Kentucky Mule: The Unofficial Cocktail of for Derby Day

Bourbon lovers, meet your new obsession. The Kentucky Mule delivers that perfect hit of smoky whiskey warmth cut with spicy ginger beer and bright lime that’ll make you wonder why you ever bothered with vodka in the first place. It strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated and refreshing—bringing out the caramel and vanilla notes of quality bourbon while the ginger provides just enough kick to keep things interesting. It’s exactly what you need in your cocktail repertoire when you want something impressive yet straightforward to craft.

A Kentucky Mule cocktail with lime and mint garnish is surrounded by ice, lime halves, and bar tools on a white surface.

Watch How to Make This Southern Kentucky Mule

What Is a Kentucky Mule Cocktail?

The Kentucky Mule is a bourbon-based variation of the Moscow Mule, swapping vodka for rich Kentucky bourbon while maintaining the signature ginger beer and lime components. This American twist emerged in the 2010s as bourbon surged in popularity, though it draws on the legacy of the original Moscow Mule created in 1941 at the Cock ‘n’ Bull in Hollywood – a drink initially conceived to move slow-selling vodka and house-made ginger beer.

A golden cup filled with a Kentucky Mule garnished with lime and mint sits on a bar counter, surrounded by ice, lime wedges, and a glass decanter.

What you’ll love about this recipe:

SMOOTH – The complex caramel and vanilla notes from quality bourbon create a depth of flavor that vodka-based mules simply can’t match.
TIMELESS – It’s remarkably refreshing yet substantial – perfect for year-round enjoyment whether you’re hosting summer gatherings or seeking warmth on cool evenings.

What You Need to Make a Kentucky Mule Cocktail

Bourbon: The foundation of this cocktail – opt for a quality bourbon with caramel and vanilla notes. We recommend something in the 90-100 proof range for optimal flavor.
Fresh Lime Juice: Always use freshly squeezed juice – the bottled stuff simply won’t deliver the bright acidity this cocktail demands.
Ginger Beer: Not to be confused with ginger ale; proper ginger beer provides essential spice and effervescence. Fever-Tree and Cock ‘n Bull make excellent versions with genuine bite.
Lime Wedge & Mint Sprig: For garnish, these add aromatic complexity and visual appeal.
Ice: Preferably larger cubes that dilute more slowly, maintaining the drink’s integrity.
Copper Mug: Traditional and functional – copper instantly chills and maintains temperature while amplifying the ginger beer’s effervescence.

How to Make This Kentucky Mule Recipe

Fill your copper mug or alternative glass completely with ice – proper chilling is essential.
Add bourbon and freshly squeezed lime juice directly to the ice.
Top with ginger beer, pouring it slowly down the side of the mug to preserve carbonation.
Gently stir from the bottom up just 2-3 times to integrate the ingredients without flattening the ginger beer.
Garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig, giving the mint a gentle slap before placing to release its aromatic oils.

A hand pours bourbon from a brown cup into a brass mug on a table with ice, lime, plants, and a decanter in the background.

Hands use a citrus squeezer to juice a lime into a metal cup, surrounded by ice, greenery, and a halved lime on the table with a decanter and more greenery in the background.

A Kentucky Mule is stirred with a spoon in a bronze mug surrounded by ice cubes, lime wedges, and decor.

Ginger beer is poured from a glass bottle into a copper mug surrounded by ice cubes, lime halves, and foliage with a decanter and plant in the background.

Expert Recipe Tips

Tip 1: Allow the mint to rest on the rim rather than fully submerging it – this way, you’ll enjoy the aromatics with each sip without overwhelming the drink.
Tip 2: For an elevated experience, try using a spiced bourbon or one finished in sherry casks to introduce additional complexity.
Tip 3: The bourbon-to-ginger beer ratio is crucial – start with less ginger beer (around 4 oz) and adjust to your preference, especially if using a higher-proof bourbon.
Tip 4: No copper mug? A collins glass works beautifully – just ensure it’s thoroughly chilled before building your drink.

A Kentucky Mule garnished with lime and mint is accompanied by lime slices, ice cubes, and a glass decanter in the background.

How to Serve This Kentucky Mule Cocktail

Serve in a copper mug for optimal chilling and temperature maintenance, with a short straw to enjoy both drink and aromatics. Perfect alongside smoked meats and sharp cheeses, or as a sophisticated reward after a long day.

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Prep Time:5

Total Time:5

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon
½ oz fresh lime juice
4-6 oz ginger beer to top
Lime wedge + mint sprig for garnish
Ice

Instructions

Fill a copper mug or glass with ice.
Add bourbon and lime juice.
Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
Garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig.

Video

Servings: 1 cocktail

Author: Kita

Recipe FAQs

Can I use ginger ale instead of ginger beer in a Kentucky Mule?

While technically possible, we strongly advise against it. Ginger ale lacks the essential spicy bite that defines a proper mule, resulting in an overly sweet, one-dimensional cocktail. Invest in quality ginger beer – your palate will thank you.

What’s the best bourbon to use in a Kentucky Mule?

Mid-shelf bourbons with pronounced vanilla and caramel notes work beautifully – think Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, or Four Roses Small Batch. Save your premium sipping bourbons for neat pours where their subtleties won’t compete with ginger beer.

Why is my Kentucky Mule too sweet?

The culprit is likely your ginger beer. Many commercial versions contain excessive sugar. Look for brands marketing themselves as “not too sweet” or “extra spicy” for a more balanced cocktail.

Can I batch Kentucky Mules for a party?

You can pre-mix the bourbon and lime juice, but always add ginger beer just before serving to maintain carbonation. For large gatherings, consider a DIY mule station with pre-measured bourbon-lime mixture and chilled ginger beer for guests to combine.

What’s the difference between a Moscow Mule and a Kentucky Mule?

The primary difference is the base spirit – Moscow Mules use vodka, while Kentucky Mules showcase bourbon. This substitution transforms the cocktail from a neutral, ginger-forward experience to a complex interplay of caramel, vanilla, spice, and citrus.

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