Half-Spiced Ginger Mule
A zesty twist on the classic mule with equal parts ginger beer and spicy bourbon for a balanced kick. This cocktails & drinks-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 3 minutes brings together bourbon, fresh lime juice, ginger beer for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz bourbon
- 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
- 3 oz ginger beer
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 piece lime wedge
- 1 piece candied ginger
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a copper mule mug halfway with ice cubes.
- Step 2: Pour in 1.5 oz bourbon and 0.75 oz fresh lime juice.
- Step 3: Top with 3 oz ginger beer, pouring gently to preserve carbonation.
- Step 4: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 10 seconds to mix the ingredients.
- Step 5: Garnish with a lime wedge perched on the rim and a piece of candied ginger skewered on a cocktail pick resting across the mug.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Spiced Ginger Mule take to make?
Total time is about 3 minutes (3 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Half-Spiced Ginger Mule?
Refrigerate any leftover half-spiced ginger mule in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Spiced Ginger Mule?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Half-Spiced Ginger Mule for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Half-Spiced Ginger Mule?
Cocktails & Drinks cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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