Bourbon Mule
A refreshing, bubbly and spicy cocktail ∙ Build ∙ 2 min ∙ 10.4% ABV ∙
The Bourbon Mule is a Moscow Mule made with bourbon: bourbon, fresh lime juice and sugar syrup, topped with ginger beer over ice in a Collins glass.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Pour the first 3 ingredients into a mug or glass: Bourbon 50 mlLime juice 20 mlSugar syrup 10 ml
- Briefly stir
- Fill the glass 2/3 full with cubed ice
- Top with Ginger beer
- Fill the mug or glass with a crown of crushed ice
- Garnish with a lime wheel and a mint sprig
Tips
- Stir the bourbon, lime, and syrup before the ice goes in. Once the ginger beer and crushed-ice crown are on, leave it alone so it keeps its fizz.
History
The Bourbon Mule, also called the Kentucky Mule, swaps bourbon for the vodka in the Moscow Mule, giving the same ginger beer and lime highball a sweeter, oak-driven character. The Moscow Mule is said to have been devised in 1941 as a way to sell Smirnoff vodka and the Cock 'n' Bull pub's own ginger beer together.
FAQ
What is a mule made with bourbon called?
A Bourbon Mule, also called a Kentucky Mule. It is the vodka-based Moscow Mule made with bourbon instead, which makes it warmer and richer; the lime and ginger beer stay the same.
How do I make a Bourbon Mule?
Build it in a Collins glass. Pour in 50 ml bourbon, 20 ml fresh lime juice, and 10 ml sugar syrup, stir briefly, and fill the glass two-thirds with cubed ice. Top with 75 ml ginger beer, crown with crushed ice, and garnish with a lime wheel and a mint sprig. Don't stir again, or you lose the fizz.
What is the best bourbon for a mule?
A standard bottled-in-bond or 90-proof bourbon. It has enough body to hold up against the ginger beer and lime. Higher-proof bourbons add more warmth and spice; delicate, older bourbons tend to get lost.
What glass is a Bourbon Mule served in?
A Collins glass, built over ice and garnished with a lime wheel and a mint sprig.
