Kentucky Mule

The Kentucky Mule is a simple yet satisfying cocktail that combines the signature warmth and vanilla notes of bourbon with the spicy kick of ginger beer and the bright acidity of fresh lime juice. This Americanized version of the Moscow Mule creates a perfectly balanced drink that is both comforting and incredibly refreshing. Typically served in a traditional copper mug that keeps it ice-cold, it's an approachable and versatile highball suitable for any occasion.
Kentucky Mule

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Kentucky Mule is a modern classic cocktail, belonging to the "Mule" family of drinks which are characterized by a spirit, citrus, and ginger beer. It is served as a highball, a tall, refreshing mixed drink. Its straightforward preparation and popular ingredients have made it a staple on modern bar menus.

Serving

Served ice-cold in a distinctive copper mug or a highball glass, the Kentucky Mule is a moderately strong and refreshing long drink. The copper mug is traditional and enhances the cold sensation.
Serving size
Approximately 180-240 ml / 6-8 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 12-16% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Copper Mug
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

While the Moscow Mule was created in the 1940s as a marketing tool for vodka, the Kentucky Mule is a more recent and organic variation. It rose to prominence during the 21st-century cocktail renaissance as bartenders and enthusiasts began substituting America's native spirit, bourbon, into the popular Mule formula. This simple switch created a drink with a distinctively Southern character that resonated with whiskey lovers worldwide.
Origin
The Kentucky Mule is a modern American invention, a direct descendant of the Moscow Mule. It does not have a single creator but rather evolved in the early 2000s as part of a broader trend of adapting classic cocktail templates with different base spirits. Its origin is firmly rooted in the United States, celebrating the country's iconic bourbon whiskey.

Kentucky Mule

The drink is most commonly known as the Kentucky Mule, a straightforward name referencing its Kentucky bourbon base and its place in the "Mule" family of cocktails. It is also frequently called a Bourbon Mule or, more generally, a Whiskey Mule, with both names highlighting the spirit substitution from the original Moscow Mule.
Original name
Kentucky Mule
Alternative names
  • Bourbon Mule
  • Whiskey Mule

Characteristics overview

This cocktail presents a refreshing and bubbly texture, with a flavor profile balanced between the sweetness of bourbon, the spiciness of ginger, and the sourness of lime. Its aroma is bright and zesty, leading to a clean, warming finish.
Flavor
Spicy, Sweet, Citrusy, Warming, Vanilla, Oak
Aroma
Ginger, Lime, Bourbon, Mint
Taste balance
Balanced, Sweet, Sour, Spicy
Aftertaste
Clean, Warming, Lingering ginger spice
Fizziness
Bubbly, Effervescent
Color appearance
Light Brown, Golden, Hazy
Texture
Crisp, Light, Refreshing
Seasonality
Refreshing, All-season, Summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The Kentucky Mule offers a medium flavor intensity with a pleasant balance of sweetness, sourness, and ginger spice. The moderate alcohol strength is well-integrated, and the high carbonation keeps the drink light and refreshing.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This is a simple, three-ingredient cocktail requiring bourbon, fresh lime juice, and spicy ginger beer. It is typically garnished with a fresh lime wedge and an optional sprig of mint.
  • Bourbon Whiskey60 ml / 2 oz
    A good quality, smooth Kentucky bourbon is recommended.
  • Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for the best flavor.
  • Ginger Beer120 ml / 4 oz, or to top
    Choose a high-quality, spicy ginger beer rather than a milder ginger ale.
  • Lime Wedge1 wedge
    For garnish.
  • Mint Sprig1 sprig(optional)
    An optional but highly recommended garnish for added aroma.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

No special equipment is needed beyond a jigger for accurate measurements and a bar spoon for a gentle stir. The drink is built directly in the serving glass, so no shaker is required.
  • Jigger for measuring
  • Bar spoon for stirring
  • Citrus juicer for lime

Instructions

Preparation is simple as the cocktail is built directly in the serving mug. Just combine the bourbon and lime juice over ice, top with ginger beer, stir gently, and garnish.
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass to the top with cubed ice.
2. Pour the bourbon and freshly squeezed lime juice over the ice.
3. Top with the ginger beer, filling the mug to the brim.
4. Gently stir with a bar spoon just enough to combine the ingredients without losing carbonation.
5. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge and an optional mint sprig.

Garnishing

The standard garnish is a simple lime wedge, which adds to the citrus aroma. A fresh mint sprig is a popular addition that introduces a lovely, cool fragrance to every sip.
  • Lime Wedge: Place a wedge on the rim of the mug or drop it into the drink.
  • Mint Sprig: Gently clap the mint sprig between your palms to release its aromatic oils before placing it in the glass.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally vegan and free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts. For it to be gluten-free, ensure that the specific brands of bourbon and ginger beer used are certified gluten-free, as most are.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The nutritional content of a Kentucky Mule is moderate, with most calories, carbohydrates, and sugars coming from the ginger beer. The total sugar content can be reduced by using a diet or low-sugar ginger beer.
Calories
Averagely 180-220 kcal / 753-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15-20 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 14-18 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is an exceptionally versatile drink, perfect for casual social events like a backyard barbecue or a relaxed happy hour. Its refreshing nature makes it a favorite for warm weather and summer parties, but the warming notes of bourbon also make it enjoyable year-round.
  • Happy Hour
  • Summer Party
  • Barbecue
  • Casual Gathering

Pairing suggestions

The drink's balance of sweet, spicy, and sour notes makes it a great companion for rich and savory foods. It cuts through the fat of barbecue and fried chicken beautifully. It also pairs well with salty snacks like spicy nuts or robust cheeses.
  • Smoked BBQ Ribs
  • Spicy Candied Nuts
  • Fried Chicken
  • Aged Cheddar Cheese

The Kentucky Mule: A Southern Twist on a Classic Highball

The Kentucky Mule is a wonderfully refreshing and effortlessly prepared highball cocktail. By substituting bourbon for vodka in the classic Moscow Mule recipe, it gains a deeper, more complex flavor profile with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. This depth is perfectly complemented by the fiery spice of ginger beer and the sharp tang of fresh lime. Served in its iconic copper mug, the Kentucky Mule is a versatile and popular choice for any occasion, embodying a perfect fusion of Russian-inspired mixology and American whiskey heritage.

Similar Cocktails

Moscow Mule

A refreshingly zesty and spicy cocktail made with vodka, spicy ginger beer, and lime juice, traditionally served in a copper mug.

London Mule

A crisp and spicy British twist on the classic Moscow Mule, featuring gin instead of vodka.

Irish Mule

A refreshing and spicy highball cocktail that swaps the traditional vodka of a Moscow Mule for smooth Irish whiskey.