bourbon is whiskey, not all whiskey is bourbon. For more on this great spirit, read below.
- Ginger Beer: Most ginger beer is non-alcoholic, though there are some alcoholic brands (like Crabbies – my favorite). Obviously, making it with alcoholic beer will make the drink stronger, it’s just a matter of personal preference.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is always my preference when it comes to making cocktails, but of course, if you only have bottled on hand, that’s better than no Kentucky Mule at all.
How to Make a Kentucky Mule
This is a brief overview of how to make this delicious recipe. For the full recipe with all of the ingredients, see the recipe card in the bottom of the post.
- Add ice to a copper mug. Read below on the tradition of copper mugs for Moscow Mules.
- Add the ingredients. Add in the bourbon, ginger beer, and lime juice. Then stir to combine.
- Pour into a copper mug. Pour into an ice-filled copper mug and garnish with fresh mint and a lime wedge.
Bourbon for Kentucky Mules
Typically this delicious cocktail is made with Bourbon. The primary difference between rye and bourbon whiskey is that bourbon has to be distilled from at least 51% corn, whereas rye needs to be 51% rye. If you only have rye on hand, I encourage you to still make this. You will find it just as amazing as the original.
Copper Mugs
Traditionally, Moscow Mules are served in copper mugs. I will add that they are extremely fun to drink out of and keep your drink very cold.
That being said, a small tumbler works just fine. As you can tell, I’m not a stickler for the rules when it comes to enjoying delicious cocktails.
Copper Mugs
Other Great Moscow Mule Variations
If you can’t get enough of Moscow Mules, you’ve met the right girl. I love a good twist on a classic cocktail, and I’ve done my fair share of twisting here.
- Original Moscow Mule – Truly one of my favorite cocktails; once you have the original down, you can do lots of fun twists.
- Margarita Moscow Mules – If you love tequila and love mules, you’ll love this.
- Frozen Moscow Mules – These are only 3 ingredients and are SO popular!
- Cherry Moscow Mules – A really simple twist, but so delicious.
- Tropical Moscow Mules – Like a Pina Colada and a Moscow Mule had a delicious baby.
- Champagne Moscow Mules – If you love bubbly, you will love this.
- Gin Moscow Mule– Probably my favorite of all the variations, because I’m a gin lover.
If you make this cocktail and love it, leave me a comment and let me know!
Kentucky Mule
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Kentucky Bourbon
- 4 ounces ginger beer
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- fresh mint for garnish (optional)
- lime wedge for ganrish (optional)
Instructions
Wanda D. says
This looks really good. I like trying new drinks. Thanks for sharing thing. I will try it.
I hope you love it Wanda!