Kentucky mule with ice in copper mug and lime wedge

Kentucky Mule

Kentucky mule with ice in copper mug

Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

The Best Kentucky Mule for Summer Sipping

The Kentucky Mule is a refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule. This cocktail is made with Bourbon Whiskey, Lime Juice, and Ginger Beer and is great for sipping on a hot summer day. The Kentucky Mule, regardless of whether you're searching for a party beverage or a simple approach to enjoying your favorite bourbon whiskey, will definitely hit the spot.

Introduction

The History of the Kentucky Mule

The Kentucky Mule is a flavorful cocktail that has become one of the most popular drinks in America. The history of the Kentucky Mule is a bit of a mystery, but it is believed to have originated in the state of Kentucky during the 1940s.
There are many different recipes for Kentucky Mules, but they all typically include bourbon whiskey, ginger beer, and lime juice. The recipe has been adapted over the years to include different types of bourbon whiskey, as well as other liquors such as bourbon, vodka, or rum.
This classic cocktail is sure to please your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Kentucky Mules with lime wedge and jigger

How to Make the Kentucky Mule

Kentucky Mule Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Bourbon Whiskey
  • 0.5 Lime Juice
  • 4 oz Ginger Beer

Glass:

Cocktail Glass

Instructions:

Preparation time without the Barsys Coaster: 5 - 10 minutes
  1. Add Bourbon Whiskey, Lime Juice, and Ginger Beer in a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Stir gently, strain, and serve in a cocktail glass.

Top tips for making the perfect Kentucky Mule

Use the Barsys coaster for an elevated cocktail-making experience!
  • Start with a high-quality Bourbon Whiskey - this will boost the cocktail.
  • Use fresh lime juice – this will help to offset the sweetness of the bourbon and make the drink more refreshing.
  • Garnish with a lime wedge and or mint – this will add a nice citrusy aroma and minty flavor to the drink.
  • Change up the cocktail by using ginger ale instead of ginger beer - this will make the drink a bit sweeter. 

5 Creative Ways to Enjoy a Kentucky Mule

Frozen Kentucky Mule:
Simply blend all of the ingredients together and enjoy as a frozen treat!
Kentucky Mule Spiked with Coffee:
Add a shot of espresso or cold brew coffee to the cocktail for a caffeinated twist.
Kentucky Mule in a Mason Jar:
Serve the cocktail in a Mason Jar for a rustic presentation.
Kentucky Mule Floats:
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to the drink for a delicious float.
Spicy Kentucky Mule:
Add a few dashes of hot sauce or ground ginger to give the cocktail a little bit of heat.
two glasses with bourbon whiskey and bourbon whiskey bottle

Recommended Bourbon Whiskey Brands

  • Maker's Mark
  • Four Roses
  • Knob Creek
  • Wild Turkey 
  • Michter's
  • Evan Williams
bottle of ginger beer with orange background with ginger and ice

Recommended Ginger Beer Brands

  • Fever-Tree 
  • Q Ginger Beer
  • Barritts

What to pair with the Kentucky Mule

The Kentucky Mule pairs well with spicy food because the ginger beer in the drink can help to cut the heat.
Chicken wings with side sauce and lemon

Spicy

  • Jambalaya: 
The spices in the Jambalaya will be a perfect match for the ginger beer in the mule.
  • Chicken Wings: 
The heat of the chicken wings will be balanced by the sweetness of the mule.
slice Pecan pie with pecans on table

Sweet

  • Chocolate Cake: 
The rich, chocolate flavor of the cake is a perfect match for the sweetness of the mule.
  • Bourbon Pecan Pie: 
The Bourbon in the mule will complement the pecans in the pie for a delicious dessert pairing.
bowl of waffle fries with ketchup, mustard, and lemon wedges on the side

Crispy

  • Fried Chicken: 
The crunchy texture of fried chicken is a perfect contrast to the smoothness of the mule.
  • Waffle Fries: 
The crispy waffle fries will complement the sweetness of the mule. 
Barbecue ribs with knife and side of sauce with brush

Savory

  • Smoked Salmon: 
The smoky flavor of the salmon pairs perfectly with the ginger beer in the mule.
  • Cheese Plate:
A variety of cheeses will complement the flavors in the cocktail and make for a perfect appetizer or main course.
  • BBQ Pork Ribs:
The sweet and spicy flavors of the mule will pair well with the smoky ribs.

If You Love The Kentucky Mule, You'll Love These Cocktails!

paper plane cocktail with lemon peel garnish and lemon, jigger, and cocktail shaker in background

Paper Plane

Recipe: Bourbon Whiskey, Apéritif Liqueur, Amaro Nonino Quintessentia Digestif Liqueur, Lemon Juice
gold rush cocktail on woven coaster with lemon slice and mint garnish

Gold Rush

Recipe: Bourbon Whiskey, Lemon Juice, Honey Syrup

In Conclusion

The Kentucky Mule is a classic cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a refreshing summer drink or a cozy winter cocktail, the Kentucky Mule is sure to please. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow recipe, this cocktail is a great choice for any home bartender. So, what are you waiting for? Give the Kentucky Mule a try today!
Cheers,
Team Barsys
Kentucky mules with mint and lime wedge garnish in copper mugs
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