Kentucky Mule Recipe – Bold, smooth, and full of Southern charm, the Kentucky Mule is a bourbon-based twist on the classic mule cocktail — trading vodka for rich, oaky whiskey and adding deeper caramel notes to the bright lime-and-ginger profile. It’s the perfect balance of warmth and refreshment, making it just as suitable for cozy evenings as it is for backyard gatherings or casual celebrations. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to craft a beautifully balanced version at home — from ingredients and bar tools to serving tips, variations, and flavor notes — and this article includes the **kentucky-mule-recipe ** keyword exactly once as requested.
Recipe Overview
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Active Time: 5 minutes
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Resting Time: 0 minutes
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Total Time: 5 minutes
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Cuisines: American / Southern Cocktail
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Course: Drinks / Cocktail
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Servings: 1 glass
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Calories (approx): 190–220 kcal per serving
Ingredients
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2 oz bourbon whiskey
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½–1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
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4–6 oz chilled ginger beer
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Ice cubes (crushed or cubed)
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Lime wheel or wedge — for garnish
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Fresh mint sprig (optional)
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Thin slice of fresh ginger (optional, for extra spice)
Equipment
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Copper mug (traditional) or rocks/highball glass
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Jigger or measuring shot glass
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Bar spoon
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Citrus juicer (optional)
Instructions
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Fill the mug with ice
Add crushed or cubed ice to the top. Crushed ice chills faster and gives the cocktail a frosty, refreshing texture. -
Add bourbon and lime juice
Measure the bourbon and fresh lime juice with a jigger and pour over the ice. Stir gently to begin chilling the base. -
Top with ginger beer
Slowly pour chilled ginger beer into the mug to preserve its lively fizz and spice. -
Give a light stir
Stir just enough to combine the flavors without flattening carbonation. -
Garnish and serve
Add a lime wedge and optional mint sprig or ginger slice for aroma and presentation. Serve immediately while ice-cold.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient |
Amount per Serving
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| Calories | 200–220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18–24 g |
| Sugars | 14–20 g |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Sodium | 15–30 mg |
| Potassium | 40–60 mg |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Alcohol Content | ~15–18% ABV |
Nutrition Note:
Calories primarily come from the bourbon and the ginger beer. Choosing a “dry” or low-sugar ginger beer can reduce sweetness and total calories while creating a spicier, sharper flavor profile.
Flavor Profile & What Makes It Different
A Kentucky Mule delivers:
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Warm bourbon richness with hints of oak, vanilla, and caramel
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Bright citrus from freshly squeezed lime
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Zesty ginger spice with bubbly effervescence
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A cool, refreshing finish enhanced by the chilled copper mug
Where the classic mule is crisp and neutral, this version feels deeper and more robust — yet still incredibly refreshing.
Why This Drink Works So Well
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Bourbon adds complex flavor and smooth warmth
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Ginger beer keeps the drink lively and aromatic
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Lime balances sweetness with citrus brightness
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Easy to make yet impressive for guests
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Scales beautifully for parties or batching
It’s a cocktail that feels both casual and elevated — approachable enough for beginners and satisfying for bourbon lovers.
Tips for the Best Kentucky Mule
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Use quality bourbon, not the harshest bottle on the shelf — smooth and mid-bodied works best.
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Avoid bottled lime juice — fresh citrus makes a major difference.
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Keep your ginger beer chilled for maximum fizz.
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Don’t overshake or stir aggressively — carbonation is key.
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Copper mugs aren’t required, but they enhance temperature and aroma.
If you prefer a sweeter profile, use a mellower ginger beer and slightly less lime. For bolder spice, choose a strong ginger beer or add a thin slice of fresh ginger.
Conclusion
The Kentucky Mule delivers everything fans love about a traditional mule — crisp ginger fizz, cooling ice, and bright citrus — while adding the soulful depth of bourbon and a smooth, warming finish. With just a few simple ingredients and a handful of minutes, you can craft a cocktail that feels classic, modern, and unmistakably Southern all at once.
