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Bourbon Mule (Kentucky Mule)

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A Bourbon Mule is the cold, refreshing cocktail you are looking for! It’s made with Kentucky bourbon, ginger beer and fresh lime juice.
bourbon mules pictured with charcuterie and a bottle of Bulleit bourbon
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I’m sharing how to make a perfect Bourbon Mule with you today (aka Kentucky Mule), as my tribute to the most fabulous music festival in existence, Bourbon and Beyond. I was lucky enough to attend as Media VIP in 2019 – you can read all about my experience here. Plus learn how to make Bourbon Mimosas!

What is a Bourbon Mule?

Also known as a Kentucky Mule, this cocktail is made with Kentucky bourbon, ginger beer and fresh lime juice. Fresh mint is optional. But the mint makes this drink reminiscent of another classic Kentucky cocktail (mostly associated with the Kentucky Derby), a Mint Julep. Which is made of bourbon, sugar, mint and crushed ice.
overhead view of bourbon mule pictured with a colorful charcuterie platter

Ingredients needed for a Bourbon Mule

  • High Quality Bourbon – Use a good, Kentucky bourbon for this cocktail recipe. Some popular bourbon choices for a Bourbon Mule are Buffalo Trace Eagle Rare, Bulleit (which I have pictured), Elijah Craig, Evan Williams Black Label, Four Roses Small Batch and Knob Creek.
  • Fever Tree Ginger Beer – My absolute favorite choice for ginger beer is Fever Tree. It’s so pure and intensely flavored with real ginger. Find 10 other Best Ginger Beers for Cocktails (like a Dark & Stormy) HERE.
  • Lime Juice – Just a squeeze from one or two lime wedges is plenty.
  • Fresh Mint Sprig – A sprig of fresh mint really take this classic cocktail over-the-top!

copper mug filled with bourbon mule

How to make a Bourbon Mule

  1. Fill a copper mug with ice.
  2. Pour in a small bottle of Fever Tree Ginger Beer (6.8 ounces).
  3. Add 2 shots (3 ounces) of Kentucky bourbon.
  4. Squeeze in the juice of one or two lime wedges.
  5. Add a sprig of fresh mint.
  6. Stir to combine and enjoy.

beautiful charcuterie and bourbon mule

FAQ’s

What makes a beverage a mule?

Mules are popular cocktails, also known as bucks. A mule always contains ginger beer (or ale), citrus and liquor – be it vodka, bourbon, tequila or gin.

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

The only difference between these two refreshing drinks is the spirit. A Kentucky Mule contains bourbon and a Moscow Mule contains vodka.

Why is a mule served in copper mule mugs?

Copper conducts temperature and keeps the mule icy cold. A copper mule mug helps to enhance the flavor of whatever spirit you choose to make your mule with – be it bourbon, vodka, tequila or gin.

Are bourbon and whiskey the same?

All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. Bourbon can only be produced in the state of Kentucky.

Why does bourbon have to made in Kentucky?

Kentucky boasts some of the richest, most fertile soil in the United States. It is ideal for growing the major ingredient in bourbon, corn. Bourbon must contain at least 51 percent corn, and Kentucky is up to the task. The state has been corn country since its earliest days in the late 1700’s.

taking a drink of an ice cold bourbon mule garnished with an edible purple flower

More Variations of Mule Recipes

More Bourbon Recipes

bourbon mules pictured with a plate of charcuterie and a bottle of Bulleit bourbon
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5 from 15 votes

Bourbon Mule

A Bourbon Mule is the cold, refreshing cocktail you are looking for! It's made with Kentucky bourbon, ginger beer and fresh lime juice.
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Prep Time 2 minutes
Servings 1
Calories 318kcal
Author Jill McOwen

Ingredients

  • 6.8 oz Ginger Beer I use Fever Tree brand
  • 3 oz Bourbon
  • 1 oz Lime Juice
  • 1 sprig Fresh Mint

Instructions

  • Fill a copper mug with ice.
  • Pour in a small bottle of Fever Tree Ginger Beer.
  • Add two shots of Kentucky bourbon.
  • Squeeze in the juice of one or two lime wedges.
  • Add a sprig of fresh mint.
  • Stir to combine and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 318kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 22mg | Potassium: 167mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 57IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg

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Bourbon Mule | Foodtastic Mom #bourbonrecipes #bourbonmule #kentuckymule #cocktailrecipes

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I am being provided with two media passes for VIP access to the Bourbon and Beyond festival in exchange for this recipe post. All opinions are mine alone.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Cam says

    5 stars
    These mules are fantastic! Never tried one with bourbon before and I think it’s even better than the original!

    Reply

  7. angela says

    5 stars
    I love a classic mule and never thought of using bourbon until my friend asked. She is a bourbon lover and I made this for her. She gave it a big thumbs up immediately.

    Reply

  9. Mirlene says

    5 stars
    I love a good cocktail that has ginger beer in it! I’ll be making this for my friends soon. We’re having girls night out and want a little sipper before we go.

    Reply

    • foodtasticmom says

      Thanks so much!! And I was so pleased with this set of four copper mugs. They are really well made. Here’s the link to purchase your own set, if you’re interested! https://amzn.to/3Mtsz3W
      It’s an affiliate link, which just benefits me for directing you there. The price is the same!

      Reply

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