I’m a big fan of regional food and drink brands with a cult following. A local one to me here in central Kentucky is Ale-8-One ginger and citrus soda. Even better, the folks at Ale-8 do several seasonal flavor variations. My favorite by far is pawpaw and I eagerly await its release each fall. Besides being a crisp and refreshing drink straight out of the famous green glass bottle, this variation makes an outstanding version of a traditional whiskey mule.

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Try the pawpaw version of this small regional soda brand for the perfect whiskey mule. Images by author

If you aren’t familiar with a whiskey mule, it is simply a traditional vodka and ginger mule made with whiskey. The additional flavor of the base spirit makes the whiskey version more complex and even better than the original in my book.

The ginger part of the drink usually comes in the form of ginger beer or ginger ale. The Ale-8 is the perfect substitute. The folks at Ale-8 worked with the pawpaw experts at Kentucky State University to get the perfect pawpaw flavor for the drink.

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The folks at Ale-8 release a pawpaw flavor each fall.

For the spirit part of this one, I use the Realtree version of Crown Royal.

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The Realtree edition Crown Royal is the perfect spirit for the cocktail.

The only other ingredient is freshly squeezed lime juice. The additional citrus brightens the overall flavor. Use a lime wheel or wedge for garnish.

I prefer to make these in a traditional copper mule cup, but any glass will work.

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A copper cup is traditional for mule cocktails.

Start by filling the glass with ice. Add 2 ounces of Crown Royal.

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Start with two ounces of Crown Royal in the glass.

Top the whiskey with 4 ounces of pawpaw Ale-8 and finish with a squeeze of lime.

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Top the whiskey with four ounces of Ale-8.

Stir to blend and chill. Serve immediately.

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