The mint julep has long ruled as the drink of the Kentucky Derby, and many thousands of them will be sipped (and spilled) this weekend at Churchill Downs. But the Bluegrass State also lends its name to another beloved cocktail: the Kentucky Mule, a spin on the Moscow Mule featuring bourbon, ginger beer, and lime juice. Love the Derby and ginger? Do as Louisville’s bar Vetti does and combine the two cocktails.
Jacob Hixenbaugh, bar Vetti’s beverage director, merged the best parts of a mint julep and a mule and christened it with a clever portmanteau. In addition to swapping out the lime for lemon, Hixenbaugh crafts a rich Demerara syrup (which is easy enough to make at home using a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water). From there, “I add 1.5 to 2 ounces of bourbon, a little mint, and a ginger beer float,” he says. “This makes the drink bright, smooth, and minty, with a zing of light spice and just enough sweetness to allow the bourbon to still come through smooth on the palate.”
As for pairing this drink with Derby party fare, Hixenbaugh suggests buffalo or spicy cheese dips or, to complement its bright acidity, perhaps a smoked or grilled meat. “Kentucky barbecue washes down nicely,” he says.
