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Bourbon Mule

A refreshing cocktail that combines the warmth of bourbon with spicy ginger beer and fresh lime juice. This easy four-ingredient drink delivers serious flavor in under five minutes, making it perfect for both casual evenings and entertaining guests.
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Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: American
Calories: 195
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 ounces bourbon 90 to 100 proof recommended
  • 4 to 5 ounces ginger beer cold, spicy variety
  • 0.5 ounce fresh lime juice from one lime wedge
  • Ice cubes as needed to fill glass
  • Lime wheel or wedge for garnish

Equipment

  • Jigger or shot glass for measuring
  • Mixing glass or any drinking glass
  • Bar spoon or long-handled spoon
  • Copper mug or glass
  • Knife for cutting lime wedge

Method
 

  1. Fill your copper mug or regular glass completely with ice cubes to ensure the drink stays cold throughout.
  2. Pour exactly 2 ounces of bourbon over the ice using a jigger.
  3. Cut a lime wedge and squeeze approximately 0.5 ounce of juice directly into the glass.
  4. Pour 4 to 5 ounces of chilled ginger beer over the bourbon and lime juice.
  5. Use a bar spoon or regular spoon to stir the cocktail gently for about 10 seconds, combining all ingredients while keeping the carbonation intact.
  6. Taste and adjust by adding more ginger beer if too spicy or more lime juice if it feels flat.
  7. Place a lime wheel or wedge on the rim of the glass as garnish.
  8. Serve immediately while cold and carbonation is still lively.

Notes

Use ginger beer that has actual bite and spice, not ginger ale. Mid-range bourbon works better than top-shelf because expensive bourbons get overshadowed by the ginger beer. Fresh lime juice makes an enormous difference compared to bottled. Chill your glass in the freezer for 5 minutes before making the drink if you want it to stay cold even longer. For batch cocktails, mix bourbon and lime juice in a pitcher, then add ginger beer individually to preserve carbonation.