A Classic Kentucky Mule Cocktail Recipe
Are you a bourbon lover looking for the perfect cocktail to add to your repertoire? Look no further than the classic Kentucky Mule. This delicious twist on the iconic Moscow Mule is sure to be a hit at your next cocktail hour or Kentucky Derby party.
With simple ingredients and a refreshing blend of flavors, the Kentucky Mule is a must-try for any bourbon enthusiast. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the history of the Kentucky Mule, the main ingredients, and how to make your own Kentucky Mule at home.
History of the Kentucky Mule
The story of the Kentucky Mule begins in the late 1800s in the United States. During this time, ginger beer was a popular drink and was often mixed with alcohol to create what is known as a highball cocktail. One of the most famous highball cocktails was the Moscow Mule, which consisted of vodka, ginger ale, and lime juice. It gained popularity in the 1940s and was traditionally served in a copper mug.
As popularity for the Moscow Mule grew, variations of the cocktail started to emerge, including the Irish Mule (made with Irish whiskey) and the Mexican Mule (made with tequila). However, the Kentucky Mule, made with bourbon whiskey, quickly became a fan favorite. With its smooth and complex flavor, it's no surprise that the Kentucky Mule has become a staple in the world of bourbon-based drinks.
Main Ingredients of the Kentucky Mule
The main ingredients of a Kentucky Mule are bourbon whiskey, fresh lime juice, ginger beer, and simple syrup. Let's take a closer look at each of these ingredients and how they contribute to the overall flavor of the cocktail.
Bourbon Whiskey: The star of the show, bourbon whiskey is a type of whiskey made primarily from corn and aged in oak barrels. Kentucky is known for producing some of the best bourbon in the world, making it the perfect choice for a Kentucky Mule. Some popular brands of bourbon include Maker's Mark, Wild Turkey, and Woodford Reserve.
Fresh Lime Juice: Fresh-squeezed lime juice adds a bright and refreshing citrus flavor to the Kentucky Mule. It also helps balance out the sweetness of the cocktail.
Ginger Beer: Unlike ginger ale, which is a carbonated soft drink, ginger beer is a spicy and slightly sweet non-alcoholic beverage. It adds a spicy kick and depth of flavor to the cocktail.
Simple Syrup: Made from equal parts sugar and water, simple syrup is a common ingredient in many cocktails. It adds a touch of sweetness and helps to balance out the spicy flavor of the ginger beer.
How to Make a Kentucky Mule
Now that we know the main ingredients of a Kentucky Mule, let's dive into the recipe. Here's what you'll need:
2 ounces bourbon
1/2 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
Ginger beer, to top
¼ ounce simple syrup
Lime wedge for garnish
Copper mug (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add 2 ounces of bourbon to the glass.
3. Squeeze in 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice.
4. Add ¼ ounce of simple syrup.
5. Top off the glass with ginger beer.
6. Stir gently with a bar spoon.
7. Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of fresh mint.
8. Enjoy your delicious Kentucky Mule!
Variations of the Kentucky Mule
While the classic Kentucky Mule recipe is delicious on its own, there are also many variations of this cocktail that you can try. Here are a few ideas to mix things up and add some unique flavor dimensions to your drink:
Mint Julep Mule: Add a sprig of fresh mint and a splash of lemon juice to your Kentucky Mule for a refreshing twist on the classic.
Mezcal Mule: Swap out the bourbon for smoky mezcal for a little different take on the traditional Kentucky Mule.
Bourbon Fruit Mule: Muddle some fresh fruit, such as strawberries or peaches, in the bottom of your glass before adding the other ingredients for a fruity and flavorful twist.
Spicy Ginger Mule: If you can handle the heat, add a dash of hot sauce or a slice of jalapeno to your mule for a spicy kick.
Irish Mule: Swap out the bourbon for Irish whiskey for a change of pace.
Make Your Own Kentucky Mule Recipe Card
Ready to make your own Kentucky Mule at home? Download our free recipe card and keep it handy for your next cocktail hour or Kentucky Derby party. Bonus points if you serve it in a copper mug!
Different Types of Bourbon Whiskey
As mentioned, bourbon is the main ingredient in a Kentucky Mule, but did you know that there are different types of bourbon? Here are a few to keep an eye out for:
Bulleit Bourbon: With notes of oak and a smooth finish, Bulleit is a great choice for a Kentucky Mule.
Maker's Mark: Made with a wheat-based mash bill, Maker's Mark is known for its sweeter flavors and is a favorite among bourbon lovers.
Wild Turkey: If you prefer a bolder and spicier bourbon, Wild Turkey is a great option.
Woodford Reserve: With a complex flavor profile and a smooth finish, Woodford Reserve is a popular choice for bourbon-based cocktails.
The Kentucky Mule is a delicious and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for bourbon lovers. With its simple ingredients and easy instructions, it's also one of the easiest cocktails to make at home. Whether you're looking for a new favorite cocktail or just want to switch things up, the Kentucky Mule is a must-try. So grab your copper mule mug, some bourbon, and get mixing! Cheers to the perfect Kentucky Mule.
A CLASSIC KENTUCKY MULE COCKTAIL RECIPE
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1/2 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
- Ginger beer, to top
- ¼ ounce simple syrup
- Lime wedge for garnish
- Copper mug (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
- Add 2 ounces of bourbon to the glass.
- Squeeze in 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice.
- Add ¼ ounce of simple syrup.
- Top off the glass with ginger beer.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of fresh mint.
- Enjoy your delicious Kentucky Mule!
You might also like…
If you love pumpkin spice as much as I do, you’ll love this list of the best pumpkin flavored coffees for fall!