Gettysburg Mule

The Gettysburg Mule is a modern cocktail that substitutes the traditional vodka of a Moscow Mule with robust Pennsylvania rye whiskey. The spicy notes of the rye are complemented by sharp lime juice and fiery ginger beer, with a dash of aromatic bitters adding depth. It's a simple yet flavorful highball, perfect for those who enjoy whiskey and refreshing, long drinks served over plenty of ice.
Gettysburg Mule

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Gettysburg Mule is classified as a cocktail, specifically a 'Buck' or 'Mule', which is a family of highballs made with a spirit, citrus, and ginger beer or ginger ale. It's considered a modern classic, as it's a contemporary variation on the mid-20th century Moscow Mule.

Serving

This drink is served cold over ice in a traditional copper mug or a highball glass. It's a moderately strong cocktail with a noticeable but not overpowering alcohol presence.
Serving size
Approximately 240-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 13-16% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Copper Mug
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

While not a historic cocktail, the Gettysburg Mule is a contemporary creation celebrating the resurgence of American rye whiskey, particularly from Pennsylvania, its historical heartland. The name pays homage to the famous Civil War battle, rooting this version of the popular 'Mule' cocktail firmly in Pennsylvanian identity. It is a tribute to both local history and local distilling traditions.
Origin
United States, 21st Century. A modern regional variation of the Moscow Mule, with strong ties to Pennsylvania.

Gettysburg Mule

The drink is commonly known as the Gettysburg Mule. Alternative names like Pennsylvania Mule or Rye Mule are descriptive, highlighting its regional rye whiskey base as a distinction from the standard vodka-based Moscow Mule.
Original name
Gettysburg Mule
Alternative names
  • Pennsylvania Mule
  • Rye Mule

Characteristics overview

The Gettysburg Mule offers a vibrant sensory experience, with a spicy ginger and rye aroma, a taste that balances sour lime with sweetness, and a crisp, bubbly texture. Its hazy golden appearance and refreshing character make it an appealing drink for any season.
Flavor
spicy rye, zesty lime, sharp ginger, aromatic, slightly sweet
Aroma
ginger, lime, rye grain, mint
Taste balance
sour, spicy, sweet
Aftertaste
warming, clean, spicy
Fizziness
bubbly, effervescent
Color appearance
hazy, pale gold, amber
Texture
crisp, light, bubbly
Seasonality
refreshing, summery, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

This cocktail has a pronounced flavor profile driven by the spice from both the rye whiskey and ginger beer, balanced by a refreshing sourness. It is highly carbonated and moderately strong, with a low level of sweetness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You'll need a base of spicy rye whiskey, fresh lime juice for acidity, and a quality ginger beer for the characteristic fizz and heat. Aromatic bitters are an optional but recommended addition for extra complexity.
  • Rye Whiskey60 ml / 2 oz
    A Pennsylvania-style rye is recommended for authenticity, but any good quality rye whiskey will work well.
  • Fresh Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Freshly squeezed juice is essential for the best flavor.
  • Ginger Beer120 ml / 4 oz
    Choose a high-quality, spicy ginger beer rather than a milder ginger ale. Top up to taste.
  • Angostura Bitters2 dashes(optional)
    Adds aromatic complexity and depth to the drink.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

This is a simple 'built-in-glass' cocktail, requiring only a jigger for accurate measurements and a bar spoon to gently mix the ingredients together.
  • Jigger for measuring ingredients
  • Bar spoon for gentle stirring

Instructions

This drink is built directly in the serving glass. Simply fill the glass with ice, add the whiskey and lime, top with ginger beer, and give it a gentle stir before garnishing.
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass completely with cubed ice.
2. Pour the rye whiskey and fresh lime juice over the ice.
3. Top with chilled ginger beer, filling the glass almost to the top.
4. Add two dashes of Angostura bitters, if you are using them.
5. Give the drink a very gentle stir with a bar spoon just to combine the ingredients.
6. Garnish with a fresh lime wheel and a sprig of mint.

Garnishing

A fresh lime wheel or wedge enhances the citrus aroma, while a sprig of mint adds a cool, aromatic contrast to the spicy ginger and rye.
  • Lime Wheel: A fresh wheel or wedge of lime placed on the rim or in the drink.
  • Mint Sprig: A fresh sprig of mint, gently clapped between the hands to release its aroma before placing in the drink.

Dietary Information

This drink is vegan and free from caffeine, dairy, eggs, and nuts. However, as it's made with rye whiskey, it is not suitable for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The drink is moderately caloric, with most calories coming from the whiskey. Its carbohydrate and sugar content is mainly from the ginger beer, varying slightly by brand.
Calories
Averagely 180-200 kcal / 753-837 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 14 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

This is a versatile drink suitable for many casual occasions. It's especially refreshing during warmer months at summer parties or barbecues but is enjoyed year-round as a go-to happy hour choice.
  • Casual Sipping
  • Summer Parties
  • Happy Hour
  • Barbecue

Pairing suggestions

The spicy and robust character of the Gettysburg Mule pairs excellently with flavorful, savory foods. It cuts through the richness of barbecue and burgers, and its refreshing quality complements spicy dishes and simple salty snacks.
  • Spicy Barbecue
  • Gourmet Burgers
  • Grilled Chicken Wings
  • Salty Snacks like Pretzels or Peanuts

The Gettysburg Mule: A Rye Whiskey Rebellion in a Mug

The Gettysburg Mule is a spirited and refreshing cocktail that swaps vodka for the spicy character of rye whiskey. It is a simple-to-make highball where the warmth of the whiskey, the zing of lime, and the kick of ginger beer create a perfectly balanced and invigorating drink. Ideal for any casual occasion, it's a fantastic tribute to American whiskey and a worthy variation in the popular Mule family of cocktails.

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