Kentucky Mule recipe
The Kentucky Mule is exactly what you think it is: an adaptation of the classic Vodka cocktail, the Moscow Mule.
By Kris Barton · Updated - 2 mins total
- 4 ingredients
- Copper mug
You just swap out the Vodka for Bourbon and voila, you have your Kentucky Mule.
I’m a massive fan of Bourbon and a massive fan of the Moscow Mule – I didn’t think those two worlds should ever mix. But I tried it anyway and I don’t think I’ll go back. You won’t either.
What Ingredients do you need to make a Kentucky Mule?
Bourbon
Bourbon is a type of Whiskey. It was created in America and is a barrel-aged distilled liquor that’s made primarily from corn.
The name Bourbon originates from the French Bourbon Dynasty, but how this type of American whiskey got that name is up for debate.
Major contenders include:
- Bourbon Street in New Orleans
- Bourbon County in Kentucky
…with the latter the reason why Bourbon is so closely connected to Kentucky.
Interestingly, by law, Bourbon sold in the US must be produced in the US, be made from at least 51% corn, and stored in a container of charred oak.
For Bourbon, we recommend:
Ginger Ale vs Ginger Beer
Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale are two very different beverages.
Well, they both have Ginger flavouring, but they each have a completely different taste.
The difference between them is that Ginger Beer is brewed and fermented, whilst Ginger Ale is actually flavoured carbonated water.
This makes Ginger Beer stronger and contains a slightly spicy finish and after taste.
For Ginger Beer, we recommend:
For Ginger Ale, we recommend:
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Recipe card
Kentucky Mule
- Prep
- 1 min
- Making
- 1 min
- Total
- 2 mins
- Serves
- 1
- Glass
- Copper mug
Ingredients
Makes 1 drink.
Method
- Fill a copper mug a quarter full with ice (crushed is traditional if you’ve got it).
- Pour in your bourbon.
- Add your lime juice.
- Pour in your ginger beer.
- Add a slice of lime for garnish.
Want more like this? Browse our full collection of mules.
Kentucky Mule FAQs
What’s the difference between a Kentucky Mule and a Moscow Mule?
Just the spirit: a Kentucky Mule swaps the vodka in a Moscow Mule for bourbon. Everything else, from the ginger beer to the copper mug, stays the same.
What Ingredients do you need to make a Kentucky Mule?
To make a Kentucky Mule, you need 50ml / 1.75oz bourbon, 10ml / 0.3oz lime juice and 120ml / 4.5oz ginger beer, plus 1 slice of lime to garnish. There’s more about bourbon and ginger ale and ginger beer above.
What alcohol is in a Kentucky Mule?
The only alcohol in a Kentucky Mule is bourbon: 50ml / 1.75oz.
Is a Kentucky Mule shaken or stirred?
Neither. A Kentucky Mule is built straight in a copper mug: pour the ingredients over ice and serve. No shaker needed.
What glass is a Kentucky Mule served in?
Serve a Kentucky Mule in a copper mug.
How do you garnish a Kentucky Mule?
Garnish a Kentucky Mule with 1 slice of lime.
How do I make a Kentucky Mule for a group?
The recipe makes one drink. Multiply every measure by the number of drinks you want: for 4, you’d need 200ml bourbon, 40ml lime juice and 480ml ginger beer. Build each drink in its own glass.
