Mulligan Cocktail Set to Compete in 2025 Ryder Cup

A new cocktail is gearing up to shake things up at the upcoming 2025 Ryder Cup.

The Mulligan is poised to take center stage, potentially overshadowing the Mint Julep, which has long been hailed as the king of sports cocktails.

This drink, featuring Elijah Craig Bourbon, green tea, lemonade, and soda water, was introduced last year. It serves as a refreshing twist on the classic Arnold Palmer, making its debut during the PGA Finals.

The Mulligan packs a bit of an energetic punch with its light caffeine content, something the Ryder teams are hoping will appeal to fans eager for an early morning tee-off. If the popularity of the espresso martini is any indication, it seems New Yorkers have a knack for energy-infused drinks.

Chris Barry, Elijah Craig’s brand ambassador, commented on the drink, noting its resemblance to Arnold Palmer while adding that it could evoke the spirit of golfing legend John Daly.

The Mulligan is also on the menu at a pop-up set up at Rockefeller Center, eagerly awaiting its first customers ahead of the tournament. Bartenders will be mixing this bourbon-based drink throughout the 2025 Ryder Cup.

While the Honey Deuce garnered viral attention, the Mulligan aims to attract those who prefer a drier cocktail with a hint of caffeine, perfect for a round of golf starting at 7 AM.

That said, high-priced cocktails are not without their skepticism. The standard serving goes for $19.50, while the larger souvenir cup is $26.50.

However, the Mulligan faces tough competition in New York’s cocktail scene. Some mixologists doubt that bourbon can outshine popular vodka-based drinks, especially in the context of events like the US Open, where vodka reigns supreme.

Various sources indicate that vodka is the most popular spirit in the United States, followed by tequila and whiskey—bourbon being a more regionally specific choice.

Frankie Solarik, the owner of Barchef, expressed doubts about bourbon’s ability to rival the Honey Deuce, stating that whiskey has a specific market and palate, which may hinder its widespread popularity.

While the Mulligan might not be everyone’s first pick, it could still find a favorable spot among fans at the event.

Pricing for the Mulligan matches the trend of high-end offerings at such venues; premium beer is offered at $19, hard seltzer at $16, and even non-alcoholic Michelob Ultra Zero goes for $12.

If you’re not up to tackling the LIRR to Farmingdale—where prices start at $255 for practice rounds or $750 a day—there are a couple of Elijah Craig pop-up bars at the New York Edition Hotel, featuring Team USA golfer Scotty Scheffler.

Get ready to tee off!

Ace Your Own Mulligan

• To replicate this cocktail at home, start by steeping one green tea bag with 3 oz of Elijah Craig bourbon.
• Add lemonade, soda water, and ice to the mix.
• If you’re feeling creative, garnish drinks with lemon slices and miniature golf flags to mimic a hole-in-one vibe.