Episode 115 The Kentucky Mule
Ep. 115 Random, just random – Kentucky Mule
Welcome to Season 7 episode 115 of The Art of Drinking with Join Jules and Your Favorite Uncle
Join Uncle Brad and Jules as they dive into the Kentucky Mule and eventually dive into the bourbon boom that's burning holes in our wallets. Uncle Brad breaks down the proper way to craft this whiskey-forward twist on the classic Moscow Mule, exploring its brief but uninteresting origins. But the conversation meanders a bit bourbon's explosive popularity and how it's transformed from an affordable American spirit into a luxury commodity that has whiskey lovers everywhere feeling the pinch.
Meanwhile, Jules puts her seasonal spin on the classic with "Falling For A Mule" – an autumnal variation that captures the essence of fall in a copper mug. From the history behind the Kentucky Mule to the economic forces driving today's bourbon craze, this episode serves up equal parts cocktail education and industry insight.
In our tip section, listener Kate poses a thought-provoking question that gets Uncle Brad and Jules dreaming: if you could go back in time to any bar in history, which would you choose and what would you order? Their answers might surprise you and will definitely have you pondering your own cocktail time travel fantasies.
Whether you're a bourbon enthusiast wondering when prices will come back down to earth or just looking for your next signature fall cocktail, this episode has something to sip on.
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A Brief History of the Kentucky Mule
The Kentucky Mule is a southern spin on the classic Moscow Mule. The original Mule dates back to the 1940s when a bartender at the Cock ‘n’ Bull pub in Los Angeles mixed vodka, ginger beer, and lime in a copper mug. It was part clever marketing (vodka was struggling in the U.S. at the time, and ginger beer wasn’t exactly flying off the shelves) and part happy accident. The copper mug sealed the deal as the drink’s signature vessel.
Fast forward: swap out vodka for bourbon, and you get the Kentucky Mule—a cocktail that highlights America’s native spirit while keeping that spicy-sweet ginger and lime combo. The Kentucky Mule isn’t centuries old, but it’s become a staple in modern cocktail culture because it’s refreshing, simple, and very bourbon-forward.
Bourbon 101: A Little History
Bourbon itself has deep roots in American history. While whiskey distilling came to the U.S. with Scottish and Irish immigrants, bourbon began taking shape in Kentucky in the late 18th century. The region’s limestone-filtered water, fertile corn crops, and climate made it perfect for whiskey-making. By law, bourbon must be at least 51% corn, aged in new charred oak barrels, and made in the U.S. (though Kentucky still produces around 95% of the world’s supply).
By the 19th century, bourbon was booming, earning its reputation as “America’s native spirit.” Even Prohibition couldn’t completely kill it—some distilleries survived by selling “medicinal whiskey.”
The Bourbon Craze
In the last two decades, bourbon has exploded in popularity again. Limited releases, small-batch production, and collectible bottles have created what some call the “bourbon craze.” Bottles from brands like Pappy Van Winkle can sell for thousands on the resale market, fueling a culture of collectors, enthusiasts, and cocktail lovers alike.
Fun Facts
Copper mugs & science: The copper mug isn’t just for looks—it actually keeps the drink icy cold, enhancing the ginger and lime flavors.
Kentucky makes most of the world’s bourbon: There are more bourbon barrels aging in Kentucky than there are people living there.
America’s native spirit: In 1964, Congress officially declared bourbon “America’s native spirit.”
The Mule family tree: Beyond the Moscow and Kentucky Mule, you’ll also find spin-offs like the Mexican Mule (with tequila) and the Gin Gin Mule (with gin).
This weeks tip section will be dedicated to answering YOUR questions
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