Festive Kentucky Mules
My favourite Winter cocktail is without a doubt a Kentucky Mule. You may be familiar with a Moscow Mule or a Dark and Stormy, and while a Kentucky Mule takes elements from those drinks it’s darker, more flavourful, and a go-to for me. A Kentucky Mule has a Bourbon base whereas a Moscow Mule is generally vodka and a Dark and Stormy is a Rum-based cocktail. Ever since Topher and I started dating he’s been expanding my cocktail palette and now I love bourbon! The sweet, slightly smokey flavour of bourbon balances the lime juice and ginger beer in this cocktail beautifully.
I remember the first time I had a Kentucky Mule, although I didn’t know what it was called then! Rewind back to 2014, Topher brought all the ingredients to make Kentucky Mules to a Christmas or New Year’s party my mum was hosting. He started whipping up batches of Mules for people at the party and he obviously won everyone over! Fast forward to our trip to Fairmont Montebello after our wedding and I drank Moscow Mules every night while Topher and I played Backgammon.
This take on a Kentucky Mule is festive with sugared cranberries and rosemary as garnishes. The garnishes are completely up to you! I also love adding 1/2 ounce of Calvados Brandy to add some sweetness and make it extra special for the holidays. The most important part is to make enough cocktails to go around at least once and enjoy the season with family and friends.
I love serving mules in copper mule glasses or mugs but any low-ball glass will do!
What you need for these Pomegranate Kentucky Mules:
Bourbon: the base of this cocktail is bourbon which gives a rich, slightly sweet, delicious flavour profile.
Calvados: I love the addition of brandy for an extra special festive cocktail.
Lime juice: every good mule has lots of lime juice for a good tartness and perfect balance.
Angostura bitters: brings it all together!
Ginger beer: gets added once the cocktail is mixed and poured and gives a spicy, sweet, yummy flavour.
Cranberries: get coated in sugar and are the perfect Christmas-y garnish.
Rosemary: looks like little mini Christmas trees when you garnish this drink.
Sugar: for rolling the cranberries in to give a frosted appearance.
Make a batch
This cocktail recipe is perfect for a group! The recipe below is for one cocktail, but if you have six or eight folks over for drinks, just increase the quantity accordingly and make it in a pitcher. I’d suggest adding the ginger beer and bitters right before serving. Mix the bourbon, brandy, and lime juice in a pitcher and then add the ginger beer and bitters when you pour a glass.
Festive Kentucky Mule
Author: ElizabethServings: for 1 mule
Ingredients
1 1/2 ounces bourbon
1/2 ounce Calvados Brandy
1/2 ounce lime juice
3 ounces ginger beer
2 dashes Angostura bitters
ice
1/2 cup honey
2 cups fresh cranberries
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker add 5-6 ice cubes, bourbon, Calvados, and lime juice. Shake well.
2. Add another ice cube or two to a low-ball or mule glass. Strain the shaken bourbon mixture into the glass.
3. Top with 3 ounces of ginger beer and 2 dashes of bitters.
4. In a pot, bring honey and 1/3 cup water to a boil. Cook for 2 minutes, then remove from the heat.
5. Add 2 cups fresh cranberries. Let sit for 10-15 minutes. Strain the cranberries, then add them to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Toss the cranberries with granulated sugar until all the cranberries are coated. Allow the cranberries to dry, in a single layer, for at least one hour.
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Lastly, if you make this Festive Kentucky Mule be sure to leave a comment on Instagram or share it on Pinterest! Above all, I love to hear from you and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favourite!
