This Kentucky mule recipe swaps the vodka from a traditional Moscow mule for smooth bourbon, giving you a cocktail that is still bright and refreshing but with deeper caramel and vanilla notes. A classic mule combines spirit, ginger beer, and lime juice, usually served over ice in a copper mug. When you use Kentucky bourbon, you get a Southern spin that pairs perfectly with spicy ginger and tangy citrus. This drink works well for casual get-togethers, game day, or a simple evening cocktail. As always, enjoy it only if you are of legal drinking age and drink mindfully.
Quick Recipe Snapshot
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 0 minutes
- Total time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1 cocktail (easily doubled)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Diet type: Gluten-Free (if ginger beer is gluten-free; contains alcohol)
You’ll find a printable recipe card with exact measurements and basic nutrition details at the end of this post.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for This Kentucky Mule Recipe
Core Ingredients
- 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon (Kentucky bourbon if you have it)
- 1/2–1 oz (15–30 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice (start with 1/2 oz and adjust)
- 4–6 oz (120–180 ml) chilled ginger beer (not ginger ale)
- Ice cubes (enough to fill your glass or copper mug)
For Garnish
- Lime wedge or lime wheel
- Fresh mint sprig (optional, but very refreshing)
Equipment
- Copper mug or sturdy rocks glass
- Jigger or small measuring cup
- Bar spoon (or regular spoon) for stirring
Kentucky Mule Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Chill your mug or glass. If you have time, place your copper mug or rocks glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes before you start. A cold vessel helps your Kentucky mule recipe taste extra crisp and refreshing.
- Fill with ice. Add plenty of ice to your mug or glass, filling it almost to the top. More ice melts more slowly and keeps the drink colder without watering it down as quickly.
- Add the bourbon. Measure 2 oz of bourbon and pour it over the ice. Kentucky bourbons with vanilla, caramel, and oak notes work especially well in a Kentucky mule recipe because they balance the bite of ginger beer.
- Squeeze in lime juice. Add 1/2–1 oz fresh lime juice. If you like your drinks more tart, use closer to 1 oz; if you prefer something softer, stick to the lower end and adjust after your first sip.
- Top with ginger beer. Gently pour 4–6 oz chilled ginger beer into the mug. Start with 4 oz, taste, and add more if you want a milder, more bubbly drink. Traditional mule recipes always use ginger beer rather than ginger ale for a stronger ginger flavor and spicier kick.
- Stir gently. Use a bar spoon to stir the drink once or twice, just enough to combine the bourbon, lime, and ginger beer without knocking all the bubbles out.
- Garnish and serve. Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel on the rim of the mug and a sprig of mint if you like. Serve immediately while the drink is icy-cold and effervescent.
Kentucky Mule Recipe
Tips & Variations
- Use a good-quality ginger beer. Since ginger beer is a major part of the flavor in any mule drink, choose one you enjoy sipping on its own—spicy, not too sweet, and preferably made with real ginger. This keeps your Kentucky mule recipe bright instead of cloying.
- Make it lighter in sugar. Look for a ginger beer that is lower in added sugar, or use a diet/zero-sugar option. You can also splash in a bit of sparkling water to dilute sweetness without losing bubbles.
- Try flavored twists. Add a few dashes of aromatic or orange bitters, a thin slice of fresh jalapeño for heat, or a spoonful of crushed berries before you pour the ginger beer. Just strain out any seeds if you prefer a smooth sip.
- Make a mocktail “Kentucky mule.” If you want the flavor without the alcohol, use a good-quality non-alcoholic bourbon alternative, or simply mix ginger beer, lime juice, and a splash of apple cider or unsweetened iced tea over ice.
- Batch for a crowd. For a party, multiply the Kentucky mule recipe ingredients by the number of servings and mix in a pitcher without the ice. Pour over ice in individual mugs right before serving so the drink stays fizzy.
Serving Suggestions
This Kentucky mule recipe feels at home anywhere you would serve a Moscow mule: casual gatherings, summer cookouts, or cozy nights at home.
- Game-day snacks: Pair your Kentucky mule with a bowl of hot honey popcorn for a sweet-and-spicy combo that echoes the ginger in the drink.
- Holiday appetizers: Serve it alongside tangy bites like air fryer candied cranberries or popping cranberries for a festive flavor pairing.
