Your list of Irish whiskey cocktails to try just isn’t complete without this Irish Mule recipe. Ginger beer, Irish whiskey and lime juice make a perfect pairing. You won’t miss the vodka in this Irish twist on the original Moscow mule. Sláinte!
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About this Irish Mule cocktail recipe
It’s almost St. Patrick’s Day and one thing is clear: You will need a cocktail to celebrate. Preferably one with Irish whiskey (though green beer is still very fun).
However, you will not find me out and about on St. Patrick’s Day. I am not crazy about having a drink with everyone and their brother and best friend who is out on a bar crawl. That is so not my scene!
Making an Irish-themed drink at home is a surefire way to enjoy the holiday. You could whip up a chocolate Guinness float for dessert, or get out the Irish whiskey — my favorite. The Irish Mule is a refreshing and delicious cocktail, and it would be so perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at home.
It’s similar to the Kentucky mule, a version of the Moscow mule made with bourbon whiskey (American whiskey) instead of the traditional vodka. This version of the classic Moscow mule cocktail gets an Irish twist with Irish whiskey.
More mule cocktails: Czech Mule • French Mule • Oaxaca Mule • Swedish Mule
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Irish whiskey makes for the best mules. The classic vodka mule is just fine, but the sweet, mellow flavor of Irish whiskey is delicious.
- Perfect for a quick and easy cocktail. Everything comes together in a snap, and doesn’t need a cocktail shaker *, so cleanup is a breeze!
- Special enough for holidays yet light enough for casual evenings. The rich flavor of Irish whiskey makes this drink taste fancy, but with just three ingredients, this drink is a snap to make.
What is a mule cocktail?
Mule cocktails are always made with lime juice and ginger beer, but they can be made with various spirits. It’s a refreshing and versatile drink that just about everyone loves.
Different spirits actually give each mule a different name! The Moscow mule is the most well-known, made with vodka. There are so many variations to try when making Moscow mule recipes, but they fall into two main categories.
- Swap the spirit. For example, the dark & stormy is the version made with rum and there’s the Irish Mule, which is made with Irish whiskey.
- Add flavor with fruit or juice: The yule mule is a holiday version made with cranberries and rosemary.
You can try the latter method with all kinds of different fruits! My friend Erin makes a mean peach mule, but you can use just about any fruit, especially citrus like these kumquat mules! I also have an apple cider mule that’s fantastic in the fall.
But switching out the spirit is super simple and a great way to experiment with drinks. The mule is one of my favorites for this reason!
Tools & equipment
To make mules at home, it’s not essential to have a copper mule mug, but if you make them a lot you might want to have a set! The benefit is they keep your drink super duper cold, while looking ultra fancy. (But they aren’t — they only have three ingredients!)
You can also serve them in rocks glasses * or whatever glasses you have. Ideally, you should use fresh lime juice, so a good citrus squeezer is a must. You’ll also want a jigger * to help you measure out all the ingredients.
mule essentials
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👇 For full measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe card. It’s all there waiting for you!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to grab at the liquor store and/or grocery store to make this recipe:
- Irish whiskey: I used Jameson Irish whiskey in this, but you can experiment with other brands!
- ginger beer: You can use any ginger beer, but I prefer a spicier one myself. Ginger ale is okay to use, but it’s much sweeter and milder. (Try it in this Jameson & Ginger cocktail.)
- lime juice: Ideally use fresh squeezed lime juice, versus the bottled stuff.
- ice cubes: You want your mule to be ice ice cold, baby!
- lime slices: Finish it off with a garnish of fresh or dehydrated lime slices. A fresh mint sprig is always pretty too.
Best Irish whiskey
Irish whiskey is whiskey that’s made on the island of Ireland. That includes both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Some popular brands are Jameson, Bushmills and Tullamore D.E.W.
To be considered Irish whiskey, the mash must include malted barley and may include unmalted cereal grains as well. These combinations can result in four types of Irish whiskey: malt, pot still, grain and blended.
Irish whiskey is wonderful to sip neat or on the rocks, but it is a great cocktail ingredient as well. I love it in this Irish mint julep recipe but I love it even more in the Irish mule.
How to make an Irish Mule
The Irish mule is a type of mule cocktail made with Irish whiskey, and it’s just as easy to make as the classic Moscow mule. Here’s what you’ll need to do!
Fill a copper mule mug with ice. Add the Irish whiskey and lime juice.
Top it off with ginger beer. Stir gently to combine, and you’re almost done!
Garnish with a lime wheel or dehydrated lime slice. If you’re squeezing in fresh citrus, you can drop in the spent shell — it makes for an easy garnish!
Tips & tricks
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor. The bottled concentrate can be too tart and overpowering, but fresh is just right for the Irish Mule.
- Experiment with different ginger beers. These non-alcoholic sodas can range from mild to spicy, so don’t be afraid to play around with different brands. Here are my faves.
- Keep it cold. A copper mule mug is ideal for keeping this drink oh-so-refreshing, and not diluted, while you sip.
Food pairings
This zesty Irish Mule drink pairs well with savory recipes like marinated cheese or pimento cheese. And it’s great to serve alongside a charcuterie board too!
And this Irish whiskey cocktail is great with other gingery treats, like whiskey and ginger ale cake or a batch of Moscow mule cookies.
Try some more Irish whiskey cocktails! The Irish Maid cocktail and the classic Irish coffee are perfect ways to enjoy this spirit.
FAQ
Copper is a very good thermal conductor, so it keeps the temperature of your mule ice cold. When the drink is cold, the flavors are much better! Not to mention, a cold drink is a summertime must-have.
The classic Moscow mule is made with vodka. However, you can use tequila, whiskey, gin and other spirits instead to create new flavor profiles.
More mule recipes
Irish Mule
ingredients
- 2 ounces Irish whiskey such as Jameson
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 4-6 ounces ginger beer
- 1 wedge lime or dehydrated lime, for garnish
instructions
- Fill a copper mule mug with ice. Add the Irish whiskey, lime juice and ginger beer. Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or dehydrated lime slice.
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