This spicy Kentucky Mule, aka a Bourbon Mule, replaces the vodka in the Moscow Mule with Kentucky bourbon, and a homemade ginger maple syrup gives this cocktail a delicious and flavorful punch!
Bourbon, lime juice, ginger, and ginger beer make this a flavorful cocktail perfect for fall and winter, and don't forget to serve in the mule's signature copper mug!
Why this recipe works:
Being from Louisville, Kentucky, I am a huge fan of bourbon and bourbon cocktails. I love a bourbon mule, but if you also are a bourbon lover, don't forget to check out my Mint Julep, Gold Rush, and Strawberry Bourbon Smash cocktail recipes!
I love a mule because it is as delicious as it is refreshing and comforting. The bubbliness from the ginger beer is so lovely, and by adding ginger syrup, you get a very spicy and flavorful cocktail. Bourbon is also a superior spirit to vodka, has so much flavor on its own, and goes so well with ginger.
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Key Ingredients:
Bourbon: This is a bourbon-based cocktail, and the bourbon flavor comes through, so using a top-shelf, and high-quality bourbon is key to a delicious tasting drink. You can use any bourbon you like! However, I suggest premium bourbon, and here are a few of my favorites for cocktails.
Lime Juice: Lime juice perfectly compliments the ginger and adds even more flavor to this refreshing cocktail.
Ginger Maple Syrup: I found that adding ginger beer on its own did not give the drink enough flavor, and it tasted more like bourbon and ginger than a spicy mule. This syrup added more ginger flavor and a slight deep sweetness from maple syrup. You can easily skip this or use a plain store-bought ginger syrup if you are in a time pinch.
Ginger Beer: This is a non-alcoholic carbonated soda similar to ginger ale. Ginger Ale can be used in a pinch, but a high-quality ginger beer like Reeds is best!
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make this recipe:
Start by making the ginger syrup by heating the chopped or frozen ginger with the sugar, maple syrup, and water until the sugar is fully melted. Let the ginger steep for 30 minutes. Strain and chill in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it
Next, add the bourbon to a copper mug.
Followed by ginger syrup and lime juice.
Add ice and fill the mug with ginger beer!
Substitutions:
- Ginger Maple Syrup: this can be switched out for any store-bought or homemade ginger syrup.
- Ginger Beer: this can be substituted for Ginger Ale if beer can not be found.
Equipment:
- Copper Mug: optional
- Saucepan to make the syrup.
Tips and tricks for making this recipe:
- Try and make your ginger syrup ahead of time, so it has time to thoroughly cool. You can make it up to two weeks ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
FAQ's
You can use any bourbon you like! However, I suggest premium bourbon, and here are a few of my favorites for cocktails.
Buffalo Trace
Woodford Reserve
Four Roses Small Batch
Knob Creek
The syrup will keep for up to two weeks in a refrigerator.
Looking for more cocktail recipes?! Check these out!
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Kentucky Mule with Maple Ginger Syrup
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: cocktail
- Method: mixed
- Cuisine: american
Description
This spicy Kentucky Mule replaces the vodka in the Moscow Mule with Kentucky bourbon, and a homemade ginger maple syrup gives this cocktail a delicious and flavorful punch!
Ingredients
For the ginger maple syrup:
- 1 scant cup peeled and chopped ginger or frozen crushed ginger
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup sugar
For the Mule:
- 1 oz lime
- 1 ½ oz bourbon
- 2 oz ginger syrup
- Top with ginger beer
Instructions
- Start by making the ginger syrup by heating the chopped or frozen ginger with the sugar, maple syrup, and water until the sugar is fully melted. Let the ginger steep for 30 minutes. Strain and chill in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it
- Next, add the bourbon to a copper mug.
- Followed by ginger syrup and lime juice.
- Add ice and fill the mug with ginger beer!
- Garnish with cinnamon, ginger, or mint!
Pate says
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Elsie S. Stewart says
I tried this recipe and it's really good. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to try the recipe.