A traditional Moscow Mule is made with vodka as a base (hence the name). However, when you swap in bourbon (or whiskey) it becomes a Kentucky Mule instead! Both are equally delicious, and this chocolate Mule is a delicious twist made with Crown Royal chocolate whisky.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The chocolate mule is a creative twist on the classic Moscow Mule, combining the crisp, refreshing zing of ginger beer, herbal notes of mint, and the smooth richness of Crown Royal chocolate whiskey (which actually makes it a Kentucky Mule)!
It strikes a perfect balance between bright, spicy, and sweet, making it both indulgent and refreshing. The chocolate notes mellow the ginger’s bite, creating a surprisingly smooth sip with a fun fizz finish.
Another reason to love it is its seasonal versatility: light enough for summer sipping yet cozy enough for fall and winter, especially with holiday flavors.
Served in the iconic copper mug, it’s as eye-catching as it is delicious, and a fun way to impress guests with a cocktail that’s familiar yet delightfully different!
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Ingredients List
- 2 ounces Crown Royal chocolate whisky
- 2-3 dashes chocolate bitters (cocoa bitters)
- 3 ounces ginger beer (adjust based on size of glass and desired strength – see note below)
- Fresh mint sprig for garnish
- Luxardo (cocktail cherry) for garnish (optional)
- Crushed ice
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Since the Crown Royal chocolate is seasonal, you can swap in another brand of chocolate whiskey, like Bird Dog or Ballotin, as needed. For a chocolate Moscow Mule, use chocolate vodka instead, like 365 double chocolate vodka or Van Gogh
- In this recipe, chocolate bitters replaces the traditional lime juice in a regular Mule recipe for extra flavor. However, you can use ½ ounce of fresh lime juice instead if you prefer!
- Anywhere from 3-6 ounces of ginger beer is typical (adjust based on your mug size and preferences). If you use 5-6 ounces, add an additional ½ ounce of chocolate whiskey (or creme de cacao for a lower proof option) to keep the flavor balanced
Step By Step Instructions
- Fill a copper mug with crushed ice
- Add in the chocolate whiskey, bitters, and then top with the ginger beer. Stir gently to combine
- Garnish with a mint sprig, luxardo cherry, and some chocolate curls if desired (optional). Enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Desserts
- Chocolate Ginger Cookies – echo both key flavors in the cocktail!
- Molten Lava Cake – rich chocolate center complements the drink’s smoothness. Try Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Lava Cake for an easy option!
- Chocolate-Dipped Candied Ginger – a simple bite that mirrors the Mule’s profile
- Spiced Chocolate Mousse – creamy, airy, and lightly spiced to highlight the ginger kick!
Savory Pairings
- Aged Gouda or Blue Cheese – bold cheeses cut through the cocktail’s richness
- Charcuterie with Dark Chocolate Bites – a fun sweet-savory spread that pairs naturally with the mule!
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Dates – salty-sweet balance that enhances the chocolate undertones. Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates are another great choice!
Main Courses
- Beef Chili or Spicy Tacos – the ginger heat and chocolate smoothness play off bold spices
- BBQ Ribs with a Sweet Glaze – smoky and tangy flavors pair beautifully with ginger beer’s zip
- Asian-Inspired Stir Fry with Ginger or Orange Sauce – brings out the mule’s refreshing spice
Light & Fresh Options
- Citrus Salad with Dark Chocolate Shavings – balances freshness with indulgence
- Fresh Berries with Whipped Cream – light, tart contrast to the cocktail’s richness!
- Grilled Pineapple Slices – caramelized sweetness enhances ginger and chocolate notes
- Crown Apple Mule
Recipe FAQs
What’s The Difference Between A Moscow Mule And A Kentucky Mule?
A Moscow Mule is made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime, while a Kentucky Mule swaps the vodka for bourbon or whiskey. The bourbon adds a richer, deeper flavor compared to the lighter, more neutral vodka base.
What Are The Three Types Of Mules?
