A Kentucky Mule is a popular bourbon-based cocktail that is similar to a Moscow Mule, but uses bourbon instead of vodka. It’s a refreshing, easy-to-make drink that has a nice kick from the bourbon and ginger beer. In this article, we’ll go over all the ingredients you need to make a delicious Kentucky Mule at home.
History of the Kentucky Mule
The Kentucky Mule was created sometime in the 1980s as a variation on the Moscow Mule, which became popular during the 1940s and 50s. The Moscow Mule is a combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice served in a copper mug. The Kentucky Mule swaps out the vodka for bourbon whiskey.
Bourbon had fallen out of favor in the mid-20th century but was experiencing a resurgence by the 1980s. Creative bartenders started experimenting with subsbtituting bourbon in place of vodka in popular cocktails. The Kentucky Mule was likely invented at this time as a way to showcase bourbon.
The Kentucky Mule joined the Moscow Mule and Mexican Mule (made with tequila) as variations on the original ginger beer and spirit recipe. While not as famous as the Moscow Mule, the Kentucky Mule became a popular way to enjoy smooth bourbon with the bright, spicy kick of ginger.
Ingredients Needed
The Kentucky Mule requires just four ingredients:
- Bourbon whiskey
- Ginger beer
- Fresh lime juice
- Ice
Let’s go over the specifics for each ingredient:
Bourbon Whiskey
A Kentucky Mule needs a high-quality bourbon whiskey. Bourbon is a type of American whiskey made primarily from corn and aged in charred oak barrels. It’s distilled to no more than 80% ABV (160 proof) and entered into the barrel for aging at no more than 62.5% ABV (125 proof).
Bourbon must be made in the United States, but contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t have to be made in Kentucky. In fact, approximately 90% of bourbon is produced in Kentucky with the rest produced in other states like Tennessee, Indiana, Ohio, and more.
For a Kentucky Mule, you want to use a full-flavored bourbon that has some sweetness to complement the ginger beer. Avoid using bottom-shelf bourbons, which tend to taste overly harsh. Some good bourbon options include:
- Maker’s Mark
- Knob Creek
- Jim Beam
- Wild Turkey
- Woodford Reserve
- Bulleit
- Four Roses
Ginger Beer
Ginger beer provides the signature flavor in a Kentucky Mule. It’s responsible for the drink’s spicy, ginger bite.
Proper ginger beer is non-alcoholic and gets its bubbly effervescence naturally from the ginger fermentation process. The ginger flavor should be pronounced. Avoid using ginger ale, which is not brewed in the same way. The ginger flavor tends to be subtler.
Some good ginger beer brands for cocktails include:
- Fever-Tree
- Fentimans
- Barritt’s
- Maine Root
- Cock & Bull
- Bundaberg
You can also easily make your own ginger beer at home with just a few ingredients like ginger, sugar, lime, and yeast.
Fresh Lime Juice
Freshly squeezed lime juice adds bright citrus flavor that balances out the sweetness of the bourbon. Make sure to use freshly squeezed juice. Bottled, store-bought lime juice won’t be nearly as flavorful.
Key limes or Persian limes both work well. Key limes have a more tart, concentrated flavor while Persian limes are milder and juicier.
Ice
The Kentucky Mule is served over ice, so you’ll need a good supply of ice cubes. Use standard sized cubes or go for larger cubes if you have them. The large cubes melt slower so they won’t dilute the drink as quickly.
Equipment
In addition to ingredients, you’ll need a few pieces of equipment to make great Kentucky Mules:
- Cocktail shaker – To mix the ingredients.
- Moscow mule mugs – The traditional copper mug adds to the experience.
- Muddler or wooden spoon – To muddle the lime juice and ginger beer.
- Jigger – To accurately measure ingredients.
- Strainer – To strain ice shards out if shaking.
While not essential, a Moscow mule mug really completes the look and feel of the cocktail. The cold metal helps keep the drink chilled. Copper conducts temperature well and also reacts with the acidity of the lime to give the drink a slight metallic taste.
Kentucky Mule Recipe
Now that you understand all the ingredients and equipment required, let’s go over the recipe and steps for making the perfect Kentucky Mule:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 4-6 oz ginger beer
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- Ice cubes
- Lime wedge garnish
Steps:
- Fill a Moscow mule mug or highball glass with ice.
