Best Bourbon for Kentucky Mule in 2026

Best Bourbon for Kentucky Mule in 2026

Bourbon is an American whiskey made with at least 51% corn, giving it that signature sweet and rich flavor. The Kentucky Mule is a fresh twist on the Moscow Mule, mixing bourbon with ginger beer and a squeeze of lime for the perfect sunset-sipping cocktail. 

This guide will take you through the best bourbon for Kentucky Mule cocktails, showing how each spirit brings its own personality to the drink. We’ll share recipes, expert tips, and everything you need to know when buying bourbon for cocktails. If you want more bourbon options for other uses, you can also check out our overall best bourbon guide. 

Dive into our top bourbon picks that will take your cocktails to the next level!

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Our Top 5 Best Bourbons for Kentucky Mule Best Bourbon for Kentucky Mule Cocktails

Here are the bourbons our team picked for their flavor and how well they play with the spice and citrus of a Kentucky Mule.

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

1.

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Buffalo Trace
About Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Buffalo Trace is a top contender in the Kentucky Bourbon world! Owned by the Sazerac Company, it's one of the biggest bourbon producers, churning out an impressive 2.7 million gallons annually.

Buffalo Trace’s flagship, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, is considered one of the best Kentucky Bourbons. It’s affordable, packed with flavor, and absolutely worth the price. This well-balanced bourbon offers a classic taste that’s perfect for any occasion. Sip it straight, pour it over ice, or shake it up in your favorite cocktails—it’s that versatile!

View more about Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey >>
$26.99
Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

A medium amber color with a warm, inviting hue.

Nose / Aroma

Caramel, butter, pumpkin spices, and warm mixed nuts.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Fairly sweet with fruit cake and butter toffee but balanced with some mint on the palate.

Finish

Medium-length finish with lingering sweetness and spices.

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (1L)
Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (1L)

2.

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (1L)

Buffalo Trace
· 1000ml · 45% ABV
About Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (1L)

Enjoy a rich, dessert-like sip with Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a warmly spiced American Whiskey crafted from the classic blend of corn, rye, and malted barley. It’s a great bourbon for beginners who want a flavorful and approachable introduction to the world of bourbon.

Each pour delivers cozy notes of caramel, butter, and fruit cake that hug your palate with warmth. With a 1000ml bottle, there’s plenty to savor and share.

View more about Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (1L) >>
$49.99
Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (1L) Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

Warm amber.

Nose / Aroma

Warm and comforting aroma with hints of caramel, nuts, and pumpkin spice.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Indulgent mouth-feel with creamy butter toffee notes and spiced complexity of fruity cake.  

Finish

A warm, long-lasting finish.

Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon
Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon

3.

Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon

Elijah Craig
About Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon

Elijah Craig’s Small Batch Bourbon is a prime example of the best small batch bourbon. Coming from one of the oldest distilleries in the U.S., Heaven Hill in Kentucky, this bourbon is well-known for its rich smokey oak flavor, which is the result of the unique small-batch process. It has a mellow, full-bodied taste that’s balanced with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice.

It’s easy to find at most liquor stores and online, made with a mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley.

View more about Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon >>
Regular
$29.99
Flaviar black
$26.99 (−10%)
Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

Burnished copper.

Nose / Aroma

Vanilla and mint with a hint of sweet fruits.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Warming spices, distinctive charred smokey notes, hints of nutmeg and honey.

Finish

Long, slightly toasty and warm finish.

Michter's US*1 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey
Michter's US*1 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey

4.

Michter's US*1 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey

Michter's
· 750ml · 45.7% ABV
About Michter's US*1 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey

Michter’s US*1 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is made in small batches of just 20 barrels, which means they have the blending process down to a fine art and there's no room left for error. The use of top-quality American corn gives this bourbon a sweeter finish, making each sip rich and satisfying. 

If you’re a bourbon lover, this one’s sure to deliver a bold, flavor-packed experience you won’t forget.

View more about Michter's US*1 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey >>
Regular
$42.99
Flaviar black
$40.84 (−5%)
Michter's US*1 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

Deep amber.

Nose / Aroma

Barley, cereal grains, dried fruit.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Rich caramel and stone fruit with hints of vanilla and a distinctive smoky depth.

Finish

Mellow, with lingering pepper and oakiness.

Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon Whiskey (1L)
Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon Whiskey (1L)

5.

Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon Whiskey (1L)

Wild Turkey
· 1000ml · 50.5% ABV
About Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon Whiskey (1L)

Wild Turkey 101 is a bold bourbon with a perfect balance of flavor that makes any cocktail feel more adventurous. Notes of creamy pecans and a hint of nutmeg add a cozy, spiced character that lingers pleasantly.

When mixed in a Kentucky Mule, Wild Turkey 101 brings depth and warmth to the ginger beer and lime, turning a classic cocktail into something memorable and full of personality. It’s a bourbon that invites you to enjoy every moment.

View more about Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon Whiskey (1L) >>
Regular
$38.99
Flaviar black
$31.19 (−20%)
Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon Whiskey (1L) Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

Deep amber.

Nose / Aroma

Rich and indulgent aroma with nutty warmth and a gentle spice kick.  

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Dessert-like, full-bodied palate, layered with a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon spice.

Finish

Lingering and slightly spicy finish.

What Is a Good Bourbon Kentucky Mule Recipe?

Pour 2 ounces of bourbon into a glass, add 4 to 6 ounces of fizzy ginger beer, and squeeze in half an ounce of fresh lime juice. Fill a copper mug with ice, pour it all over, and top with a lime wheel or a sprig of mint. Feeling adventurous? Give it a twist with a splash of ginger syrup or a flavored bourbon for an extra kick.

How to Choose the Best Bourbon for Kentucky Mule?

When picking the best bourbon for Kentucky Mule, look for bottles with rich vanilla and caramel or just a hint of spice. Aim for a proof around 40 to 45 percent ABV as this gives the cocktail body without taking over. Choose bourbons with a creamy or rounded texture to enjoy the full flavor. Your taste buds will thank you.

How Much Does a Bourbon for Kentucky Mule Cost?

Bourbons that mix perfectly in a Kentucky Mule do not have to break the bank. You can find great options for under $50. When you buy bourbon, start with a low-cost bottle that still packs the flavor of the higher-end stuff and work your way up as you explore the cocktail world. If you need some reliable starting points, our roundup of the best bourbon under $50 is a great place to begin.

Can You Drink the Same Bourbon Straight You Used in a Kentucky Mule?

Yes, you can mix this bourbon into cocktails or enjoy it straight. But if you want to really savor it neat, it is always worth picking a bourbon made for sipping.

What Other Cocktails Can You Make With Bourbon?

Bourbon is the base for many classic cocktails like the Mint Julep, Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Whiskey Sour. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a Smoky Peach Bourbon Fizz or a Spiced Chocolate Bourbon Flip for a creative twist.