Kentucky Mule
Based on the Moscow Mule, the Kentucky Mule blends Bourbon, lime juice and ginger for a refreshing and flavorful cocktail. 
This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links, which can earn me a small commission, please see my policy page for details.
What tastes better on a hot summer evening than a frosty drink on the patio! With a big flavor punch from ginger beer, the Kentucky Mule is tasty and refreshing, especially as the temperature climbs!
In fact, even the serving ware contributes to the experience. Traditionally served in copper mugs, they hold in the cold and give off a blushing glow as the sun glints off. 
Now per Wikipedia, “Some public health advisories recommend copper mugs be plated with nickel or stainless steel on the inside and the lip, but it has been disputed whether the time and acidity involved in the drinking of a Moscow mule would be enough… to cause copper toxicity.”
Step by Step Overview
The Kentucky Mule is a quick and easy drink. To start, fill a Moscow Mule mug with ice
Add fresh lime juice and bourbon 
Top with cold ginger beer
Garnish with mint sprig and lime slice
Other Moscow Mule Variations
Besides the Kentucky Mule and the Moscow Mule, there are a number of other variations. These include the London Mule, which uses gin instead of bourbon, the Caribbean mule, made with rum, the Mexican Mule using tequila and of course the Irish Mule with Irish Whisky. 
Diet Ginger Beer is delicious in this too and makes for a keto-friendly, low calorie cocktail!
If you don’t have the traditional copper mugs, the Kentucky Mule can be served in a highball glass. 
Kentucky Mule
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice from about 1/2 lime
- 6 ounces ginger beer or more, depending on amount of ice
- Optional garnish: mint sprig and/or lime slice
Instructions
- Fill a Moscow Mule mug with ice
- Add fresh lime juice and bourbon
- Top with cold ginger beer
- Garnish with mint sprig and lime slice if desired
Nutrition
Get More Bourbon Recipes:
-
- Cherry Vanilla Bourbon Fizz from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Ginger Goldrush Cocktail from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Grilled Bourbon Glazed Salmon from That Recipe
- Kentucky Mule from Art of Natural Living
- Pineapple Bourbon Lemonade from Cheese Curd in Paradise
We share Recipes From Our Dinner Table! Join our group and share your recipes, too! While you’re at it, follow our Pinterest board, too!
A mule with a ginger twist?! Sounds delicious!
It was just perfect for summer Barbara! (Sorry you comment was in my spam folder…)
What nice idea Inger !
They are yummy Gloria!
Since I don’t own those beautiful copper mugs I have never tried a Mule of any kind. But, you are definitely making me want to get some and try this. Yes, I know I could use a high ball glass, but those mugs!
I know, I had to buy the mugs too. Saving the economy during the pandemic was the perfect excuse but I’d do it just for looks (and cold retention) now.
We are in the middle of winter but I so want to try this. Bourbon, lime and ginger beer sounds like my kind of drink for sure 🙂
Summer will come Tandy!
We love mules! Mainly because we love ginger beer. 🙂 Never made a Kentucky one — gotta try that. Our favorite might be the Gin-Gin Mule — uses both gin and ginger. Anyway, fun post — thanks.
Yum! I am so happy I found a good diet ginger beer since that’s no guilt and I love it too!
The first time I had this was just recently, not too long ago. I was surprised it was really good and indeed refreshing specially for an alcoholic drink
Yes, it’s actually good for hydration too. Ooo, good excuse to make again!
You can’t beat a good mule on a hot day! Love that lime and mint combo.
Ain’t it the truth!
That does sound really refreshing, Inger! Perfect for our 110°F heat!
I don’t envy you David. Okay I do in winter 🙂