The most common variations are the Moscow Mule (vodka), Kentucky Mule (bourbon), and Mexican Mule (tequila). Each spirit changes the flavor profile while keeping the signature ginger beer and lime base.
Can I Make A Mocktail Version?
Yes! Simply replace the alcohol with 1-2 Tbsp chocolate syrup or ½ ounce chocolate extract and mix with ginger beer, and lime if desired. It gives the same flavor experience in a refreshing non-alcoholic version!
Tips For the Best Chocolate Mule
- Copper mugs come in many sizes. You’ll want to adjust your ginger beer amount to suit your glass (and or to adjust strength)
- Speaking of adjusting strength, this drink is medium strength as written. For a stronger drink, add more whiskey, or supplement with some chocolate liqueur (like Godiva or creme de cacao), but this will also make it sweeter. You could cut it with some regular whiskey or bourbon too
- Since Crown chocolate whisky is on the sweeter side, this drink will be more sweet (though not sickly so). To reduce sweetness, you can add some fresh lime juice, since the acidity helps to cut it (or for a more sweet drink, add chocolate syrup, simple syrup, or chocolate liqueur)
Serving and Presentation
- Glassware. The classic choice is a copper mug, which keeps the drink icy cold and adds a signature look. For a more elegant twist, you can also serve it in a rocks glass or stemless wine glass with plenty of ice! Feel free to use mini copper mugs and create a tasting flight – see my Mule variations above for other flavors!
- Garnishes are optional, but a lime wheel, luxardo cherry, chocolate shavings, mint sprig, or skewer of candied ginger are all great options
- Ice. Crushed ice is typical for a Mule, but if you’re serving in a rocks glass, try a large, clear ice cube or sphere instead for a slower-melting option
Final Thoughts
This chocolate Mule is a fun, sweet twist on the classic Moscow Mule! This version is a Kentucky Mule, using Crown Royal chocolate whiskey and cocoa bitters to add a unique spin to a classic drink.
Mules in general are fizzy and refreshing, with a bubbly ginger beer base that helps offset the sweetness of the drink with a little zing. It’s perfect for summer, fall, or even winter occasions based on the spiced chocolate flavor profile.
Katie’s tip
Looking for more options? Check out all of my Chocolate Crown Royal Recipes for more delicious ideas. For other seasons, try my Crown Peach Drinks and Blackberry Crown Recipes too!
Chocolate Kentucky Mule With Crown Whisky
Equipment
- Copper Mule mug (or similar)
- Spoon (cutlery; for stirring)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Crown Royal chocolate whisky
- 2-3 dashes chocolate bitters
- 3 ounces ginger beer (adjust based on size of glass and desired strength – see notes)
- Fresh mint sprig & luxardo cherry (optional garnishes)
- Crushed ice
Instructions
- Fill a copper Mule mug with crushed iceCrushed ice
- Add in the chocolate whiskey, bitters, and then top with the ginger beer. Stir gently to combine2 ounces Crown Royal chocolate whisky, 2-3 dashes chocolate bitters, 3 ounces ginger beer
- Garnish with a mint sprig, luxardo cherry, or some chocolate curls if desired (optional). Enjoy!Fresh mint sprig & luxardo cherry
Notes
- Crown Royal chocolate is seasonal, so you can swap in another brand of chocolate whiskey, like Bird Dog or Ballotin, as needed. For a chocolate Moscow Mule, use chocolate vodka instead, like 365 double chocolate vodka or Van Gogh
- In this recipe, chocolate bitters replace the traditional lime juice in a regular Mule recipe for extra flavor. However, you can use ½ ounce of fresh lime juice instead if you prefer!
- Anywhere from 3-6 ounces of ginger beer is typical (adjust based on your mug size and preferences). If you use 5-6 ounces, add an additional ½ ounce of chocolate whiskey (or creme de cacao for a lower proof option) to keep the flavor balanced
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, glass size, any garnishes added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
