You may have heard of the Moscow Mule but believe us when we say that you haven’t experienced true greatness until you’ve tried the Kentucky Mule.
For this drink, we’ll take the classic Moscow Mule recipe and put a Kentucky twist on it by using bourbon whiskey instead of vodka. When you put everything together, the result is a refreshing drink that can only be described as mighty fine. Today we’re sharing our Kentucky mule recipe plus a special treat: a recipe for grilled chili lime chicken skewers that pairs perfectly with it. Who’s hungry?!
Summer in Louisville, Kentucky
Do we have a favorite season in Louisville? For us at the Inn at Woodhaven I can absolutely answer—no, we don’t. We love welcoming the beautiful seasonal changes in Kentucky, from the incredible foliage that brings vacationing “leaf peepers” in fall, to the excitement of spring blooms that is only rivaled by the excitement for horse racing season at Churchill Downs.
But summer is just something special here in the heartland of America. From soaking up a sunny day in one of our many award-winning Louisville parks to surrounding ourselves with the scents from a delicious grilled meal, summer feels like the time to slow down, savor and socialize. And today we’ve got two of our favorite summer recipes for your next cookout that are sure to be crowd-pleasers!
Straight from the Inn at Woodhaven Kitchen
As innkeepers, serving delicious foods and drinks is something we take very seriously. In fact, the many recipes we’ve shared throughout our blogs continue to be some of our most popular posts (but if you don’t want to hunt through the archives here are the links to our Caramel French Toast Casserole, Summer Lovin Greek Pita, Game-Time Chili and Blackberry Mint Julep).
Our Woodhaven guests rave about the fresh cookies that greet them in the lobby and the unique selection of Kentucky bourbons that we feature in the bourbon-tasting sessions you can reserve as part of your stay. And don’t get us started on the breakfast our guests are greeted with each morning!
We strive to make our inn your home away from home. But you can also bring the charm of the Inn at Woodhaven home with you with these two easy recipes that we love to prepare for a summer cookout with friends.
First, A Signature Drink: The Kentucky Mule
If you’re anything like us, then you’re going to want something to sip on as you grill in the summer heat. Our Kentucky Mule, some people call it a Bourbon Mule by the way, is really simple to pull together and refreshing all summer long.
Although we choose to finish our classic cocktail with a nice mint garnish, it’s by no means the only way to finish your drink. A simple lime wheel or lime wedge looks the part and offers a nice and refreshing finishing touch to your drink.
Any Cocktail Glass Will Do
When you go through all the trouble of making cocktails, don’t you want them to look the part too? This is why using a proper glass is an important part of making this drink.
So before we start, make sure you have a nice glass. Ideally, this is a copper mug but a highball glass, rocks glass or even a regular cocktail glass works just as well. Just don’t serve them in a coffee mug or, even worse, a plastic cup!
Next, add ice. Remember that you serve this drink cold so don’t just add a cube or two. After you completely fill your glass with ice, it’s time to move on to the bourbon.
A Note on Bourbon
A true Kentucky mule is made with bourbon, not any American whiskey. Sure, you can use your Jack Daniels to make a delicious cocktail but the result will be a Tennessee mule rather than a Kentucky mule. Likewise, Irish whiskey makes for a drink called an Irish mule.
You don’t need any fancy bourbon to make this drink. However, some bourbons are better than others. A good Kentucky mule cocktail requires a whiskey that can stand up to the strong flavors of spicy ginger beer and lime juice. Opting for a mid-proof, smooth bourbon makes for an excellent starting point.
Whatever you decide, always make sure that you choose a bourbon that you enjoy on its own. If you’re a bourbon lover like us, you probably already have some brands in mind!
You might also like: How To Drink Bourbon Like A Kentuckian
Kentucky Mule Recipe
Once you’ve picked your favorite bourbon and grabbed yourself a nice glass, you only need three ingredients to make this easy cocktail recipe. Not only is this drink easy to make, it also requires a minimal amount of prep time, making it a perfect candidate to serve for your Kentucky Derby party!
Let’s gather all the ingredients we need.
- 2 ounces low to mid-proof Kentucky bourbon (two of our favorite distilleries are Rabbit Hole and Kentucky Peerless)
- 1/2-ounce fresh lime juice
- Ginger Beer (for a sweeter drink, use ginger ale instead)
- Freshly squeezed lime juice and mint for garnish
Combine bourbon and lime juice in a copper mug and add crushed ice. Top with Ginger Beer, add a few fresh mint leaves for garnish and serve immediately.
It’s as simple as that!
Planning Ahead for Your Meal
One reason we love this recipe for Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Skewers is that the prep is minimal, requires only an hour of marinating, and is easy to clean up. Plus, this recipe, inspired by one from All Recipes, is a crowd-pleaser every time we make it.
Gather your ingredients, cut them up, and get them in the fridge for an hour while you enjoy your Kentucky Mule.
Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Skewers
Now put your cocktail shakers to the side and let’s get cooking. When it’s grill time, you’ll have lunch or dinner ready in 15 minutes or less!
Ingredients:
- 3 Tbs avocado oil (or substitute olive oil)
- 1 ½ Tbs red wine vinegar
- 2 Tbs fresh squeezed lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (or more if you like spice)
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- 1lb chicken breast, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces
- Wooden or metal skewers
Directions:
With all your ingredients gathered, let’s put the recipe together. Keep in mind that preparation is key here.
- Whisk the oil, vinegar, and lime juice together in a small bowl.
- Stir the dry spices, plus salt and pepper to taste, into the wet ingredients.
- Place the chicken in a shallow baking dish or Ziploc bag and add the marinade. Make sure the chicken is fully coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the chicken onto the skewers and discard the remaining marinade.
- Lightly oil the grill grate and grill the chicken for 10-15 minutes until done (juice runs clear).
Optional: Add your favorite veggies like cut-up bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms to the marinade with the chicken and then alternate on the skewers.
Hungry for More Kentucky Flavor?
If your stomach is growling, then it’s time for you to book your next vacation to Louisville and the Inn at Woodhaven. We are a city full of flavor—from our world-class restaurants to our award-winning bourbon distilleries.
Whether you’re coming in for a quick mid-week vacation or staying with us for more time, we can’t wait to have you as our guest. Take a tour of our rooms and book your stay today!
