Beyond regional pride, local cuisine pairings, and implied sports team allegiance, there is one small but important difference between a Kentucky mule and its southern cousin, Tennessee. The typical mule recipe comprises ginger beer, lime juice, and a location-specific liquor.
The legendary Moscow mule uses vodka. Mexican mule utilizes tequila, London mule uses gin. Mules are also known for their copper mugs, which Kentucky and Tennessee share. Treat yourself to a mule "kick" tonight if you guessed where this is headed.
Tennessee whiskey is used in Tennessee mule, but Kentucky mule uses bourbon, which you wouldn't recognize at first. Some recipes add a sprig of mint or a wedge of lime, but neither is required by state law. In this cocktail situation, tasting won't reveal the two drinks' underlying flavors.
Even the most seasoned drinkers may fail to distinguish bourbon from Tennessee whiskey after a whiff of effervescent, spicy ginger beer and the lime's tart taste. Even mild ginger ale, which can be substituted for ginger beer in a mule, will distract. Each spirit has several features that define it.
Even bourbon and whiskey distinctions don't bridge Kentucky/Tennessee. Bourbon is created nationwide, but Kentucky produces the most. Tennessee whiskey must be lawfully brewed in the state to be called such.
Kind of like the nation's Champagne. Just barely, bourbon and Tennessee whiskey are corn-based. Lincoln County Process, named for Jack Daniels' hometown, is a charcoal filtering procedure used only on Tennessee whiskey.
Speaking of brand awareness, you can always check the bottle label to discover if you're drinking a Kentucky or Tennessee mule.