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Kentucky Mule Cocktail Drink

Best Kentucky Mule Cocktail Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Unwind with our straightforward Kentucky Mule recipe! Crafted with bourbon, ginger beer, and lime, this refreshing cocktail is a must-try for any occasion.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 173

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.