Irish Mule
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An Irish mule is a light, bubbly, and ultra-refreshing cocktail you can enjoy any time of year. It's made with ginger beer, lime juice, and Irish whiskey stirred with ice and served in a copper mug. It's the perfect St. Patrick's Day drink, and it's ready in just 5 minutes!
For more drinks for whiskey lovers, also try our whiskey ginger or whiskey highball.
An Irish mule is a light, bubbly, and spicy drink that's easy to make and easy to drink. It's as enjoyable in the middle of a summer heat wave as it is around the holidays, and it requires only three simple ingredients to make: ginger beer, lime juice, and Irish whiskey.
Like the Moscow mule, it's served in a copper mule mug. If you don't own a copper mug, don't worry, you can still enjoy this drink. It tastes just as wonderful in a chilled highball glass.
All you have to do to make it is fill your mug or glass with ice, add in the Irish whiskey and lime juice, then top it with ginger beer. Garnish it with some fresh ginger and lime slices, and a sprig of mint if you have one. Now sit back, sip, and relax!
This drink isn't a traditional Irish drink by any means, but it's a refreshing option between the Guinness and Irish coffees we see so much of around St. Patrick's Day. It's a quick and easy crowd-pleasing cocktail that you'll want to add to your repertoire!
What is an Irish mule?
An Irish mule is basically just a twist on the classic Moscow mule cocktail, but it swaps the vodka for Irish whiskey. All the other ingredients and proportions are the same, and it's served in the same iconic copper mug.
The mule is actually part of a family of drinks called bucks which are drinks made of ginger beer or ginger ale, citrus, and liquor. So an Irish mule is an Irish buck!
What is the difference between ginger beer and ginger ale?
The difference between ginger beer and ginger ale is how they are produced. Ginger beer is made by naturally fermenting ginger, sugar, and water resulting in an alcoholic brew (although most commercial ginger beers today are non-alcoholic).
Ginger ale is made by mixing soda water with real or artificial ginger-flavored syrup making it a sweetened soft drink.
In terms of taste, ginger beer has a stronger ginger flavor, smell, and bite whereas ginger ale tends to taste more syrupy and is more carbonated.
Irish mule ingredients
As a spin on the classic Moscow mule, this whiskey version is even more interesting and complex. Here's everything you need to make this Irish mule recipe:
- Irish whiskey ā we use Jameson Irish whiskey, but Bushmills is another slightly less expensive option.
- Lime juice ā only fresh lime juice will do for a pop of bright citrus flavor!
- Ginger beer ā ginger beer has a strong ginger taste, smell, and spice, and is traditionally used in an Irish mule. Look for a ginger beer made with real ginger. Ginger ale also works in a pinch, or if you like your drinks on the sweeter side.
- Lime and ginger slices ā you can also use lime wedges or a mint sprig, for garnish.
How to make an Irish mule
Irish mules are the perfect refreshing drink for happy hour, patio parties, and of course celebrating St. Paddy's day. They're quick and easy to make in just two simple steps:
- Fill your glass with ice, then pour in the whiskey and lime juice. Top it with ginger beer and give it a quick stir.
- Garnish it generously with ginger and lime slices. Done!
Recipe FAQS
Can I use ginger ale instead?
Yes! Ginger beer is traditional for an Irish mule and will give the drink a spicier ginger taste, but ginger ale works well, too.
What's the best whiskey to use?
Save your expensive stuff because any Irish whiskey will do the trick for this drink. We use Jameson, but Bushmills is another good (less expensive) option.
Why use a copper mug?
A copper mug is perfect for a refreshing drink like an Irish mule because the copper takes on the mule's cold temperature when ingredients are added. It's functional, keeping the mule cold while enhancing the naturally refreshing nature of the drink.
When to serve an Irish mule
An Irish mule is a refreshing drink that's enjoyable any time of year. While it's not traditional, it makes a great addition to St. Patrick's Day cocktails, foods, and festivities. The spicy ginger flavor is perfect for holiday parties, and fall or winter gatherings.
It's quick and easy to mix up in the heat of summer for backyard barbecues, patio parties, or laid-back celebrations. Let this cooling cocktail quench your thirst all year long!
Refreshing cocktail recipes
Irish Mule Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Irish whiskey
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 4 ounces ginger beer
- Lime and ginger slices (to serve)
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice and then add the whiskey and lime juice. Top with some ginger beer and then give your mule a quick stir.2 ounces Irish whiskey, 1 ounce lime juice, 4 ounces ginger beer
- Garnish liberally with lime slices and ginger slices.
Video
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
For more inspiration, check out all of our delicious cocktail recipes!
