Say adios to summer with my new favorite cocktail, a Peach Kentucky Mule! Sweet summer peach combined with spicy ginger beer and bourbon for a refreshing cocktail best served in a frosty copper mug at sunset.

two copper mugs filled with peach kentucky mule on a silver platter

This simple summer recipe combines two of my favorite things – peaches and bourbon – in one spicy sweet cocktail. Swapping brown liquor for vodka gives this cocktail a delightful depth of flavor, and the addition of peach to the lime and ginger base makes me feel like I’m sitting on a porch swing in the South.

About This Recipe

If you’re looking for a creative new cocktail to serve at your next happy hour, I highly suggest this spicy sweet Peach Kentucky Mule. It takes just a few minutes to put together, uses easy to find ingredients, and is super easy to slurp down. I can basically guarantee you’ll love it!

woven bowl full of peaches

While the cocktails known as “mules” are defined by the use of ginger beer or ginger ale, the most popular and well known of the category is the Moscow Mule. Since vodka is closely associated with Russia, the Moscow moniker makes a lot of sense.

In this twist on the classic, we swap vodka for bourbon – a Kentucky specialty – for a more aggressively flavored beverage. I decided to add fresh juicy peaches to my mule, because they play nicely with both ginger and bourbon. If you like peaches, you’re sure to love this cocktail.

When it comes to ginger, I’m a huge fan. Instead of using saccharine sweet ginger ale, I turned to actual ginger beer; despite the name, it isn’t alcoholic, but it does pack quite a punch. Much spicier than the cans of Canada Dry I grew up with, ginger beer is a more pungent effervescent drink that is made with lots of the real stuff.

So, what are you waiting for?? Get your copper mugs and a muddler and meet me in the kitchen. 

How to Make This Peach Bourbon Cocktail

Happy hour has never been so chill! This Peach Kentucky Mule will be ready for sipping in no time.

Add chopped peaches to a copper mug and muddle with honey or agave and lime juice

Fill cup with ice. Add bourbon and top with ginger beer; stir gently to combine. Garnish with peach and/or lime slices. Salud!

Why Are Mules Served in Copper Cups?

Mules are traditionally served in a copper mug, a handsome vessel that keeps them delightfully frigid. While I’m not sure of the origin of this tradition, I am a huge fan. In fact, I feel like more drinks should be served in these temperature conducting superstars!

Serving Suggestions

This deliciously easy and extra refreshing cocktail is one that I serve on repeat during peach season. Serve it for summer cookouts, pool parties, or picnics!

If you’re feeling keen on peaches during the cooler months, you can easily swap in defrosted frozen peaches for a little taste of summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes This A Kentucky Mule?

I’m sure you’re all familiar with the Moscow Mule, made with vodka. Vodka is the unofficial spirit of Russia, hence using “Moscow” in the title. Since bourbon whiskey is most closely associated with Kentucky, the state name is used to define this yummy cocktail. 

What is the best bourbon to use for this cocktail?

Despite the name Kentucky Mule, bourbon doesn’t have to come from Kentucky. There are lots of options available on the market, so I suggest grabbing the best you can afford. Making cocktails at home is much cheaper than going to the bar, so you may as well splurge on the good stuff!

Some of my favorites include Knob Creek and a local Breckenridge Bourbon, but if you want more suggestions check out this post on the 15 best bourbons of 2021.

bottle of knob creek next to two peach kentucky mule cocktails

Can I swap ginger ale for ginger beer?

While you certainly can trade ginger ale for ginger beer, I don’t recommend that you do. Most of the commercially available ginger ales (*cough*Canada Dry*cough*) don’t actually contain ANY real ginger. For the best – and spiciest – ginger flavor, I suggest using a real ginger beer.

Most well stocked grocers now carry at least one brand of ginger beer – try looking for Cock ‘n Bull or Reed’s. If your store doesn’t carry any of the good stuff, you can try your hand at making your own ginger syrup and mixing it with club soda.

overhead shot of two copper mugs of peach kentucky mules on an embroidered napkin

More Happy Hour Inspiration

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silver serving platter with two peach kentucky mule cocktails with a halved peach and a halved lime
copper mug of peach kentucky mule

Peach Kentucky Mule

5 (2 ratings)
This simple summer recipe combines two of my favorite things – peaches and bourbon – in one spicy sweet cocktail. Swapping brown liquor for vodka gives this cocktail a delightful depth of flavor, and the addition of peach to the lime and ginger base makes me feel like I’m sitting on a porch swing in the South.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 peach, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 
  • 1 1/2 ounces bourbon
  • 1/2 cup ginger beer

Instructions 

  • Add chopped peaches to a copper mug and muddle with honey or agave and lime juice. 
  • Fill cup with ice. Add bourbon and top with ginger beer; stir gently to combine. Garnish with peach and or lime slices.

Notes

Can I swap ginger beer for ginger ale?
While you certainly can trade ginger ale for ginger beer, I don’t recommend that you do. Most of the commercially available ginger ales (*cough*Canada Dry*cough*) don’t actually contain ANY real ginger. For the best – and spiciest – ginger flavor, I suggest using a real ginger beer.
Most well stocked grocers now carry at least one brand of ginger beer – try looking for Cock ‘n Bull or Reed’s. If your store doesn’t carry any of the good stuff, you can try your hand at making your own ginger syrup and mixing it with club soda.
Serving: 1g, Calories: 193kcal, Carbohydrates: 25g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 9mg, Potassium: 166mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 23g, Vitamin A: 252IU, Vitamin C: 9mg, Calcium: 11mg, Iron: 1mg

Photography by Jenna Sparks