Whiskey Mule Recipe aka the Irish Mule

This whiskey mule is the perfect recipe if you are looking for a twist on the traditional Moscow mule cocktail. It's so easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any time of year. 

You'll love this whiskey mule

It's easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients you have this delicious twist on a classic cocktail. 

It's delicious. After you make this whiskey mule for the first time, you will love the combination of the warm spiciness of the whiskey with the spicy ginger beer flavor. 

It's perfect for any occasion. Whether you want to make this for your Kentucky Derby party, St. Patrick's Day or just a regular at-home happy hour, this is the perfect cocktail to drink year-round. 

Ingredients

A mule is one of the easiest cocktails to make with such simple ingredients. 

Whiskey. You can use your favorite whiskey, or you can make some different variations based on what whiskey you use! It's such a simple spin, but it can be so fun for different occasions. 

Ginger Beer. Ginger beer is an essential ingredient for any Moscow mule recipe. If you don't have ginger beer, or want your mule a little sweeter, you can use ginger ale instead.

Fresh Lime Juice. You absolutely need fresh limes for this whiskey mule! The flavor is the best, you simply cannot use that fake lime juice. 

Fresh Mint. You'll want a few mint leaves to muddle with your fresh-squeezed lime juice, but also save a sprig of mint as a gorgeous garnish. 

How to make a whiskey mule

In a few simple steps, you can make this easy cocktail recipe in no time. 

1. Muddle your fresh lime juice and 2-3 mint leaves in a cocktail shaker. 
2. In a copper mug, add a handful of ice.
3. Add in 2 oz. of whiskey, your muddled mint, and lime, and then about 4-6 oz. of ginger beer.
4. Stir it, garnish with a lime or lemon wheel, and enjoy!

Garnish ideas

Even if you make yourself a drink at home, I am a firm believer of still having a beautiful garnish! Here are some garnish ideas for this whiskey mule. 

• Mint Sprig
• Lime Wedge
• Lime Slice
• Lime Twist
• Candied Ginger

Substitutions

Ginger Ale.​ If you need a bit more sweetness in your cocktail, you can swap out the ginger beer for ginger ale. 

Simple Syrup.​ Alternatively, if you have ginger beer and still want a sweeter cocktail, you can add ½ oz of simple syrup or honey syrup. 

Other Moscow mule variations

Whiskey is such a broad term, and there are so many different variations of liquors that fall under the whiskey umbrella. Here are some mule variations so you can use your favorite type of whiskey. 

Irish Mule. As you can guess, this uses Irish whiskey. I recommend using Jameson or Tullamore Dew, but use whatever your favorite Irish whiskey is! This is a great drink for all your St. Patrick's Day celebrations. 

Kentucky Mule. If you are looking for a bourbon cocktail, try this Kentucky mule with your favorite Kentucky bourbon. Bourbon whiskey is a bit sweeter and user-friendly, in my opinion, so if you are just getting into bourbon cocktails, I recommend trying this! 

Tennessee Mule. Grab your favorite Tennesse whiskey, like Jack Daniels, and make this a Tennessee mule. 

Mexican Mule. If you want to swap out the whiskey as a whole and opt for tequila, you can also make this into a tequila mule. 

Other Variations. I have so many Moscow mule variations on the blog! Like this rum mule, blueberry mule, strawberry mule, or blackberry mule if you're looking for more. 

Do Moscow mules have to be served in a copper mug?

First, the copper acts as an insulator ensuring your drink stays cold for as long as possible. Second, some people say that copper enhances the flavor of the cocktail's ingredients. The copper begins to oxidize when the vodka is poured in, making the flavors a bit more elevated. So, yes, a fancy copper mug is necessary!

FAQs

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

The classic Moscow mule recipe has vodka and a Kentucky mule recipe has bourbon. 

What does a whiskey mule taste like?

A whiskey mule has that spicy whiskey finish paired with the refreshing twist of lime juice and the extra kick of ginger beer. 

what is the best ginger beer for Moscow mules?

I like Goslings, Fever Tree, or Q. Q has a very spicy ginger beer if you like that!

why don't you shake a Moscow mule?

You don't shake a Moscow mule because you can't shake anything carbonated! If you want to shake the cocktail prior to adding the ginger beer, you can.

Here are some of my other favorite cocktail recipes

• Espresso Martini with Bailey’s
• Bourbon Peach Tea
• Irish Lemonade