- Add the bourbon and lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 10-20 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass if needed. This leaves any ice shards behind for a smoother drink.
- Top with ginger beer, leaving a little room at the top.
- Gently stir with a barspoon or muddler just to combine.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
- Serve with a straw and cocktail stirrer.
Taste and adjust the ingredient ratios to your preferences. Add more ginger beer for a stronger ginger bite or more lime juice for added zing.
Serving Suggestions
A Kentucky Mule is typically served cold in a copper mug, but here are some other serving ideas:
- Serve in a highball glass over fresh ice cubes.
- Garnish with mint leaves or a candied ginger slice.
- Top with a splash of club soda or lemon-lime soda.
- For a less sweet drink, use rye whiskey instead of bourbon.
- Make a pitcher to serve a crowd at parties.
- Skip the lime juice for a simple bourbon and ginger beer.
Tips for the Best Kentucky Mule
Follow these tips for a top-notch Kentucky Mule every time:
- Always use fresh ingredients – Freshly squeezed lime juice and quality ginger beer make a big difference.
- Measure carefully – Use a jigger to carefully measure out the bourbon.
- Use real ice cubes – Avoid crushed ice which can dilute the drink too quickly.
- Chill the mug – Keep the mugs and ginger beer chilled before mixing.
- Gently stir – Aggressively stirring can cause the drink to overflow.
- Dress it up – Add citrus wheels, mint, or candied ginger for garnish.
- Enjoy immediately – The Kentucky Mule tastes best right after it’s made.
Kentucky Mule Variations
One of the great things about the Kentucky Mule is how easy it is to tweak and customize to your tastes. Just swap out one of the main ingredients to create your own signature version. Some variations to try include:
- Mexican Mule – Use tequila instead of bourbon.
- Moscow Mule – The original – use vodka instead of bourbon.
- London Mule – Substitute gin for the bourbon.
- Midwestern Mule – Use rye whiskey in place of bourbon.
- Caribbean Mule – Swap the bourbon for a rum like light or dark rum.
- Scotch Mule – Single malt Scotch adds smoky richness.
- Irish Mule – Irish whiskey brings in more herbal notes.
Feel free to get creative and come up with your own signature mule using your favorite spirits as a base! The possibilities are endless.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a Moscow Mule and a Kentucky Mule?
The key difference is the base spirit used. A Moscow Mule is made with vodka while a Kentucky Mule is made with bourbon whiskey. The bourbon imparts a richness and added sweetness compared to the more neutral vodka.
What kind of bourbon should I use?
A good quality bourbon with some sweetness like Maker’s Mark or Jim Beam works well. Avoid bottom shelf bourbons. Higher proofs like cask strength may overpower the other ingredients.
Can I use ginger ale instead of ginger beer?
It’s best to use ginger beer which has a much stronger, spicier ginger flavor compared to sweeter ginger ale. The ginger is meant to stand out.
How long does a Kentucky Mule last?
It’s best enjoyed right after making while the ice is still fresh. The ice will gradually dilute the drink. After a few hours, the carbonation will dissipate and the flavors won’t be as vibrant.
What copper mug is best?
100% copper mugs will keep the drink coldest rather than just copper-plated. Thicker, heavier mugs will also retain temperature better. Vintage and hand-hammered mugs offer artisanal flair.
Can a Kentucky Mule be made as a mocktail?
Absolutely! Omit the bourbon and increase lime and ginger beer. Add more flavor with muddled fruit or herbs. A splash of soda can replicate the carbonation of the bourbon.
Conclusion
With just four simple ingredients – bourbon, ginger beer, lime, and ice – you can make an incredibly refreshing Kentucky Mule anytime. Its sweet, sour, and spicy flavors are well-balanced in this whiskey take on the Moscow Mule.
Be sure to use fresh-squeezed lime juice and quality ginger beer. Carefully measure the bourbon. Serve in chilled copper mugs if possible and garnish with lime. Feel free to tweak the recipe to your tastes by using different spirits or extra ingredients.
The Kentucky Mule is perfect for parties since it’s easy to make in batches. Keep a bottle of bourbon, ginger beer, and limes on hand and you can quickly mix up this classic anytime the mood strikes.