Calories:180
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:16g
Alcohol:14%
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
The Kentucky Mule is a variation of the classic Moscow Mule, which was created in the 1940s by combining vodka, ginger beer, and lime. The Kentucky Mule replaces vodka with bourbon, giving it a distinct American twist. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy the spiciness of ginger beer and the warmth of bourbon. It's a popular choice for summer gatherings, barbecues, and Kentucky Derby parties.
The Kentucky Mule has a bold, spicy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of bourbon and ginger beer creates a warming sensation, while the lime adds a refreshing citrusy tang.
A few good options for Kentucky Mule are:
The robust foundation of the Kentucky Mule. Bourbon brings a smoky sweetness that's quintessentially American. Too much and you'll overpower the drink; too little and it loses its backbone, becoming a ginger-lime spritzer. Substitute with rye for a spicier kick, but then, you're making a different mule!
This fizzy mixer adds spice and refreshment. Alter the amount and you slide between a spicy kick and a mild buzz. Swap for ginger ale for a softer touch, but then, the mule won't kick as hard!
The zingy tartness cuts through the sweetness, balancing the cocktail. Skip it, and your mule turns into a wild stallion, too sweet to tame. Swap out for lemon and you're in a whole new citrus pasture. Balance is key; don't let the lime overpower the bourbon's whisper.
Keeps it cool and dilutes the drink to perfection. Skip it and watch your mule turn from a refreshing steed to a hot-headed beast. No one likes a sweaty mule!
The aromatic garnish that's worth its weight in green. It's a nose-pleaser that makes each sip a breezy affair. Forget it, and your mule may feel a tad underdressed. Replace with basil for an herby twist on tradition.
An eye-catcher and palette prepper, the lime wheel signals citrus and fun. Go without, and it's like a mule without its hooves. Aesthetically pleasing and undeniably purposeful!
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Ingredients: Replace bourbon with mezcal. Recipe: Follow the original recipe, swapping out bourbon for mezcal. Description: The Smoky Mule introduces a new level of smokiness and depth, adding an agave kick to your classic mule that'll have you thinking you're south of the border.
Ingredients: Add 1 oz of apple cider and a dash of cinnamon. Recipe: Reduce bourbon to 1.5 oz, add apple cider and cinnamon before adding ginger beer. Description: Autumn in a cup! The apple's sweetness and cinnamon's warmth turn your usual mule into a seasonal sensation, perfect for holiday cheers.
Ingredients: Muddle a handful of fresh berries at the bottom of the glass. Recipe: Muddle berries, then proceed with the original recipe. You might want to add a splash of simple syrup if the berries are tart. Description: The Berry Mule bursts with fruitiness and color, giving you a tangy twist on your refreshing cocktail. A berry good idea for summer gatherings!
Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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While it ultimately depends on personal preference, some popular choices for bourbon whiskey in a Kentucky Mule are Maker's Mark, Woodford Reserve, and Buffalo Trace.
Yes, Kentucky Mules are traditionally served in copper mugs, similar to Moscow Mules. The copper helps keep the drink cold and some people say it enhances the flavors of the cocktail.
Yes, for a non-alcoholic version or 'mocktail', you can substitute the bourbon with non-alcoholic ginger beer and use lime-flavored sparkling water for the lime juice.
Ginger beer tends to have a stronger, spicier flavor than ginger ale, making it more suited for cocktails. Ginger ale is sweeter and milder, which won't deliver the same 'kick' that ginger beer does.
Kentucky Mules are a great choice for summer gatherings and barbecues due to their refreshing and invigorating taste. However, they can be enjoyed any time of the year.
While it's best made fresh, you can prepare the bourbon and lime juice in advance. Add the ginger beer just before serving to maintain its effervescence.
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