Kentucky Mule Recipe (Bourbon Moscow Mule) (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between a bourbon mule and a Moscow Mule? ›

The Bourbon Mule, also known as the Kentucky Mule, is a variation on the Moscow mule that uses bourbon instead of vodka.

The main difference is the liquor. Moscow Mules are vodka-based, while a Kentucky Mule follows the same recipe, except bourbon is used in place of vodka. As with any mule, the resulting co*cktail is fresh, bright, and flavorful. And it's easy to drink.

It is not important to use an expensive bourbon. We recommend choosing a mid-priced option. Some easy to find brands we enjoy are Bulleit, Maker's Mark, and Basil Hayden's. Look for locally made bourbons and bourbons made in Kentucky.

While the classic Moscow Mule recipe calls for vodka, and was in fact one of the main reasons vodka became popular in North America, other mule drinks use rum, gin, whisky, tequila, or even brandy—ginger beer can be a great complement to any liquor!

This whiskey mule co*cktail recipe is made with the classic combination of whiskey and ginger beer along with citrus and fizz, making it the perfect summer refresher and an ideal winter warmer. If you find the fire of ginger beer a bit too challenging for your taste buds, then try swapping for ginger ale.

A refreshing mix of vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer famously served in the iconic copper mug, the sessionable Moscow Mule is one of the most popular co*cktails in the world and won't be disappearing anytime soon.

Kentucky mules use bourbon, Tennessee mules use whiskey from Tennessee and Irish mules use, you guessed it, whiskey made in Ireland.

And bar proprietors are changing the names of their co*cktails to make it clear what side they're on: In many places, the Moscow Mule is now the Kyiv Mule. In at least one bar, it's the Snake Island Mule, a reference to the Ukrainian territory where border guards made a defiant last stand against invading troops.

The dark and stormy co*cktail is traditionally made from dark rum and ginger beer, garnished with a slice of fresh lemon. Its famous competitor the moscow mule co*cktail uses vodka instead of rum, often a spicier ginger beer and lime juice.

John Wick Bourbon and Other Drinks

His drink of choice, as seen in the movies, is Blanton's Bourbon, a high-quality, single-barrel bourbon produced by Buffalo Trace. It uses the high-rye mashbill #2, composed of at least 12% to 15% rye, which gives the bourbon a unique flavor.

What bourbon is John Wick drinking? ›

That's the case with the "John Wick" movie franchise and Blanton's bourbon from Kentucky. The titular character's drink of choice is bourbon, and the Blanton's brand can be spotted in more than one film in the series.

The horse and jockey atop the bottle stoppers are now a recognized trademark of Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon.

1) Vodka. Tito's brand vodka is my go-t0 for Moscow mules. Tito's is affordable, high quality and made not-so-far-away in Austin, Texas. The ginger beer dominates the other flavors so much that any decent vodka on your shelf will do, really.

Vodka for the Classic Mule. Tequila for the Mexican Mule. Bourbon for the Kentucky Mule. Gin for the Gin Mule (or go to Gin Gin Mule)

And bar proprietors are changing the names of their co*cktails to make it clear what side they're on: In many places, the Moscow Mule is now the Kyiv Mule. In at least one bar, it's the Snake Island Mule, a reference to the Ukrainian territory where border guards made a defiant last stand against invading troops.

For professional bartenders, the only real difference between a Moscow Mule and a buck is the spirit chosen to mix with ginger and citrus. In the next sections, we will explore some of our favorite mule and buck recipes which are ideal for your next gathering or special event.