Food Recipes A Kentucky Mule Recipe That's Perfect For the Derby and Beyond Be the first to rate & review! Just three ingredients stand between you and a stellar cocktail. By Samantha Leffler Samantha Leffler Samantha is the senior food editor at RealSimple and previously launched the US Weekly food vertical, where she wrote about the intersection of food and pop culture. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on April 21, 2024 Rate PRINT Share Close Photo: Rez-Art/Getty Images Prep Time: 5 mins Total Time: 5 mins Yield: 1 drink Whipping up an ace cocktail can be intimidating, especially if you’re raising a glass in celebration of an event, such as The Kentucky Derby. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a three-ingredient drink called the Kentucky mule that’s ideal for derby watching and beyond. A riff on the beloved Moscow mule and somewhat similar to the ever-popular mint julep, a Kentucky mule calls for three ingredients—bourbon, lime juice, and ginger beer—as well as some fresh garnishes. The drink is exceedingly easy to make, and is perfect to sip on during the warmer months. 23 Tropical Cocktails That Make You Feel Like You're on Vacation “The Kentucky mule is an offshoot of the popular Moscow mule, which was first created in the 1940s and is made with vodka. Both are part of the larger cocktail family called a buck [which was invented in the late 1800s],” explains Kim Romo, Beverage Manager at Eberly in Austin, Texas. “Buck-style cocktails utilize ginger and citrus in their build. By swapping out the vodka for bourbon, you are making a richer drink with more depth, while still retaining the refreshing and effervescent quality of a mule that everyone loves.” “Use a higher proof bourbon that can stand up to the ginger,” explains Romo. “I recommend something that is at least 90-proof.” Despite being easy-to-make, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind for a Kentucky mule that’s a cut above the rest. “Use fresh produce, especially mint,” says Jennifer Jackson, Beverage Manager for Thompson Restaurants. “If your mint is a little tired and lackluster, fill a rocks glass with ice and water. Trim the ends of your mint and submerge the leaves in the ice bath for 30 minutes to an hour.” Jackson also advises being gentle when making your mule. “Don’t over-muddle your lime and mint leaves,” she adds. “Just a few presses to release the juice and mint oil is plenty.” How to Make a Martini at Home For a twist on a Kentucky mule, feel free to experiment by adding other ingredients. “Add fresh berries or fruit to your mule. I like blackberries or peaches,” shares Romo. “They complement both the bourbon and ginger.” Jackson, on the other hand, is a fan of adding honey or ginger to her Kentucky mule recipe below. As she points out, what you add depends on your palate. “If you like a sweeter cocktail, add a little honey, or [add] freshly grated ginger for an extra spicy kick,” she says. “Before you add your mint sprig as a garnish, give it a little slap between your hands to activate the aromatic properties,” advises Jackson. “This will give you a beautiful minty fragrance each time you take a sip, enhancing your cocktails.” Ready to make a Kentucky mule of your own? Follow the step-by-step recipe below. Ingredients 2 ounces Maker's Mark Bourbon 1/2 ounce lime juice 4 ounces high-quality ginger beer, like Q Mixers Ginger Beer or Goslings Ginger Beer 3 lime wedges, divided 4 mint sprigs, divided Directions Fill a copper cup with ice. In a shaker tin, muddle a few (about 3) leaves of mint and 1-2 lime wedges. Add Bourbon, lime juice, and a large scoop of ice. Give the shaker a hard few shakes and strain the mixture into a copper mug. Top with ginger beer and stir. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge, and enjoy! Rate It Print