Give your next cocktail a strong and swift kick by mixing bourbon, ginger beer and lime juice together.
The story of the Moscow Mule is an example of serendipity, mixed with the old adage that necessity is the mother of invention. It’s 1941 in Hollywood, California, and a young Russian immigrant named Sophie Berezinski is desperately looking to sell her large stock of copper mugs she made back at her father’s factory in Moscow. Randomly, she walks into the Cock’N Bull bar on Sunset Boulevard, where the owner has a problem of his own. Jack Morgan was stuck with a surplus of ginger beer he didn’t know how to move, and wouldn’t you know it, his good pal John G. Martin had just purchased the Smirnoff vodka company, a spirit Americans weren’t drinking at the time.
To make a long story short, the three of them put their heads, and problems, together and the Moscow Mule was born. As popular as this cocktail has proven to be over the following decades, a number of variations have inevitably popped up. Tonight’s drink is one of those inspired offshoots.
The Kentucky Mule replaces the vodka with the alcohol that the state is most famous for, bourbon. Nowadays, bourbon can be made anywhere in the country, but if it’s made outside of the U.S.A., it’s whiskey. Nobody knows who the forward-thinking mixologist was that first used this spirit in a Mule. But, we can thank them by pouring ourselves a few and raising a copper mug in their honor. Cheers!
What is a Mule Cocktail?
A Mule, which some bartenders also refer to as a Buck, is simply a base spirit mixed with lime juice and ginger beer, then traditionally served on the rocks in a copper mug. Use vodka, and you have a Moscow Mule. Tonight’s drink incorporates bourbon, a spirit that originated in Kentucky. Hence, the Kentucky Mule.
What is the Best Bourbon to Use in a Kentucky Mule?
I’ve become quite the bourbon enthusiast this past summer, and have tried a number of brands, from the mass-produced to small-batch bottles. Jim Beam has been around since 1795, and I usually have some on hand. It is inexpensive, consistent in quality and an all-around great option, especially if you’re new to exploring this liquor. I also love Bulleit and High West, as both are great served neat, and mix up beautifully in any cocktail that calls for bourbon.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces bourbon or whiskey
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 3 ounces ginger beer
- Crushed ice
- Mint leaves for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Fill a copper mug or rocks glass with crushed ice.
- Combine bourbon or whiskey and lime juice in the mug or glass.
- Add ginger beer, gently mix the ingredients, and garnish with mint leaves if desired.
Nutrition
FAQs & Tips
A copper mug is the classic way to go when drinking a Mule, and when you order one at a bar that’s usually what they come in. If you don’t have any at home, a rocks glass will do nicely. Pop some fresh sprigs of mint on top for garnish.
With only three ingredients, one of them being carbonated, this recipe is not suited for being made and then stored away for later. These are best when served and enjoyed fresh.
At only 143 calories per copper cup, you can make that second Mule without feeling too guilty about it.
The name Mule, and even Buck, refers to how these cocktails can kick like one.
Kentucky Mule Variations
Ginger beer is one of those perfect, robust mixers that help elevate and enhance the flavor of certain spirits. If you like fizzy cocktails with bite, Twist & Toast can brighten your day by introducing you to a few more bubbly beverages that’ll tickle your tongue.
- Moscow Mule – Crisp and minty, this vodka-based Mule is a satisfying one.
- Mezcal Mule – In the mood for a smokier, intense-tasting dram? The Mezcal Mule is calling you.
- Mexican Mule – Tequila brings some Southwestern refreshment to this flavorful variation.
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