This Kentucky Mule Cocktail is a spin on the classic Moscow mule. Made with bourbon instead of vodka, fresh-squeezed lime juice, and spicy ginger beer. You'll love this delicious twist on a classic cocktail.

These bourbon mules are super refreshing, and sort of a mix between a mint julep, and an original Moscow mule recipe. Perfect for any happy hour, or a Kentucky Derby Party! Served in a copper mug and a sprig of mint, this drink will become one of your new favorite things!
If you're looking for more delicious cocktail recipes, be sure to try this raspberry mule with homemade sugar-free raspberry simple syrup, or this blackberry bourbon bramble.
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❤️Why you'll love this
- Simple ingredients: You only need 3 staple ingredients for this drink. Nothing fancy!
- Suitable for different diets: If you use diet or light ginger beer (affiliate link) like we do, this drink is low carb, and naturally gluten free.
- Quick & easy: You can literally mix this drink up in your mug, no shaker required. Just pour and serve!
🥃Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need. You can find the full quantities and nutritional information in the recipe card.
✏️Ingredient Notes
- Light ginger beer - We use diet ginger beer to omit the extra sugar, but use your favorite type! Please note, that ginger beer is fermented and has a spicy kick. It's not to be confused with ginger ale!
- Fresh lime juice
- Kentucky bourbon - This Kentucky mule drink wouldn't be complete without Kentucky bourbon! The rule of thumb for if a type of whiskey is considered bourbon or not is that it has to be made with at least 51% corn, and it must be aged in oak barrels. It's also probably made in Kentucky, but it doesn't have to be. Our favorite is Woodford Reserve!
- Fresh mint sprig - This is more inspired by a mint julep, but it is refreshing and adds a subtle freshness to the drink, though it is mainly a garnish.
- Lime slices or a lime wedge - For garnish.
📖Instructions
Combine bourbon and lime juice in an ice-filled copper mug.
Top with ginger beer.
Give the drink a good stir.
Garnish with fresh mint and lime slices.
That's it! Enjoy!
✨Variations
Here are a few simple suggestions to switch this drink up!
- Irish mule - Use your favorite brand of Irish whiskey, like Jameson.
- Tennessee mule-Just use Tennessee whiskey, like Jack Daniels!
🧊Equipment
Luckily, this recipe is pretty standard and you actually don't need any special equipment to make it.
- Moscow mule mugs - If you want the best results, these copper mugs fit the look and tradition, plus they keep your drink really cold!
- Bar spoon - All you need is to pour your ingredients into an ice-filled mug and stir it. That's it!
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🥣Storage
We don't recommend fully preparing this drink ahead of time. However, you can squeeze fresh lime juice and keep it in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days ahead of time. You can also cut lime wedges or slices a day or so in advance.
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📖 Recipe
Kentucky Mule
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces bourbon whiskey
- 1 ounce lime juice
- Ice for mug
- Top with ginger beer (we used diet ginger beer)
- Lime slices and mint for garnish
Instructions
- Add ice to a copper mug. Pour in lime juice, and bourbon. Then top with ginger beer, then stir with a bar spoon. Garnish with a sprig of mint and some lime slices. Enjoy!
- Meant to be enjoyed right away. We don't recommend pre-mixing these drinks in advance.
Notes
- Ginger beer is not included in the nutrition facts as it will depend greatly on whether you're using diet ginger beer or traditional. If using diet ginger beer (calorie-free) please view the nutrition facts below!
Nutrition
These nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy and are only estimates. We cannot guarantee the accuracy.
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