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A southern twist on the classic Moscow Mule recipe, a Kentucky Mule swaps out vodka for bourbon to give the drink a warm, earthy feel. It’s made in minutes with just three ingredients and served over lots of ice in a copper mule mug.
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The result is a bold yet refreshing bourbon mule that balances the rich, caramel notes of bourbon with the bright citrus and the fizzy spice of ginger beer. It’s a simple drink with a big personality - perfect for both bourbon lovers and those new to whiskey-based cocktails.
One of the easiest cocktails to make, people love the Kentucky Mule for its versatility and flavor. The spicy ginger beer adds a crisp edge that makes it incredibly easy to drink, while the bourbon brings depth and warmth. It’s a great choice for a bourbon lover who wants something a little more exciting than your average whiskey soda but not as heavy as a classic Old Fashioned.
Plus, it’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients easily found in your grocery store, and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. Not even a cocktail shaker! Which makes it ideal for impromptu happy hours or low-key entertaining.
This Kentucky Mule recipe is perfect for sipping on the patio during summer, enjoying it by the fire in cooler months, or serving it at a casual gathering with friends. It's also a great alternative to a mint julep at a Kentucky Derby Party. No matter the occasion, the Kentucky Mule is an easygoing, crowd-pleasing cocktail that brings a little Southern charm to your glass.
Happy Hour Snack Pairings
I love to serve light and easy bar snacks with this mule cocktail. Try my savory, slow cooker spiced nuts or barbecue seasoned oyster crackers.
What’s in a Kentucky Mule
- Bourbon - Choose your favorite bourbon for this cocktail. (I highly recommend trying it with peach bourbon.)
- Lime - Fresh limes are essential here, so don’t skip them for bottled lime juice. You’ll need about half a lime per cocktail.
- Ginger Beer - Use your favorite ginger beer for this mule. I love the strong flavor of Goslings brand. You can swap this out for ginger ale if you prefer a lighter ginger taste.
- Fresh Mint - Used for garnish in this cocktail, mint and bourbon are a delicious pairing (hello, mint juleps!) so I love including fresh mint leaves in this drink. A large sprig of mint garnishing this cocktail adds so much to your overall cocktail experience.
How to Make a Bourbon Mule (Step by Step)
Fill a copper mug or rocks glass with ice cubes.
Add bourbon and lime juice.
Top with ginger beer. Stir gently.
Garnish with a lime wedge or lime wheel, and a large sprig of fresh mint. Sip and enjoy!
Don’t Miss These Moscow Mule Variations
A classic Moscow mule cocktail is made with vodka and is endlessly customizable. I love a good riff on a classic cocktail, so I have recipes for a Peach Moscow mule, Strawberry Moscow Mule, and Apple Moscow Mule. Or mix up a Non-Alcoholic Moscow Mule for those who aren’t having liquor.
What Kind of Bourbon Should I Use?
When you’re trying a new recipe, I always recommend starting with your favorite brand of spirit (in this case bourbon) before spending money on something new. You are diluting the bourbon with a lot of ginger beer in this recipe, so it’s perfectly ok to not go with something more expensive, like Woodford Reserve. If you’re new to bourbon, choose a mid-priced Kentucky bourbon like Maker's Mark, Buffalo Trace, or Four Roses.
Looking for More Bourbon Cocktail Recipes?
Bourbon is a delicious spirit that’s for more than just Old Fashioned cocktails. Shake up a Ginger Bourbon Sour egg white cocktail, make a fizzy Ginger Bourbon cocktail, try a Blackberry Mint Julep or a Brown Derby cocktail with fresh grapefruit juice.
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Kentucky Mule Cocktail Recipe (Bourbon Moscow Mule)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 0.5 ounce lime juice freshly squeezed
- 4 ounces ginger beer
- Fresh mint garnish
- Lime wedges garnish
Instructions
- Fill a copper mug or rocks glass with ice cubes.
- Add bourbon and lime juice.2 ounces bourbon, 0.5 ounce lime juice
- Top with ginger beer.4 ounces ginger beer
- Stir gently.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and a large mint sprig.Fresh mint, Lime wedges
- Sip and enjoy!
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