Made with Irish whiskey instead of vodka, this Irish Mule is a light and refreshing cocktail which can be enjoyed on St. Patrick's Day or any time of year.
When it comes to St. Patrick's Day, I love me some Irish-themed recipes - from smoked corned beef to Irish coffee cake to Baileys ice cream.
And while most think of Guinness on this holiday, I wanted to change it up with some Irish whiskey.
No this isn't a traditional drink on St. Patrick's Day, but with spring just around the corner, I figured something bright and refreshing with some green in it would make this Irish Mule appropriate. And if you are up for a different drink, try this Jameson whiskey sour.
Why This Cocktail Works
- A twist on the traditional Moscow Mule.
- With just 3 ingredients, it is simple but refreshing.
- Makes for a tasty cocktail for parties.
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Ingredient Notes
- Irish Whiskey - Choose a quality Irish whiskey to be the star of this cocktail. Popular choices include Jameson, Bushmills,or Redbreast. The smooth and slightly sweet characteristics of Irish whiskey complement the other ingredients in the cocktail.
- Lime - Squeezing a bit of lime juice into the cocktail enhances the overall flavor by adding a citrusy and slightly tart element. It also provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the ginger beer
- Ginger beer - The ginger beer is a crucial component that adds spice and effervescence to the drink. Select a good-quality ginger beer with a strong ginger flavor. Brands like Fever-Tree, Bundaberg or Gosling's Ginger Beer are best their bold and authentic ginger taste.
Ingredient Swaps
While this cocktail is tasty as is, you can mix up some of the ingredients. Some variations include:
- Instead of using traditional Irish whiskey, try using a flavored Irish whiskey or a whiskey from a different region for a distinctive twist. For example, you could use a honey-infused Irish whiskey for added sweetness or experiment with a smoky Scotch whiskey for a different flavor profile.
- Try using lemon or orange juice opposed to lime juice to bring a different citrusy note.
- Explore different ginger beer brands or try ginger ale for a milder ginger flavor. You can also experiment with flavored ginger beers, such as those infused with lemon, lime, or other spices to add unique notes to your cocktail.
Step-by-Step Photos
Please note full ingredient list and instructions for this cocktail can be found in recipe card below.
Pour Irish whiskey and lime juice into a mug filled with crushed ice. Top with ginger beer and stir to combine. Garnish with some lime.
FAQs
If you believe history, the Moscow Mule was created as a way to get rid of excess vodka and copper mugs. Even if it isn't true, I'm glad it was invented!
The original Moscow Mule got its name because Americans associated vodka with Russia. This uses Irish whiskey instead, hence the name.
This is an Irish mule for a reason so you've got to use a whiskey from Ireland. Some of my favorites are Knappogue Castle, Slane and Green Spot.
The main benefit of using copper mugs is temperature. The metal quickly takes to the icy temperature of the cocktail which creates a tasty chilled drink. You can buy copper mugs on Amazon.
Yes, you can scale up the ingredients to create a larger batch for a party. Mix the whiskey and lime juice in advance, and then add ginger beer and ice just before serving to maintain the fizziness.
Types of Ginger Beer
Luckily for everyone, there is no shortage of options for ginger beers. However, which one to pick for this drink?
- Fever-Tree - Has a strong ginger flavor without being overpowering.
- Gosling's - Nice balance of spice and sweetness.
- Bundaberg - The Australian ginger beer is great for Mules.
- Q Ginger Beer - Has some added carbonation.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- While store-bought bottles can be quite convenient, they lack in flavor compared to the real thing. It really isn’t that much extra work to freshly squeeze the lime and you’ll notice a difference in taste.
- Used crushed ice which will make the drink colder quicker.
- If you like a sweet drink, stir in honey or maple syrup 1 teaspoon at a time until you like it.
- Garnish the mule with some fresh herbs like mint.
Similar Cocktails
- Cranberry Moscow Mule
- Tequila Sour
- Smoked Old Fashioned
- Apple Cider Moscow Mule
- Chocolate Old Fashioned
If you’ve tried this Irish Mule or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.
Irish Mule
Ingredients
- 2 oz Irish whiskey
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- 3 oz ginger beer
- lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Fill cocktail shaker with ice ¾ of the way. Add whiskey and lime juice and shake until chilled, about 15 seconds. Strain into a mug, preferably copper, filled with crush ice. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with lime.
Notes
- While store-bought bottles can be quite convenient, they lack in flavor compared to the real thing. It really isn’t that much extra work to freshly squeeze the lime and you’ll notice a difference in taste.
- Used crushed ice which will make the drink colder quicker.
- If you like a sweet drink, stir in honey or maple syrup 1 teaspoon at a time until you like it.
- Garnish the mule with some fresh herbs like mint.
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