A Southern take on the Moscow Mule, this Kentucky Mule recipe substitutes bourbon for vodka and utilizes just three ingredients.
Apparently, I can’t get enough of bourbon. Hence why I feel the need to take a perfectly delicious, classic cocktail recipe, the Moscow Mule, and flip it on its head to turn it into a Kentucky Mule. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got nothing against vodka (when used correctly) but, given the choice, I’ll trade bourbon for the clear, flavorless spirit any day.
You can tell from the high frequency of bourbon-based cocktails I’ve posted on this here blog that it’s my absolute favorite hard liquor. I love it because of its intricate flavors and its ability to be paired with almost anything. Unlike vodka, it adds depth to a cocktail, as opposed to just alcohol. I also love that it can easily be enjoyed in every season.
For example, this Bourbon, ‘Barb and Blue just screams summer, while this Boilo is the perfect hot toddy for those cold winter days. It’s even perfect for those in-between months, like we’re in right now – we can mix up an Indian Summer II or this Kentucky Mule when we’re sweltering in the late September heat, which seems inevitable in this here state of California.
I love this Kentucky Mule because it is super, super simple. It’s another one of those cocktails that the hubs and I love to pack the ingredients for in our “bar cooler” when we go on road trips, because it’s so easy to whip up in a hotel room with minimal equipment.
I’m in Long Beach right now hanging out with my bestie/cousin for a couple of days, and you can bet we’ll be enjoying some Kentucky Mules while we’re lounging by the hotel pool. I got into town yesterday and we’re planning on going out and exploring the town a bit tonight, namely the food establishments.
Tell me, where should we go eat (and drink) here in town? Anything that we absolutely cannot miss? We’re already planning on hitting Nick’s for breakfast burritos in the morning on our way to the airport, I’ve heard they must not be missed!
But back to these Kentucky Mules. They are so easy because they only require THREE ingredients. That’s right, folks, just three!! (Unless you want to garnish with mint, which frankly is a take-it or leave-it, I mostly just did it for the photos.) All you need is:
BOURBON
GINGER BEER
FRESH LIME JUICE
That’s it! And the flavor is sooooo on point. Seriously, it’s one of those things where you take a sip of and can’t believe that these three simple ingredients come together in such perfect harmony. I’m not even a fan of ginger and I LOVE these Kentucky Mules (maybe because bourbon is involved?)
Other than the bourbon, ginger beer and lime juice, all you need is lots of crushed ice to make these frosty, refreshing cocktails. Sounds like the perfect Friday treat to me, how about you?
Kentucky Mule
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- ½ ounce fresh lime juice
- 6 ounces ginger beer
- Garnish with fresh mint if desired
Instructions
- Fill a copper mug or rocks glass ¾ of the way with crushed ice. Add bourbon, lime juice and ginger beer.
- Stir to combine and enjoy!
Notes
- As with any Mule recipe, serving this cocktail in a frosty copper mug will keep it cooler longer.
- I highly recommend Fever Tree Ginger Beer for all your Mule-making needs (affiliate link).
Nutrition
Bottoms up!
This post contains affiliate links. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for continuing to support the brands that make CaliGirl Cooking possible!
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