• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Cocktails
    • Vodka Recipes
    • Wine Cocktails
    • Moscow Mule Recipes and Variations
    • Wine
  • Dessert
    • Dump Cake Recipes
    • Alcohol Infused Cupcakes
    • Cake Mix Desserts
  • Easy Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
    • Drinks
    • Salad
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks
  • Mom Life and Style
  • Shop
  • Home
  • Blog

Cupcakes and Cutlery logo

menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Cocktails
  • Recipes
  • Life
  • Shop
  • Blog
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Cocktails » You’ll Love this Bourbon Mule Recipe

    Published: Sep 15, 2022 · Updated: Sep 15, 2022 by Sharon Garofalow | This post may contain affiliate links. See the privacy policy linked in my footer.

    You’ll Love this Bourbon Mule Recipe

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Close up of a copper Moscow mule mug with a sage garnish and text over the top.
    Overhead of a Bourbon Moscow Mule in a copper mug with a piece of fresh sage.
    Overhead shot of a Moscow Mule made with bourbon in a copper mug with text over it.

    This Bourbon Mule is a great twist on one of my favorite cocktails! Like the original, it’s super refreshing and ridiculously easy to make.

    If you’re a bourbon fan, you’ll love this 4-ingredient cocktail whose flavors can be modified easily with fresh herbs and bitters. I’ve tried all the Moscow Mule recipes and this one is perfect for serving at parties or sipping one at the end of a long day.

    A bottle of bourbon in the backround of a close up shot of a cocktail in a copper mug.
    A Bourbon Mule is super refreshing, especially with a fresh sage garnish.

    Kentucky Bourbon Mule Recipe

    Classic Moscow Mules are delish. Ginger beer is my jam and I love how refreshing these drinks are. And the fresh lime juice also makes my heart and mouth happy.

    This version with bourbon is excellent! The flavors work so well together that you’ll wonder why you didn’t try this easy bourbon cocktail sooner!

    *Note: These are sometimes called Kentucky Mules, you know, because a lot of bourbon comes from Kentucky.

    Jump to:
    • Kentucky Bourbon Mule Recipe
    • Why This Recipe Works
    • Ingredient Notes
    • How to Make a Moscow Mule with Bourbon
    • Tips
    • More Bourbon Cocktails
    • More Mule Recipes
    • Bourbon Mule

    Why This Recipe Works

    Bourbon is so hot right now. Not, like temperature hot. But, like, hipster-y hot.

    And I know you want to make sure you are all up to speed on what the cool people are doing. Insert laughing/crying emoji face here. Because now that I’m over 40, who cares?

    Since we are already bourbon fans in this house, (you guys, Bourbon Cake!) I knew it would be delicious in a Mule. A Moscow Mule with bourbon whiskey doesn’t taste all that different from the original. 

    Swapping out the vodka for bourbon gives it another layer of flavor that is great as we head into fall. I mean, you can drink a Bourbon Mule cocktail any time of the year but for some reason, these cocktails feel especially perfect during colder weather. 

    Adding the bourbon and sage makes them a great cocktail to serve at Thanksgiving or anytime during fall and winter. The sage flavor is subtle so, no, you won’t think you are drinking stuffing.

    Want more bourbon drink ideas? Try this Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail, a Bourbon Champange Cocktail or an Apple Bourbon Cocktail.

    And while these Bourbon Cocktails for Christmas might have some seasonal flavors, they really are great all year round.

    Woman holding a cocktail shaker with text next to it.

    Ingredient Notes

    Labeled ingredients for a Bourbon Mule recipe.

    Use whatever bourbon you have on hand. (You could even use whiskey and make it a Whiskey Mule if that’s what you have). Or use scotch (Scotch Mule recipe) for a smokier flavor.

    And also you should note that all bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is bourbon. I won’t go into detail, but you really can use bourbon or whiskey interchangeably in most recipes.

    Reed’s Ginger Beer is my favorite brand of ginger beer to use. I like the bite of ginger without it being overly sweet. But you can really use any brand.

    Fresh lime juice is a must. Bottled just doesn’t give it the same zing.

