Tap here to get 5 Secrets to Stress Free Dinners

Kentucky Mule

5 from 2 votes
|

posted: 04/28/23

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy
|
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

A Kentucky Mule is a Moscow Mule made with whiskey instead of vodka. Only three ingredients and so delicious!

Photo of Kentucky Mules served in copper mugs and garnished with lime slices and mint leaves.

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.

Best Moscow Mule Recipe

This is the best Moscow Mule Recipe! Moscow Mules are such a popular cocktail because Moscow Mule ingredients are so easy to come by and mix together to make the perfect flavor combination.
moscow mule in sweaty copper mug garnished with mint and lime

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.

Overhead photo of Kentucky Mules served in copper mugs garnished with lime slices and mint leaves, sitting on counter next to charcuterie board.

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.

  1. Add ice to a copper mug. Read below on the tradition of copper mugs for Moscow Mules.
  2. Add the ingredients. Add in the bourbon, ginger beer, and lime juice. Then stir to combine.
  3. Pour into a copper mug. Pour into an ice-filled copper mug and garnish with fresh mint and a lime wedge.
Overhead photo of Kentucky Mules served in copper mugs and garnished with mint leaves and slices of lime.

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.

TOP PICK

Copper Mugs

While the mugs you see here are from World Market, we love these as well. They are 100% copper and perfect for a Moscow Mule.
Product Image
Photo of Kentucky Mules served in copy mugs and garnished with lime slices and mint leaves. Bottle of whiskey and a charcuterie board in the background.

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.

If you make this cocktail and love it, leave me a comment and let me know!

Photo of Kentucky Mules served in copper mugs and garnished with lime slices and mint leaves.
5 from 2 votes

Kentucky Mule

Serves: 1 cocktail
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
A Kentucky Mule is a Moscow Mule made with whiskey instead of vodka. Only three ingredients and so delicious!

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces Kentucky Bourbon
  • 4 ounces ginger beer
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • fresh mint for garnish (optional)
  • lime wedge for ganrish (optional)

Instructions

  • Fill a copper mug with ice. 
  • Add the Kentucky Whiskey, ginger beer, and lime juice.
  • Stir to combine. Garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig.
Author: Lisa Longley
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Photo of Kentucky Mules served in copper mugs and garnished with lime slices and mint leaves.

did you make this

Kentucky Mule

I’d love to see what you made! Tag me @lisasimplejoy and hashtag it #simplejoyrecipes!

Hi! I'm Lisa Longley, and I am committed to giving you simple dinner ideas and recipes that are easy to make; recipes that will fill your home with joy. I am the owner and author of SimpleJoy.com and I'm so glad that you are here.

Reader Interactions

    LEAVE A COMMENT

    Have a question? Use the form below to submit your question or comment. I love hearing from you & seeing what you made!

    Rate This Recipe:




  1. Wanda D. says

    5 stars
    This looks really good. I like trying new drinks. Thanks for sharing thing. I will try it.

    • Lisa Longley says

      I hope you love it Wanda!

SUPER-SIMPLEFAMILY FAVORITES
Broccoli Pasta"Omg! I didn’t think anything so simple could be so good!"
overhead of skillet of Cajun Shrimp Pasta ingredients on a cooling rack with toasted bread sitting beside
Cajun Shrimp Pasta"My family absolutely loved this recipe. Even my finicky eaters."
overhead photo of a gray skillet filled with beef and broccoli recipe, garnished with sliced green onions
Beef and Broccoli Recipe"I have made this a couple or more times. It’s easy & quick to prepare. I like this for a quick meal. It will be my go to recipe."

5 Secrets to Stress Free Dinners

SUBSCRIBE & RECEIVE

MY TOP 10 EASY DINNER EBOOK!