Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 4 oz ginger beer
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- Ice cubes
- Lime wedge - for garnish, optional
- Fresh mint sprig - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Copper Mug or Highball Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill your Copper Mug or Highball glass with ice cubes.
- Add Lime Juice: Squeeze in ½ oz fresh lime juice over the ice.
- Add Bourbon: Pour 2 oz Bourbon into the glass.
- Top with Ginger Beer: Add 4 oz ginger beer to the glass.
- Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to mix the ingredients gently.
- Garnish: Garnish with a squeezed lime wedge or a sprig of fresh mint, if desired.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Bourbon: When I've run out of bourbon, I've tried using rye whiskey or even Canadian whisky. The flavor changes slightly, but the drink remains tasty.
- Ginger Beer: If you don't have ginger beer on hand, ginger ale can be a milder alternative. You can also make homemade ginger syrup and mix it with soda water for an authentic kick.
- Lime Juice: Lemon juice can replace lime juice, but the citrus note will differ slightly.
Making a Pitcher of Kentucky Mule:
- Scale: To serve 8, multiply all ingredients by 8. That's 16 oz of bourbon, 32 oz of ginger beer, and 4 oz of fresh lime juice.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the bourbon, lime juice, and ginger beer. Stir gently.
- Serve: Pour into ice-filled Copper Mugs or Highball glasses, garnish as desired, and serve.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Bourbon Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic bourbon alternative. There are several on the market that capture the essence without the alcohol.
- Proceed As Usual: Replace the bourbon with its non-alcoholic alternative and follow the original steps.
Making it Vegan:
Most ingredients are naturally vegan. However, always check the ginger beer label. Some brands might use honey or other non-vegan ingredients. Opt for a labeled vegan ginger beer to ensure your drink meets vegan standards.
What is a Kentucky Mule
A Kentucky Mule is a bourbon whiskey-based cocktail. This drink stands out for its unique blend of flavors. The primary ingredients are bourbon whiskey, ginger beer, and lime juice, creating a taste that’s both refreshing and zesty, with a bit of a kick from the ginger beer. The history of this cocktail is quite interesting. It’s a twist on the classic Moscow Mule, which uses vodka. The substitution of bourbon, a distinctly American spirit, gives it a deeper, more robust flavor profile that’s become quite popular. Making a Kentucky Mule is pretty straightforward. You just need to combine the bourbon with fresh lime juice and top it off with ginger beer. Serve it in a copper mug to keep it extra cold, and you’ve got yourself a delightful and simple-to-make drink.
What is a Kentucky Mule made of – The ingredients
To make a Kentucky Mule, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Bourbon: The primary spirit that lends a rich, smooth base with caramel and vanilla undertones.
- Ginger Beer: It adds fizzy and a spicy kick, giving the cocktail its zing.
- Lime Juice: Introduces a tangy citrus element that brightens the drink and complements the warmth of the bourbon.
- Ice Cubes: Keeps the drink chilled and diluted just enough to mellow out the flavors.
