It has fresh lime flavor and the classic ginger beer. But a Whiskey Mule kicks vodka to the curb. It’s just as delicious as my favorite cocktail but transitions perfectly into fall.
If you like trying out different Moscow Mule variations, you’ll love this easy drink idea.
This post was originally published on September 22, 2020, and has now been updated.
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Why this recipe works
A Whiskey Mule is a simple cocktail recipe that keeps the classic Moscow Mule flavors and just swaps out the type of liquor you use.
If you’re a fan of whiskey, you will love this twist. It adds an extra touch of flavor that you’ll really enjoy. I find that whiskey has a bit more flavor, some warm, comforting notes, that are totally missing from vodka.
And if you love to mess around with different types of Moscow Mules, this is a good one to try.
Without any special tools and simple ingredients, this Moscow Mule with whiskey can be made in just 5 minutes. If you’re over your standard Old-Fashioned, you need to give this a try.
Ginger and lime go really well with whiskey and it makes this easy cocktail recipe super refreshing. It’s perfect any time of year.
Ingredient notes
If you have bourbon at home, that works too! Here’s a Bourbon Moscow Mule recipe I make with a sage garnish that is totally tasty. But whiskey is truly delicious!
Ginger Beer is a classic Mule ingredient and you can find it anywhere you shop for groceries. It is not as sweet as Ginger Ale and keeps the drink more balanced. Do not substitute!
Fresh lime and mint add tons of flavor and bitters finish this Whiskey Mule off just perfectly.
How to make a Whiskey Mule
To make a Whiskey Mule grab your copper mug and add ice.
Seriously, if you don’t have copper mugs, you are missing out!
The ice makes them really nicely chilled and when it touches your lips gives you the sensation that the drink is even colder!
I do not purchase all the “correct” glassware for cocktails because I don’t think it’s that necessary. But the mugs do keep things super refreshing.
You can even use them for other cocktails.
Add your whiskey and fresh lime juice.
Give it a little stir with a bar spoon.
Top with ginger beer, about 3 ounces.
Add a few dashes of bitters.
Fresh mint is the perfect garnish. Clap a few sprigs in between your palms to help release the oils.
You can skip it if you don’t have any and aren’t going to make a special trip to the store.
But when you bring that mug to your mouth, the mint hits your nose first and it’s EVERYTHING!
Tips and tricks
- For more mint flavor, muddle some fresh mint with the lime juice before adding the whiskey and ginger beer.
- Not sure what ginger beer to use? I like Reed’s Ginger Beer. It has a nice bite, a little sweetness and is easy to find at the grocery store.
- Copper Mugs hold a lot of liquid. If you use more than 2-3 ounces of ginger beer, you might lose the flavor of the whiskey. Consider adding more or not filling the mug to the top.
- You can use another glass for this Whiskey Mule recipe if you don’t have copper mugs but I really love them for serving cocktails. They keep them extra cold and frosty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whisky/ whiskey is made in a variety of places and so flavors might be minorly different. And if the whiskey is made in Canada and Scotland it has an “e”. When made in America or Ireland, the “e” is left out.
Because I’m using a Canadian Whiskey, this mule can also be called a Canadian Mule.
Most recipes call for 2 ounces of alcohol but you are free to use the amount that tastes best for you. If you don’t love the flavor of liquor, you will want to do 1 – 1 1/2 ounces in this Moscow Mule with Whiskey instead.
Ginger Beer is non-alcoholic, like root beer. The type you will most often find on the shelf in the grocery store is non-alcoholic. A few companies have started to make a “hard” version but they are found in specialty stores.
Use any brand of whiskey that you would drink on its own. I had this Canadian whiskey at home but you can use any brand.
You can but it will be sweeter and have less bite. Ginger Beer is the best option for a Whiskey Mule.
A Whiskey Mule is a super simple cocktail recipe. It’s one that even non-cocktail fans really like.
Related recipes
Or see my cocktail collections of Vodka Cocktails, and Wine Cocktails.
Whiskey Mule
Equipment
- Copper Moscow Mule Mug
- Bar spoon
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 – 2 oz. whiskey
- 1 oz. fresh lime juice
- 2-4 oz. ginger beer
- 4 drops bitters
- mint garnish optional
Instructions
- To a Moscow Mule copper mug add ice, whiskey and fresh lime juice.
- Top with ginger beer.
- Add 4 dashes of bitters
- Garnish with mint.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- For more mint flavor, muddle some fresh mint with the lime juice before adding the whiskey and ginger beer.
- Not sure what ginger beer to use? I like Reed’s Ginger Beer. It has a nice bite, a little sweetness and is easy to find at the grocery store.
- Copper Mugs hold a lot of liquid. If you use more than 2-3 ounces of ginger beer, you might lose the flavor of the whiskey. Consider adding more or not filling the mug to the top.
- You can use another glass if you don’t have copper mugs but I really love them for serving cocktails. They keep them extra cold and frosty.
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