Whiskey Mule
This Whiskey Mule recipe kicks vodka to the curb in favor of a more complex liquor. Paired with fresh lime and zingy ginger beer, it’s just as delicious as a classic mule cocktail but transitions perfectly into fall.
If you like trying out different Moscow Mule variations, you’ll love this easy drink idea.
Why You’ll Love this Whiskey Mule
A Whiskey Mule recipe is a simple cocktail that keeps the classic Moscow Mule flavors and just swaps out the type of liquor you use.
If you’re a fan of whiskey cocktails, 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.
Related: Bourbon Moscow Mule Recipe
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.
Ingredients
- Whiskey
- Ginger Beer: Ginger Beer is a classic Mule ingredient and you can find it anywhere you shop for groceries and it is not the same as ginger ale.
- Fresh lime
- Fresh mint
- Cocktail bitters: Traditional cocktails bitters is the perfect way to finish this Whiskey Mule.
Substitutions
How to Make a Whiskey Mule
NOTE: Seriously, if you don’t have copper mugs, you are missing out! The mug gets nicely chilled and when it touches your lips gives you the sensation that the drink is even colder! I don’t buy all the “correct” cocktail glassware because I don’t think it’s necessary. But the mugs do keep things super refreshing.
Step 1
Add ice to a copper mug
Step 2
Add whiskey and fresh lime juice. Give it a little stir with a bar spoon.
Step 3
Top with ginger beer, about 3 ounces.
Step 4
Add a few dashes of bitters.
Garnish with fresh mint. Clap a few sprigs in between your palms to help release the oils.
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. The flavor profile will change depending on the brand that you use.
- 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.
Mule Variations
- Holiday Mule Recipe
- Cherry Moscow Mule Recipe
- Salted Caramel Moscow Mule
- Pumpkin Mule
- Apple Cider Moscow Mule with Whiskey
- Vanilla Mule
- Fireball Mule
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.
I’m glad you specified NOT substituting with ginger ale in this whiskey mule recipe. I totally would have made that mistake.