- Brunch or afternoon sips: Offer a lighter buffet with a big bowl of ribbon carrot salad and a tray of high protein banana yogurt bark, plus a small Kentucky mule for adults who choose to drink.
- Mocktail option: For guests who prefer no alcohol, make a “virgin mule” with ginger beer, lime, and crushed mint, similar to the style of the site’s white peach sangria floral mocktail.
Always remind guests to drink slowly, eat while they drink, and have a plan for transportation if alcohol is involved.
Kentucky Mule Recipe
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Make-ahead base: You cannot really “store” a finished mule drink because the ginger beer will go flat, but you can mix the bourbon and lime juice in a small jar and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Shake and pour over ice, then top with ginger beer right before serving.
- Leftover ginger beer: Keep opened ginger beer tightly capped in the refrigerator and aim to use it within 1–2 days for the best bubbles.
- Freezing: Avoid freezing the full cocktail because the carbonation will be lost and alcohol affects freezing texture. If you want a slushy-style Kentucky mule recipe, blend fresh ingredients with crushed ice right before serving instead.
Nutrition Highlights
Exact numbers will vary based on your bourbon and ginger beer, but here is a rough estimate for one Kentucky mule recipe made with 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz lime juice, and 4 oz regular ginger beer:
- Calories: ~180–210
- Carbohydrates: ~18–22 g (mostly from ginger beer)
- Sugar: ~16–20 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
This cocktail is not a “health drink,” but you can make it a bit lighter by choosing a ginger beer with less added sugar, using a smaller serving, or stretching the drink with sparkling water. Public health guidelines generally suggest that, for adults who choose to drink, moderate intake means up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men, with some people advised not to drink at all based on age, pregnancy, health, or medications. If you have any concerns about alcohol, talk with your healthcare provider and consider non-alcoholic versions instead.
For a clear overview of how alcohol affects health and what “moderation” really means, you can look at this resource from the U.S. National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
Why This Recipe Matters to Me
When I first started looking for lighter, more flavorful cocktails, mules quickly became a favorite because they rely on fresh lime and ginger instead of heavy syrups. Swapping vodka for bourbon in a Kentucky mule recipe adds a deeper, cozier layer that feels perfect for both summer evenings and fall game days. I like that it feels special without needing a long ingredient list or complex techniques. It also fits well with the way I think about recipes on HealthyAmericanBites.com: enjoy something fun and flavorful, but balance it with good food, plenty of water, and a sense of mindfulness. Having a go-to recipe at home can help you pour a smaller, more intentional drink instead of relying on oversized bar servings.
FAQ About Kentucky Mule Recipe
What ingredients are in a Kentucky Mule drink?
A classic Kentucky mule recipe keeps things simple: bourbon, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice over ice, usually garnished with a lime wedge and sometimes mint. Most versions use about 2 oz bourbon, 1/2–1 oz lime juice, and 4–6 oz ginger beer, built directly in a copper mug or rocks glass. The bourbon provides warmth and vanilla-caramel notes, the ginger beer adds spice and sweetness, and the lime brightens everything up.
Bottom line: A Kentucky Mule uses bourbon, ginger beer, and lime juice, plus ice and an optional lime or mint garnish.
What’s the difference between a Moscow Mule and a Kentucky Mule?
The main difference between a Moscow mule and a Kentucky mule is the base spirit. A Moscow mule uses vodka, ginger beer, and lime, traditionally served in a copper mug. A Kentucky mule swaps the vodka for bourbon, giving the drink more flavor from the whiskey and often a slightly sweeter, oakier profile. Some people also call bourbon-based mules “bourbon mules” or “Horsefeathers,” depending on the exact recipe and region.
Bottom line: Moscow mule = vodka; Kentucky mule = bourbon, but both use ginger beer and lime.
What are the ingredients in a mule drink?
In cocktail terms, “mule” usually refers to a family of drinks that combine a base spirit, ginger beer, and lime juice. The classic Moscow mule uses vodka; a Mexican mule uses tequila; a London mule uses gin; and a Kentucky mule recipe uses bourbon. All of them follow the same basic template: spirit + ginger beer + lime, served over ice, often in a copper mug.
