This Citrus and Spice Kentucky Mule Cocktail is a delicious twist on the classic Moscow Mule. Smooth Bourbon, spicy ginger, refreshing orange and warm spices come together in this delicious bourbon cocktail recipe.

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, all eyes are turning to the winter holidays and all the festivities… which includes festive drinks like my Pomegranate Lime Gin Fizz, Grey Goose Martini with a Twist or thisRuby Red Cosmopolitan Cocktail.

But if Bourbon is your spirit of choice, then this Citrus and Spice Kentucky Mule  Cocktail deserves a spot on your cocktail list!

I’d been searching for a bourbon-based drink for the holidays and wanted something that was versatile, easy to make and a little refreshing.

The Kentucky Mule cocktail came to mind and I thought it had possibilities. Dressed up with a little extra citrus and adding a spice-infused simple syrup gave this bourbon cocktail recipe that holiday touch I was looking for!

What is in a Kentucky Mule:

• At it’s most basic, a Kentucky Mule contains bourbon, ginger ale or ginger beer, and lime juice. Want to know more about ginger ale versus ginger beer? Check out my Ginger Rogers|A Gin and Ginger Ale Cocktail post for all the details!
• Simple syrup isn’t normally an ingredient in a Kentucky Mule but I added a little spice-infused simple syrup. It adds another layer of flavor and “smoothes” out the edges of this bourbon cocktail.

Why you’ll love this Citrus and Spice Kentucky Mule Cocktail:

• Switching from vodka to bourbon gives the drink a bit more “heft” – which we all crave in cooler weather.
• An easy sipper, it appeals to true cocktail connoisseurs as well as casual imbibers (yes, I tested it with both!)
• It’s one that’s easy to serve for a small group – no shaking required! Better yet, leave out the fixings and let everyone make their own!

Notes for Making the Citrus and Spice Kentucky Mule:

• The spiced syrup can be made up to two weeks in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
• To extend its shelf life, add a teaspoon of vodka to the spiced syrup.
• Use a good bourbon – Elijah Craig or Woodford Reserve would both work well in this bourbon cocktail recipe.

Bourbon Cocktail Recipes you might enjoy:

• Vanilla Whiskey Mule|Jameson and Ginger Ale 
• Honey Bourbon Old Fashioned
• Bourbon Lemon Drop Martini
• Fig, Bourbon and Honey Smash

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5 from 1 vote

Citrus and Spice Kentucky Mule Cocktail

An update to the classic Kentucky Mule, this Citrus and Spice Kentucky Mule is a little sweet, a little tart and very refreshing – with enough heft for cocktail enthusiasts as well as casual sippers. 

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Total Time40 mins

Course: cocktail

Cuisine: Contemporary American

Servings: 1

Calories: 281kcal

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz. bourbon Elijah Craig or Woodford Reserve
• 1/2 oz. Triple Sec Cointreau
• 1/2 oz. freshly lime juice
• 3/4 oz. spiced syrup
• 3 oz. ginger beer
• 1/2 fresh orange slice optional
• 1/2 lime slice optional
• 2 cinnamon sticks

Spiced Syrup

• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 6 whole allspice berries
• 6 whole cloves

Instructions

• For Kentucky Mule:

  Combine bourbon, triple sec, lime juice and spiced syrup in a mixing glass with ice. 

  Stir 45 seconds to combine.

  Pour over ice in a rocks glass. 

Spiced Syrup

• Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan.

  Bring to a boil over medium high heat.

  Take off the heat and let infuse for 30 minutes.

  Strain into a clean, lidded container. 

  Refrigerate for up to two weeks. 

Notes

Use a good quality bourbon – either Elijah Craig or Woodford Reserve work well. 

To extend the life of your spiced syrup, add 1 teaspoon vodka to the syrup.

Nutrition

Calories: 281kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Sodium: 25mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin C: 17% | Calcium: 15.1% | Iron: 11.8%