The Irish Mule cocktail is a refreshing and delicious Irish twist on the classic Moscow Mule, using Irish whiskey instead of vodka. This whiskey mule is perfect for any occasion, but especially, St. Patrick's Day, of course! With its combination of zesty lime, spicy ginger beer, and Jameson Irish whiskey, who needs green beer? This Jameson Mule is a perfect drink for a toast on March 17.
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The classic Moscow Mule cocktail gets its name from vodka's association with Russia and the "kick" of spicy ginger beer. It was invented in the US in the 1940s, and the copper mug used to serve it adds to its appeal. This Irish mule cocktail recipe replaces the vodka with Irish whiskey. This great drink is also called a Dublin mule, or a Dublin donkey.
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Why we love this cocktail
- Simple: with just three ingredients, you can mix up these easy cocktails in minutes.
- Versatile: Change the alcohol to suit the occasion, like we did with this Mexican Mule.
What we need to mix up a great cockail
- Whiskey: When making an Irish Mule you need Irish whiskey. While any Irish whiskey will work, we recommend using a blended whiskey, such as Jameson or Tullamore Dew. Blended whiskeys tend to be smoother and easier to drink than single malt whiskeys, which can be quite complex and robust.
- Ginger Beer: Use a high-quality brand of ginger beer. Our favorites are Fever Tree or Gosling's These brands tend to have a more pronounced ginger flavor, which complements the whiskey and lime perfectly. Don't use ginger ale. Ginger ale is sweeter and milder than ginger beer and won't give your Irish mule that signature kick.
- Lime juice: Use fresh lime juice rather than bottled. With just three ingredients in this drink, you want them all to shine, and fresh lime juice is worth the squeeze. You can also use lemon juice.
- Garnish: The classic cocktail is usually garnished with fresh mint and a lime wedge or lime wheel. I like to change it up with a sprig of basil. But you can use a sprig of mint, or even rosemary if that's what you have!
How to make an Irish mule
- Add ice to a glass or mug and add lime juice.
- Add whiskey.
- Top up with ginger beer.
- Give the drink a stir and garnish.
Variations of Moscow mule recipes
The mule is a great cocktail for playing with different versions. All you have to do is change the spirits to put a fun twist on the classic. Here are a few other popular mule variations:
- Moscow Mule: Made with vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer.
- Kentucky Mule: Made with bourbon, lime juice, and ginger beer.
- Tennesee Mule: Made with, of course, American whisky or Tennesee whisky, lime juice, and ginger beer.
- London Mule: Made with gin, lime juice, and ginger beer.
- Mexican Mule: Made with tequila, lime juice, and ginger beer.
- Dark and Stormy or Jamaican Mule: Made with dark rum, lime juice, and ginger beer.
Helpful Tips
- Have all of the ingredients chilled before mixing the drinks. You can even put your glasses or mugs in the freezer for thirty minutes first.
- If you want extra basil or mint flavor, use a muddler (or a wooden spoon to muddle it in the glass before adding the other ingredients.
- For easier juicing, roll your lime (before slicing)on the counter top or bar top to help release juices.
- Serving a crowd? Make a large batch in a pitcher. Just toggle the number of servings at the top of the recipe card for quantities.
FAQ
Irish whisky is made from malted barley and is aged for a minimum of three years. It's a classic whiskey with a lighter, smoother flavor. American whiskey is made from corn, rye, or wheat and only aged for a minimum of two years.
Traditionally, a Mule is served in a copper mug. The distinctive copper cup is pretty and helps keep the drink cold. However, you can absolutely use a highball glass if you don't have a copper mug.
Ginger beer is a key ingredient in this whiskey mule recipe. If you use ginger ale, the drink becomes a different Irish whiskey cocktail, called an Irish buck or just a whiskey ginger.
With just three simple ingredients, there is really no benefit to making this drink in advance. Also, ginger beer will lose it's effervescence if the drink is made ahead.
More ways to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a rating in the comments below and let us know how it turned out. Did you make any changes? We would love for you to share and your feedback is important! Thank you for visiting The Food Blog!
Recipe
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Irish Mule
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz Irish whiskey
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- 6-8 oz ginger beer
- mint or basil sprigs for garnish
- lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice
- Add the whiskey and lime juice, and stir to combine
- Top with ginger beer, and garnish with a sprig of fresh basil and a wedge of lime.
Notes
- Have all of the ingredients chilled before mixing the drinks. You can even put your glasses or mugs in the freezer for thirty minutes first.
- If you want extra basil or mint flavor, use a muddler (or a wooden spoon to muddle it in the glass before adding the other ingredients.
- For easier juicing, roll your lime (before slicing)on the counter top or bar top to help release juices.
- Serving a crowd? Make a large batch in a pitcher. Just toggle the number of servings at the top of the recipe card for quantities.
Marie-Pierre Breton
I never know what to do with my Moscow Mug... I've tried this cocktail, and it was fantastic! Thanks for sharing!
Colleen
You're welcome, Marie! Glad you liked it. Cheers!
nancy wu
I love this cocktail. Ginger beer is my favourite and this is such a refreshing to have on a hot day!
Hayley Dhanecha
My dad loves ginger beer, can't wait to make this Irish mule cocotail for him. I am sure he will love it.
Loreto and Nicoletta Nardelli
We love ginger beer and this Irish mule cocktail was very tasty and refreshing.