Bottom line: A mule drink is any cocktail built on spirit, ginger beer, and lime, with the spirit changing the style and name.
What’s the difference between a Moscow Mule and a mule?
“Moscow mule” is one specific mule drink that uses vodka, ginger beer, and lime and helped popularize the entire style in the mid-20th century. The broader term “mule” covers all the variations that keep ginger beer and lime but change the base spirit—for example, bourbon for a Kentucky mule or tequila for a Mexican mule. When someone just says “mule,” they usually mean the classic Moscow mule, but in cocktail menus, “mule” has become a flexible template.
Bottom line: Every Moscow mule is a mule, but not every mule is a Moscow mule—the difference is which spirit you use.
Can I make a Kentucky Mule without a copper mug?
Yes, you can absolutely make this Kentucky mule recipe in any sturdy glass. Copper mugs look fun and stay very cold, but they are not required for flavor. A rocks glass, highball glass, or even a stemless wine glass works fine as long as you fill it with plenty of ice and use chilled ginger beer. Just avoid very thin glass if you are adding lots of ice and very cold ingredients.
Bottom line: A copper mug is traditional, but any solid glass works for a Kentucky mule.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you like this Kentucky mule recipe and want more ideas for snacks, mocktails, and high-protein treats to serve alongside, you might enjoy these recipes on HealthyAmericanBites.com.
For fun party snacks, pair your drink with a bowl of hot honey popcorn or a tray of air fryer candied cranberries to give guests something sweet and crunchy.
If you prefer to offer alcohol-free options alongside bourbon drinks, the vegan iced coffee recipe and white peach sangria floral mocktail bring plenty of flavor without spirits.
And when you want a high-protein, make-ahead treat for the same gathering, the high protein banana yogurt bark and the site’s vegan cookie recipes collection round out the menu with something satisfying and sweet.
Final Thoughts
This Kentucky mule recipe proves that a simple twist—swapping vodka for bourbon—can make a familiar cocktail feel new again. Ginger, lime, and bourbon play together in a way that feels both refreshing and cozy, and you can tailor the sweetness and strength to your taste. Serve it with plenty of food, offer non-alcoholic options alongside, and enjoy it as part of a balanced approach to celebrations. Once you master this version, you might find yourself creating your own mule variations with different spirits and garnishes.
Print
Kentucky Mule Recipe (Easy Bourbon Ginger Beer Cocktail)
This Kentucky mule recipe is a bourbon-based twist on the classic Moscow mule. Smooth Kentucky bourbon, spicy ginger beer, and fresh lime juice come together over plenty of ice, usually in a frosty copper mug. The result is a refreshing, slightly sweet cocktail with a warm whiskey backbone and bright citrus on top. It mixes in minutes, scales easily for a crowd, and pairs well with salty snacks and game-day appetizers. Always serve to adults of legal drinking age and enjoy mindfully.
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail
Ingredients
2 oz (60 ml) bourbon
1/2–1 oz (15–30 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
4–6 oz (120–180 ml) chilled ginger beer
Ice cubes
Lime wedge or wheel, for garnish
Fresh mint sprig, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Chill a copper mug or sturdy rocks glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes if you have time.
2. Fill the mug or glass almost to the top with ice cubes.
3. Measure 2 oz bourbon and pour it over the ice.
4. Add 1/2–1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice, starting with the smaller amount if you prefer a less tart drink.
5. Top with 4–6 oz chilled ginger beer, pouring gently so you keep the bubbles.
6. Stir the drink once or twice with a bar spoon just to combine the bourbon, lime, and ginger beer.
7. Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel and a fresh mint sprig if you like.
8. Serve the Kentucky mule immediately while it is very cold and fizzy.
Notes
Adjust the lime juice to taste; use closer to 1 oz if you like a brighter, more tart cocktail.
Choose a ginger beer you enjoy on its own, ideally one made with real ginger and not too sweet.
To lighten the drink, use a lower-sugar ginger beer or replace an ounce or two with sparkling water.
For a mocktail version, skip the bourbon and mix ginger beer, lime juice, and mint over ice, or use a non-alcoholic bourbon alternative.
Always serve this cocktail only to adults of legal drinking age and encourage slow, mindful sipping alongside food.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
visit our facebook page