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Kentucky Mule Recipe

Kentucky Mule Recipe

Master this easy homemade Kentucky Mule recipe - the best bourbon twist on the classic Moscow Mule. The perfect balance of spicy ginger beer, smooth Kentucky bourbon, and bright lime creates a refreshing craft cocktail that's simple to make but impressive to serve. Ideal for bourbon lovers seeking a refreshing upgrade!
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
3 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
A frosty copper mug captures the Kentucky Mule in all its glory, condensation beading on its metallic surface. Golden-amber bourbon glistens beneath a layer of effervescent ginger beer, with crushed ice peeking through the clear liquid. A wedge of lime is perched on the rim, while additional lime wheels and fresh mint sprigs create a pop of vibrant green against the copper backdrop. Warm bar lighting accentuates the metallic sheen of the mug and highlights the dancing bubbles rising through the cocktail. A small wooden board with bourbon and fresh ginger roots sits alongside, suggesting the authentic ingredients that create this refreshing yet warming classic.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml bourbon whiskey</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml fresh lime juice</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml ginger beer (not ginger ale)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 lime wedge for garnish</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh mint sprig for garnish (optional)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Crushed ice</li> </ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:
🔥 Calories:
🥑 Fat:
🧈 Saturated Fat:
🍞 Carbohydrates:
🍭 Sugar:
🍗 Protein:
🫀 Cholesterol:
🧂 Sodium:

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Copper mug (traditional, but any highball glass works)</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger for measuring</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Bar spoon</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Citrus juicer</li> </ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Fill your copper mug (or highball glass) about three-quarters full with crushed ice. The copper mug isn't just traditional—it conducts temperature efficiently, keeping your drink colder longer and enhancing the ginger beer's spicy bite. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Pour 60ml of bourbon over the ice. Choose a quality bourbon with caramel and vanilla notes that will complement the spicy ginger beer. The warmth of the bourbon creates a delightful contrast to the refreshing nature of the cocktail. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Add 15ml of freshly squeezed lime juice. Always use fresh lime juice rather than bottled for a brighter, more vibrant flavor that cuts through the sweetness and adds complexity. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Gently pour 120ml of chilled ginger beer over the mixture. Pour slowly along the inside of the mug to preserve as much carbonation as possible. The ginger beer should be spicy rather than sweet for the most authentic flavor profile. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Stir gently with a bar spoon just 2-3 times to combine the ingredients without losing carbonation. Over-stirring will flatten your cocktail and reduce the refreshing quality that makes a Kentucky Mule so appealing. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Garnish with a lime wedge pressed slightly to release some oils, then drop it into the drink. If using mint, gently slap the sprig between your palms to release aromatic oils before placing it as a garnish. The aromatic qualities enhance the overall experience with each sip. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Serve immediately while the ginger beer is still effervescent and the drink is properly chilled. The ideal Kentucky Mule should be refreshingly cold with a perfect balance of bourbon warmth, ginger spice, and citrus brightness. </li> </ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Kentucky Mule Recipe?

A Kentucky Mule requires bourbon whiskey (60ml), fresh lime juice (15ml), ginger beer (120ml), crushed ice, and garnishes of lime wedge and optional mint sprig. The quality of bourbon and spiciness of the ginger beer significantly impact the final flavour.

How to make Kentucky Mule Recipe at home?

Learn how to make Kentucky Mule Recipe by filling a copper mug with crushed ice, adding bourbon and fresh lime juice, topping with spicy ginger beer, and gently stirring to combine. Garnish with a lime wedge and optional mint sprig for an aromatic finish. The copper mug helps maintain temperature and enhances the drink's spicy characteristics.

Why is a copper mug traditionally used for mule cocktails?

Copper mugs conduct temperature efficiently, keeping the cocktail colder longer without dilution. They also enhance the flavour profile by intensifying the ginger beer's spiciness and carbonation while adding a slight metallic tang that complements the bourbon's warmth and creates a more complete sensory experience.

What's the best bourbon to use in a Kentucky-style mule?

Choose a medium-proof bourbon with caramel and vanilla notes that balances the ginger beer's spiciness without overpowering it. Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, or Maker's Mark work brilliantly, offering enough character to stand up to the ginger while maintaining a smooth, approachable flavour profile.

How does this bourbon-based mule differ from the traditional Moscow version?

The bourbon base creates a warmer, slightly sweeter profile with vanilla, caramel and oak notes compared to vodka's neutrality in a Moscow Mule. This Kentucky variation offers more complexity and depth, with the whiskey's character harmonising beautifully with the spicy ginger beer for a more sophisticated flavour profile.

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The copper mug isn't just traditional—it conducts temperature efficiently, keeping your drink colder longer and enhancing the ginger beer's spicy bite." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Add bourbon", "text": "Pour 60ml of bourbon over the ice. Choose a quality bourbon with caramel and vanilla notes that will complement the spicy ginger beer. The warmth of the bourbon creates a delightful contrast to the refreshing nature of the cocktail." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Add lime juice", "text": "Add 15ml of freshly squeezed lime juice. Always use fresh lime juice rather than bottled for a brighter, more vibrant flavor that cuts through the sweetness and adds complexity." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Add ginger beer", "text": "Gently pour 120ml of chilled ginger beer over the mixture. Pour slowly along the inside of the mug to preserve as much carbonation as possible. The ginger beer should be spicy rather than sweet for the most authentic flavor profile." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Stir gently", "text": "Stir gently with a bar spoon just 2-3 times to combine the ingredients without losing carbonation. Over-stirring will flatten your cocktail and reduce the refreshing quality that makes a Kentucky Mule so appealing." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Garnish", "text": "Garnish with a lime wedge pressed slightly to release some oils, then drop it into the drink. If using mint, gently slap the sprig between your palms to release aromatic oils before placing it as a garnish. The aromatic qualities enhance the overall experience with each sip." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Serve", "text": "Serve immediately while the ginger beer is still effervescent and the drink is properly chilled. 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Definitely serving these at my next BBQ!", "name": "Better Than Moscow", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Liam O'Connor", "datePublished": "2024-05-20", "reviewBody": "Using a copper mug really does make all the difference with this cocktail! The temperature stays perfect, and the ginger beer maintains its effervescence longer. The simple preparation belies how sophisticated and refreshing this drink really is.", "name": "Copper Mug Essential", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Astrid Johansson", "datePublished": "2024-05-22", "reviewBody": "This Kentucky Mule recipe has the perfect ratio of ingredients. The bourbon flavor comes through without overwhelming, and the fresh lime juice is absolutely essential. I've tried making it with bottled juice before and it just doesn't compare!", "name": "Perfect Ratio", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Ravi Patel", "datePublished": "2024-05-25", "reviewBody": "Such an easy cocktail to make but it tastes like something from a craft cocktail bar! I added the optional mint garnish and it really elevates the drink with its aromatic qualities. This has become my go-to when friends come over.", "name": "Simple Yet Sophisticated", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
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