Imagine kicking back on a warm evening, looking for something a little more interesting than the usual drink in your glass. That was me a few summers ago at a friend’s backyard barbecue – when I first tried a Kentucky Mule. Instantly hooked. Since then, it’s become my go-to cocktail any time I want that perfect mix of refreshing and bold, with a little Southern twist.
You might know the Moscow Mule – the classic in a copper mug. Well, the Kentucky Mule is its Southern cousin: swap the vodka for bourbon, and suddenly you’ve got all this warmth and oakiness mingling with the sharp, spicy ginger beer. The “Mule” part, by the way, is all about the ginger beer’s kick. Trust me, it’s a kick you want!
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What keeps me making these over and over is how all the flavors play together. The bourbon gives this rich roundness, the ginger beer is fiery and fizzy, and a squeeze of lime cuts through to tie it all together. Seriously, I’ve made these at countless summer hangouts and there’s never any left in the pitcher.
Let’s talk mugs: sure, copper is traditional, and it really does keep your drink extra cold. But let’s be honest, when the copper mugs are all in the sink, a tall glass works in a pinch – and nobody turns one down.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon (about 60 ml) – something good, but keep your fancy bottles for sipping neat
- 4 ounces ginger beer (about 120 ml) – avoid ginger ale, you really want that spicy punch
- 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice (15 ml) – I can’t recommend fresh enough; it’s worth the squeeze
- Mint sprigs – for garnish, and for that summery scent
- Plenty of ice
How to Make It
- Start with a mug or tall glass packed full of ice. If I remember, I throw the copper mug in the freezer for a few minutes first.
- Pour in your bourbon. I’m usually a Maker’s Mark fan, but Buffalo Trace or Bulleit are great too.
- Squeeze the lime and toss it in. In a pinch, bottled lime juice will do, but it’ll never taste quite as bright.
- Top up with ginger beer. Give it a gentle stir – just a couple turns, so the fizz doesn’t flee.
- Smack a mint sprig between your palms (releases those oils, a little trick I learned) and pop it in with a wedge of lime.
That’s it – you’ve got yourself a Kentucky Mule. I love sipping these out on my porch, especially after a long week. The combo of cool mint and zesty lime next to bourbon’s rich heat is just unbeatable for unwinding.
If you’re entertaining, or just in the mood to switch it up, there are endless ways to tinker with the recipe. A few of my favorite variations:
Apple Kentucky Mule
Pour in an ounce of apple cider (especially nice in the fall), and garnish with a cinnamon stick. Instantly gets that cozy, spiced vibe.
Berry Kentucky Mule
Drop a few raspberries or blackberries in the mug and gently muddle before you build the drink. It’s a splash of summer with every sip.
Spicy Kentucky Mule
Craving heat? Add a slice of jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce. It’ll turn up the heat and give you a whole different kind of kick.
If you’re thinking about snacks, here are some pairings I swear by:
- Grilled chicken or pork – the smoke and sweetness are made for this drink
- Spicy tacos – cool mule meets fiery filling
- A cheese board with sharp cheddar or smoked gouda – trust me, bourbon + good cheese is always a win
Oh, and this is a pro tip from a bartender friend: If your ginger beer’s a bit tame, toss in a thin slice of fresh ginger before you stir – you’ll get that zippy punch that makes a mule shine.
Sometimes, I have friends over who aren’t drinking or just want something lighter, and I’ll make them a “mocktail” version: just ginger beer, a splash of ginger ale, lime, and lots of ice. Still super refreshing!
Bottom line, the Kentucky Mule is simple enough to whip up on a whim, but always feels special. Next time you’ve got some bourbon on hand, give it a try – if you’re anything like me, it might just become your new favorite, too.