    A traditional mule uses a bit of fresh mint to finish it off but fresh sage pairs really well with the flavors too. It also makes it feel a little more fall-ready.

    A few dashes of regular bitters is the perfect finishing touch. Or you can use a flavored bitters to add another flavor element like I did with the Bitterman’s Elemakule Tiki bitters.

    It doesn’t take much to make the best bourbon mule recipe.

    How to Make a Moscow Mule with Bourbon

    A copper Mule mug next to a jigger and bottle of bourbon on a counter.

    In a copper mug or glass, add Bourbon whiskey.

    A copper Moscow Mule mug with a lime next to it.

    Add fresh lime juice.

    Overhead shot of a copper Mule mug with ice.

    Fill the glass with ice.

    A copper mug full of ice next to a bottle of ginger beer.

    Top with 3-4 ounces of ginger beer.

    Close up of a bottle of bitters next to a copper Moscow Mule mug.

    Just a few drops of bitters in the finished drink and you’re all set. 

    Bitters are such a great way to add depth of flavor to cocktails. And they come in so many different varieties.

    They’re usually pretty subtle but they are my favorite way to finish off a Mule. 

    Clap a fresh sage leaf (or sprig) between your palms and place on top of the drink.

    After making this Bourbon mule with bitters recipe a few times you won’t even need to look at the measurements anymore.

    They are SO easy and you don’t need any fancy equipment unless you want to serve them in these copper mugs. (Which you should because they’re cute).

    Tips

    • You can make a Mule with bourbon even more flavorful by adding flavors that typically go with bourbon. A bit of cherry juice or a squeeze of fresh orange juice would be really tasty!
    • If you want a little more fresh sage flavor in the Bourbon Mule, you can muddle a little with the lime juice and bourbon before adding ice.
    • Need to sweeten this cocktail up a bit? Add a little Vanilla Cinnamon Simple Syrup! It will add another layer of flavor and pair really well with the bourbon.
    • If you aren’t a big drinker, try 1 – 1 ½ ounces of bourbon. You can always add more, but you can’t take too much away.
    • Resist the urge to fill the mug to the top with the ginger beer. To keep the flavors balanced, you want to use 3-4 ounces so it doesn’t overpower everything else.
    Is a Whiskey Mule the same as a Bourbon Mule and Kentucky Mule?

    Pretty much. To be considered bourbon, it is whiskey that is made up of at least 51% corn giving it a slightly sweeter flavor. Lots of bourbon is made in Kentucky so these are sometimes called Kentucky Mules. And since bourbon is technically whiskey, they can also kind of be called Whiskey Mules. Confused? Me too. Don’t get me started on Scotch.

    What is the best bourbon to use?

    I love Four Roses. Woodford Reserve is also easy to find. And I think Knob Creek is a great one for making a Moscow Mule Recipe with bourbon. They are a decent price point and tasty enough to sip if you had to. I wouldn’t use an expensive bourbon in a mixed drink. Save that one for drinking on the rocks.

    Do I have to use a copper mug?

    No. You can make a Bourbon Mule in any type of glass. BUT, a copper mug is created to make a drink extra refreshing. The whole sipping experience is leveled up. The mug gets frosty and the handle keeps your hand from freezing.

    A Moscow Mule with bourbon on a copper mug on a table.

    This Bourbon Moscow Mule recipe is easy to make and a fun twist on the classic mule cocktail. If you are a bourbon fan, you’ll love this delicious drink idea.

    More Bourbon Cocktails

    • Christmas Bourbon Cocktails
    • Apple Bourbon Cocktail Recipe
    • Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
    • Best Old Fashioned Recipe
    • Bourbon Cocktails with Champagne
    • Non-Dairy Bourbon Milk Punch

    More Mule Recipes

    • Mule with Whiskey (Whisky Mule)
    • Scotch Mule
    • Apple Cider Whiskey Mule
    • Cinnamon Whiskey Mule
    • Holiday Moscow Mule
    Printable pages on top of an image of kitchen gadgets with text next to it.
    Bottle of bitters on a counter next to a copper Moscow Mule mug and a bottle of ginger beer.

