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Jill McOwen
Updated July 9, 2026

Bourbon Mule Recipe aka Kentucky Mule

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A Bourbon Mule is a cold and refreshing classic cocktail. It’s made with Kentucky bourbon, ginger beer and fresh lime juice.
If you like this recipe, check out my Best Bourbon for Old Fashioned next!
bourbon mule in a copper mug
I’m sharing how to make a perfect Bourbon Mule with you today (aka Kentucky Mule). It’s my tribute to the fabulous music festival for bourbon lovers in Louisville, Kentucky – Bourbon and Beyond. I was lucky enough to attend as Media VIP in 2019 – you can read all about my experience here. Plus learn how to make Bourbon Mimosas!

What is a Bourbon Mule?

Also known as a Kentucky Mule, this cocktail is made with Kentucky bourbon, ginger beer and fresh lime juice. Fresh mint is optional. But the mint makes this drink reminiscent of another classic Kentucky cocktail (mostly associated with the Kentucky Derby), a Mint Julep. Which is made of bourbon, sugar, mint and crushed ice.
bourbon mule garnished with mint and lime

Ingredients needed for bourbon mule recipe

  • High Quality Bourbon – Use a good, Kentucky bourbon for this cocktail recipe. Some popular choices for a Bourbon Mule are Buffalo Trace Eagle Rare, Bulleit bourbon (which I have pictured), Elijah Craig, Evan Williams Black Label, Four Roses Small Batch, Knob Creek, and Maker’s Mark. The best bourbon is a matter of personal preference.
  • Fever Tree Ginger Beer – My absolute favorite choice for spicy ginger beer is Fever Tree. It’s so pure with an intense taste of real ginger. Ginger ale is a perfectly good substitute. But I prefer the extra kick from ginger beer.
  • Lime Juice – Just a squeeze from one or two lime wedges is plenty.
  • Optional Garnishes – Fresh mint leaves really take this classic cocktail over-the-top. Edible flowers or even fresh blackberries are nice too.

Instructions

  1. Fill a copper mug with ice. Use a cocktail glass if you don’t have copper.
  2. Pour in a small bottle of Fever Tree Ginger Beer (6.8 ounces).
  3. Add 2 shots (3 ounces) of Kentucky bourbon.
  4. Squeeze in the juice of one or two lime wedges.
  5. Add a sprig of fresh mint.
  6. Stir to combine and enjoy.

bourbon mule garnished with mint and an edible purple flower

FAQ’s

What makes a beverage a mule?

Mules are popular cocktails, also known as bucks. A mule always contains ginger beer (or ale), citrus and liquor – be it vodka, bourbon, tequila or gin.

What’s the difference between a Kentucky Mule and a classic Moscow Mule?

The only difference between these two refreshing drinks is the spirit. A Kentucky Mule contains bourbon and a Moscow Mule contains vodka. This is simply a Moscow Mule variation.

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Why is a mule served in copper mule mugs?

Copper conducts temperature and keeps the mule icy cold. A copper mule mug helps to enhance the flavor of whatever spirit you choose to make your mule with – be it bourbon, vodka, tequila or gin.

Are bourbon and whiskey the same?

All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. Bourbon whiskey can only be produced in the state of Kentucky.

Why does bourbon have to made in Kentucky?

Kentucky boasts some of the richest, most fertile soil in the United States. It is ideal for growing the major ingredient in bourbon, corn. Bourbon must contain at least 51 percent corn, and Kentucky is up to the task. The state has been corn country since its earliest days in the late 1700’s.

two copper mugs of bourbon mule pictured with a charcuterie board

Serving suggestions

Set out a small charcuterie board for your guests (as pictured). Here’s my guide for how to make a salami rose to help with assembling yours. BBQ, spicy and bold flavors pair well with these drinks. Here’s some more recipe inspiration –

Kitchen tools

a bourbon mule in a copper mug garnished with fresh mint and lime wedge
Print Pin
5 from 15 votes

Bourbon Mule

A Bourbon Mule is the cold, refreshing cocktail you are looking for! It's made with Kentucky bourbon, ginger beer and fresh lime juice.
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Keyword bourbon mule, bourbon mule recipe, kentucky mule
Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings 1
Calories 318kcal
Author Jill McOwen

Ingredients

  • 6.8 oz Ginger Beer I use Fever Tree brand
  • 3 oz Bourbon
  • 1 oz Lime Juice
  • 1 sprig Fresh Mint
Start Cooking

Instructions

  • Fill a copper mug with ice.
  • Pour in the whole bottle of Fever Tree Ginger Beer.
  • Add two shots of Kentucky bourbon. Stir well to combine.
  • Squeeze in the juice of one or two lime wedges.
  • Add a sprig of fresh mint.
  • Stir again and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 318kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 22mg | Potassium: 167mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 57IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg

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A Bourbon Mule is a cold and refreshing classic cocktail. It's made with Kentucky bourbon, ginger beer and fresh lime juice.

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I am being provided with two media passes for VIP access to the Bourbon and Beyond festival in exchange for this recipe post. All opinions are mine alone.

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Comments

    • foodtasticmom says

      Thanks so much!! And I was so pleased with this set of four copper mugs. They are really well made. Here’s the link to purchase your own set, if you’re interested! https://amzn.to/3Mtsz3W
      It’s an affiliate link, which just benefits me for directing you there. The price is the same!

      Reply

  8. Mirlene says

    5 stars
    I love a good cocktail that has ginger beer in it! I’ll be making this for my friends soon. We’re having girls night out and want a little sipper before we go.

    Reply

  10. angela says

    5 stars
    I love a classic mule and never thought of using bourbon until my friend asked. She is a bourbon lover and I made this for her. She gave it a big thumbs up immediately.

    Reply

  15. Cam says

    5 stars
    These mules are fantastic! Never tried one with bourbon before and I think it’s even better than the original!

    Reply

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