The Best Kentucky Mule

A Kentucky mule on a straw placemat with a fresh mint sprig and lime wedges to the side.

This very best Kentucky mule is the perfect refreshing cocktail for bourbon lovers! Freshly squeezed lime juice, smooth bourbon and cooling ginger beer come together to make one drink you’ll want to sip on the patio all night. You can whip up this favorite whiskey drink in under five minutes, and it couldn’t be easier to prepare. Plus, this bourbon mule comes with a batching option for easy entertaining.

Course Beverages

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings drink

Calories 225kcal

Author Amanda McGrory-Dixon

Equipment

Copper mug
Jigger or small measuring cup
Handheld citrus juicer
Bar spoon

Ingredients

2 ounces bourbon
½ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
Ice
6 ounces chilled ginger beer
Fresh mint sprig for garnish, optional
Lime wedge or wheel for garnish, optional

Instructions

Add the bourbon, lime juice and a handful of ice to a copper mug.
Using the bar spoon stir for about 15-20 seconds to chill the bourbon mixture.
Top with chilled ginger beer. Gently stir to combine.
Place the mint sprig in the palm of one hand and quickly clap over it to release its fragrance. Add the sprig to the mug with the lime. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

For an eight-drink pitcher: Add 2 cups bourbon, ½ cup lime juice and a couple handfuls of ice to a pitcher. Stir for about 20 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove the remaining ice. This accounts for typical dilution. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. After that, the lime juice will start to lose its brightness. When you're ready to serve, pour in 6 cups chilled ginger beer (that's the equivalent of eight 6-ounce bottles).

When you pick your limes at the grocery store, they should have a little give when you press your fingers into the skin. If the limes are hard, they’re dried out.
Use a handheld citrus juicer to maximize your juice output.
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Nutrition