    Bourbon Mule

    This delicious Bourbon Mule recipe is a delicious twist on the classic Moscow Mule cocktail! Finished with fresh sage, this drink is refreshing and transitions perfectly into fall.
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: cocktails
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 1 cocktail
    Calories: 179kcal
    Author: Sharon Garofalow

    Ingredients

    • 2 oz. Bourbon
    • 4 oz. Reed’s Ginger Beer
    • Juice of half a lime
    • Fresh sage leaves
    • 2 dashes Bitters

    Instructions

    • In a copper mug or glass, add the lime juice and bourbon.
    • Add ice.
    • Top with 3-4 ounces of ginger beer. (Not to the top of the glass).
    • Add a few dashes of bitters and stir.
    • Clap a fresh sage leaf between your palms and place on top of the drink to garnish.

    Notes

    • You can make a Bourbon Mule even more flavorful by adding flavors that typically go with bourbon. A bit of cherry juice or squeeze of fresh orange juice would be really tasty!
    • If you want a little more fresh sage flavor in the Bourbon Mule, you can muddle a little with the lime juice and bourbon before adding ice.
    • Need to sweeten this cocktail up a bit? Add a little Vanilla Cinnamon Simple Syrup! It will add another layer of flavor and pair really well with the bourbon.
    • If you aren’t a big drinker, try 1 – 1 ½ ounces of bourbon. You can always add more, but you can’t take too much away.
    • Resist the urge to fill the mug to the top with the ginger beer. To keep the flavors balanced, you want to use 3-4 ounces so it doesn’t overpower everything else.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1Servings | Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 2mg | Sugar: 10g | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @CupcakesCutlery or tag #cupcakescutlery!

    This post was originally published on August 30, 2017 and has now been updated with tips and tricks to make it perfect every time. If you love easy cocktails, you need to give this one a try!

    More Classic Cocktail Recipes

    • Refreshing Gin Cocktail with Basil and Lemon Recipe
    • 13 Amaro Cocktails to Make at Home
    • Coke and Rosé: A Real Housewife Twist on Kalimotxo
    • Refreshing Red Wine Spritzer Recipe

    Click to share!

    • Share
    • Tweet

    About Sharon Garofalow

    Sharon lives in Southern California with her adorable family. She loves to share ideas to make mom life easier and encourage busy gals to make time for themselves too! Sharon's "me" time often includes watching Hallmark Channel movies, sipping sauvignon blanc, trying not to eat Salt and Pepper potato chips, and planning girlfriend getaways.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Alina Orozco says

      November 30, 2018 at 1:08 pm

      Why didn’t I think to use Bourbon!? So genius and I bet it adds so much more flavor . Yum! Stealing this recipe. Thanks!

      Reply
    2. Carrie Harris says

      November 03, 2015 at 7:27 am

      Love this! I’m not much of a Moscow Mule drinker, but I sooooo love the cups! :)

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        November 09, 2015 at 12:00 pm

        The cups are perfect for apple cider too! :)

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Welcome!
    Based in Southern California, I am the mom to two amazing boys and married to the raddest man in all the land. Cupcakes and Cutlery is your resource for simple solutions to help you be an awesome wife and mother and not lose yourself in the process. Email me at [email protected]

    More about Sharon →

    Posts about wine, liquor and/or cocktail recipes are expressly for people 21 years of age and older. Drink responsibly.

    Winter Favorites

    • Microwave Bread Pudding in a Mug Recipe
    • Spiced Rum Daiquiri
    • Fireball Mule Recipe To Try Right Now
    • Dried Beef Cheese Ball Recipe For Your Next Party

    Reader Favorites

    • The Best Quick and Easy Cool Whip Frosting Recipe
    • Flavorful Fireball Cupcakes Recipe with Cinnamon Whisky
    • Stupid Easy Vodka and Coke Cocktail Idea
    • 50 Birthday Dinner Ideas {Delicious Recipes for Celebrating at Home}
    laptop with a photo on it and text around it to shop my amazon store.

    Affiliate Link Disclosure

    Cupcakes and Cutlery is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Read my full disclosure policy.

    This site generates income via ads.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Accessibility Policy
    • CCPA
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me

    © 2008-2022 CUPCAKES & CUTLERY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.