Kentucky Mule

The Kentucky Mule is a whiskey-based twist on the Moscow Mule that swaps vodka for bourbon and is combined with ginger beer and fresh lime juice.

The Moscow Mule, one of the most enduringly popular mixed drinks, was created as a marketing push for Smirnoff vodka in Los Angeles in the 1940s. The “Moscow” reference was inspired by Smirnoff’s original distilling home, and the “mule” moniker was a play on an older category of drinks called “bucks” that combined any spirit, ginger ale or ginger beer, and citrus. 

Like the classic, this bourbon highball is most often served in a copper mug and built directly in the glass, but with a garnish of fresh mint sprig for an additional nod to Kentucky.

What makes the Kentucky Mule work

Bourbon and ginger beer are a natural combination. Bourbon’s characteristic caramel, vanilla, and woodsy cask flavors can stand up to an intensely spicy ginger beer. A well-made bourbon with a little softness can also help to round out the edges and balance the peppery bite in the spiced mixer.

Half an ounce of fresh lime juice lends ample acidity to break through the sweetness in both the bourbon and ginger beer while adding bright citrus flavors to the drink. The generous addition of lime juice helps to create a refreshingly crisp cocktail and the sprig of mint garnish contributes cooling aromatics, making this an ideal warm-weather porch crusher.