Strawberry Lemonade Kentucky Mule Cocktail

Looking for a refreshing, easy cocktail to enjoy all summer long? This Strawberry Lemonade Kentucky Mule is a delightful twist on the classic Moscow Mule. Swapping vodka for bourbon gives the drink a smooth, Southern character while the strawberry lemonade brings bright, fruity acidity and the ginger beer adds a lively spicy fizz. With just a handful of ingredients and a couple of minutes of preparation, you can serve a cocktail that feels special yet is simple to make.

Why I Love This Bourbon Mule Recipe

This idea came from a tasting at a culinary festival, and I loved it so much I wanted to recreate and share it. The bourbon adds depth and warmth without overpowering the drink, especially when paired with tart strawberry lemonade and crisp ginger beer. The result is a balanced cocktail that is neither too sweet nor too boozy—perfect for casual gatherings, backyard barbecues, or a relaxed evening on the porch.

I’m not usually a big bourbon drinker except for certain cocktails, but this version of the mule surprised me. The strawberry lemonade smooths out the bourbon’s edge, while the ginger beer keeps the finish crisp. I prepared these for a recent camping trip and everyone loved them, so I’m excited to pass the recipe along.

What Is a Kentucky Mule?

A Kentucky Mule is a simple, refreshing cocktail that replaces the vodka in a traditional Moscow Mule with bourbon. The core components are bourbon, ginger beer, and a citrus element—often lime. In this recipe, strawberry lemonade supplies the citrus and fruity tartness, so additional lime is optional. The combination of spicy ginger beer, sweet-tart strawberry lemonade, and the richness of bourbon creates a well-rounded, refreshing drink ideal for warm weather.

Strawberry Lemonade Kentucky Mule Ingredients

• Bourbon – Use a smooth, balanced bourbon. When mixing, a reasonably priced bottle like Old Forester or Buffalo Trace works well; higher-end bourbons are optional if you prefer a sipper.
• Strawberry Lemonade – Choose a real lemonade or refrigerated variety for the best flavor. The real fruit taste makes the cocktail taste fresher.
• Ginger Beer – Pick your favorite brand. The spicier the ginger beer, the more bite the mule will have. Regular or diet both work.
• Lemon or Lime Wedge (optional) – A squeeze of citrus adds brightness, but the strawberry lemonade often provides enough tartness on its own.

Best Bourbon for a Kentucky Mule

When choosing bourbon for a mixed cocktail, look for one that is smooth and balanced with notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and a hint of spice. Those flavor components complement ginger beer well. That said, because the bourbon is mixed with other ingredients, you don’t need an expensive bottle. A mid-range bourbon will provide great flavor while keeping the drink approachable and budget-friendly.

How to Make a Strawberry Lemonade Kentucky Mule

This cocktail is extremely easy to prepare. Start by selecting your glass—traditionally a copper mug, but a mason jar or highball glass works nicely too. Fill the glass with ice, add the bourbon, then top with equal parts strawberry lemonade and ginger beer. Stir gently to combine. If you like extra brightness, squeeze in a lime or lemon wedge or use it as a garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy the fizz and balanced flavors.

Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade Kentucky Mule

Other Recipes You Might Like

• Blackberry Vanilla Bourbon Jam
• Purple Haze Summer Cocktail
• Strawberry Lemonade Smash

Pin This Recipe

This Strawberry Lemonade Kentucky Mule is an easy, crowd-pleasing cocktail that highlights the warming notes of bourbon while staying bright and refreshing. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, quick to assemble, and adaptable—adjust the ginger beer or lemonade to taste for a milder or more assertive drink.