Ginger Mint Bourbon Mule

A Ginger Mint Bourbon Mule is a refreshing flavorful cocktail that takes just minutes to prepare.

What is a Mule Cocktail?

At its most basic, the mule one of the easiest cocktails out there to make as it only takes a few, simple ingredients. The main ingredients of a mule cocktail are ginger beer, fresh-squeezed lime juice, and some type of spirit. Some add a sprig of mint for a pop of color and aroma.

My first exposure to a mule cocktail was a Classic Moscow Mule that I had at a wonderful Russian restaurant. Friends of ours brought us there and they insisted we had to try that drink. That cocktail is the vodka version of a mule and it was delicious.

As a bourbon lover, I then explored the wonders of the Kentucky Mule. That cocktail is based on Kentucky bourbon and was also quite delightful.

To be honest, I think the number of different variations of mules can get a bit out of hand, but it’s fun to see what people pull together! Here are some others I found:

• Scottish Mule – made with Scotch
• Tennessee Mule – made with Jack Daniel’s whiskey
• Irish Mule – made with Irish whiskey
• New York Mule – made with Absolut Citron
• Mexican Mule – made with tequila

Basically, any spirit out there that gets paired with some type of spicy ginger beer (or ginger ale) is allowed to name itself a Mule! 

The Ginger Mint Bourbon Mule

I chose to make this a bourbon mule because I love the taste of a smooth bourbon. This has actually become one of my favorite bourbon cocktails behind my all-time favorite – The Old Fashioned (here’s a fun one made with Irish Whiskey).

And, as mentioned above, I use a healthy dose of ginger beer. However, there is a bit of a bite to both the bourbon and the ginger beer. That’s where the rest of the ingredients come in.

I definitely wanted to use fresh limes, but I also wanted to add in a mint flavor. The citrus from the lime and the aromatic mint notes do a great job in softening the bite of the alcohol and ginger beer.

And, to really get the lime juice and mint to open up, I muddle (basically smash!) the lime and mint, along with the bourbon in the glass before adding in the ice and ginger beer. This ensures you are getting the most flavor and aroma from the lime and mint as it mixes with the full-flavored bourbon.

Using Ginger Beer Versus Ginger Ale

The basis of any mule cocktail is the use of ginger beer. The zing of ginger beer brings a certain spiciness to the drink. 

However, some people may not like the extra kick from the spice of ginger beer. In that case, you can substitute ginger ale. You still get the flavor of ginger, but it is a mellower and slightly sweeter taste.

My favorite thing is that I have tried this recipe both ways and you end up with a delicious refreshing cocktail either way.

To Shake or Not to Shake

I like my cocktails super cold. That often means either using small ice cubes or using a cocktail shaker.

However, for this drink, you do not want to use a cocktail shaker. Shaking takes the carbonation out of the ginger beer or ginger ale and leaves the finished cocktail tasting flat.

Using a Copper Mug Versus Cocktail Glass

Mules are traditionally served in copper mule cups. Whether or not the inventors of this cocktail purposefully thought this was the best way to serve the drink or not, it works well.

Copper conducts temperature very well, so a copper mule mug will keep an ice cold drink colder for longer. That makes it a great mug for those warmer weather days.

There are others that say the copper mug has an effect on the fresh lime juice. Oxidization occurs and heightens the citrus notes and flavors of the lime juice. And that adds an even better compliment to the spiciness of the ginger beer. 

Frankly, I get there is a lot of science behind the use of copper, but I’ve had this cocktail in a highball glass, a rocks glass, a tall cocktail glass and a copper mug. I wasn’t disappointed in any of them!

So, bottom line – use the glassware on hand and enjoy this perfect cocktail for lazy summer day!

Making the Ginger Mint Bourbon Mule a Mocktail

If you are engaged in responsible drinking, aren’t of legal drinking age, or don’t like the taste of bourbon whiskey (or any spirits), you can make this a mocktail. Simply replace the bourbon with additional ginger beer or ginger ale. It is equally good with or without the bourbon. 

Tips and Tricks

• If you don’t like bourbon-based drinks, the cocktail can be made with vodka.
• Make this a mocktail by omitting the bourbon and adding a bit more ginger beer.
• If the flavor of ginger beer is too strong or not sweet enough for your taste, substitute ginger ale.

Ingredients Needed to Make a Ginger Mint Bourbon Mule

Full instructions can be found below in the printable recipe card

• Bourbon – There are a multitude of bourbons available these days. Two popular brands I like that are affordable and easy to find include Woodford Reserve and Maker’s Mark. But, honestly, the best bourbon to use is the one you like the best!
• Fresh mint leaves
• Fresh lime 
• Ice cubes
• Ginger beer – I like the strong flavor of ginger beer, but you can substitute ginger ale if you would like a milder, sweeter flavor.

How to Make a Ginger Mint Bourbon Mule

• Add bourbon to a copper mug or a tall cocktail glass.
• Add mint leaves and lime. 
• With a spoon or a wooden muddler, crush up mint leaves and lime so that their flavors comes out.
• Add ice.
• Add ginger beer.

ENJOY!