Kentucky Mule Cocktails is a fun twist on classic Moscow Mules. They are made with Kentucky bourbon instead of vodka. They have a deliciously refreshing flavor perfect for all year

Kentucky Mule

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We love making Moscow mules with bourbon for a fun twist on a classic Moscow Mule.

These easy cocktails only take a few ingredients and always taste amazing! They are perfect on a warm spring afternoon or for a party.

The combination of Kentucky Bourbon, Ginger Beer, and Lime Juice is delicious! When I first made this for my husband he kept telling me it was his new favorite cocktail. He is already a huge fan of bourbon whiskey so using it in an adapted Moscow mule recipe was perfect.

Serve this drink cold to get the best flavor! I store our copper mugs in the refrigerator so they are always ready.

These would be a fun cocktail for a Kentucky Derby Party or a hot summer afternoon. Honestly, they are good any day you want a delicious easy to make cocktail.

For another fun twist check out this Irish Mule and Mexican Mule.

Kentucky Mule Ingredients

You only need three ingredients to make this delicious twist on a classic cocktail!

Bourbon
Lime Juice
Cold Ginger beer

Garnish - Lime Wedge

The original Moscow Mule recipe is garnished with a fresh mint sprig/mint leaves.

Best Bourbon for a Kentucky Mule

Because the bourbon is mixed with ginger beer and lime, it is not important to use a high-end bourbon unless you really want to.

We do suggest sticking to a mid-priced bourbon that you would be ok sipping on.

One thing to make sure of is that you are using a bourbon made in Kentucky otherwise I guess you would just call it a bourbon mule. Some well-known bourbons made in Kentucky include Woodford Reserve, Knob Creek, Elijah Craig, Maker's Mark, Jim Beam, Four Roses, Old Forester, Bulleit Bourbon, and Wild Turkey.

Equipment Needed

Copper Moscow Mule Mug - We highly suggest putting your Copper Mule Mugs in the refrigerator for a few hours before you make this Mexican Moscow Mule Cocktail. If you don't have a copper mug you can also serve this in a rocks, collings glass or highball glass or any glass really. Just adapt the ginger beer to fit into the glass you are using. If you want to change up the look a bit you can use these black Moscow mule mugs.

Bar Spoon

Lime Juicer - Fresh lime juice tastes best in this recipe. You can use pre-packaged lime juice but we always suggest squeezing a fresh lime.

Kentucky Mule in a copper mug next to a bottle of Jim Beam Bourbon, a bottle of ginger beer, and lime wheels

How to make a Bourbon Mule

Fill Copper Mug with ice cubes

Pour in the bourbon, add the lime juice, and top with ginger beer.

Garnish with a lime wedge.

Moscow Mule variations

Since making this Classic Moscow Mule cocktail we have been diving into fun Moscow mule variations.

Irish Mule - with Irish Whiskey.

Mexican Mule - With tequila

Orange Mule - With orange juice

Cranberry Mule - With cranberry juice

Tennessee Mule - With Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniels

Blue Mule - With Blue Curacao

Apple Cider Mule - With apple cider

Kentucky Mule in a copper mug with lime slice, a bottle of bourbon, and a bottle of ginger beer.

Recipe Tips

A Copper Moscow Mule mug helps keep the cocktail cold from start to finish.

To keep the carbonation of the ginger beer you do not need to stir this cocktail making it one of the easiest cocktails to make.

If you are hosting a party you can set up a mule bar with different options so guests can create their own amazing Kentucky Mule or another variety.

Make sure you use ginger beer and not ginger ale. You can normally find ginger beer near the soda aisle or near the alcohol depending on how your store is set up. You can also buy it on Amazon.

There are quite a few varieties of ginger beer with varying levels of spiciness. We suggest doing a taste test to find the one you prefer.

You do not want to use a shaker with this recipe. The carbonation in the ginger beer will not enjoy being shaken instead of stirred.

Check out all of our Ginger Beer Cocktails and Spring Cocktails

Printable recipe card instructions are below.

Nutrition information, including calories, protein, calcium, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin c, potassium, cholesterol, sodium, trans fat, monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, and more, will vary depending on the products used.