The Mulligan: Golf’s New Signature Cocktail Swings for the Fences
In the world of sports, signature cocktails have become almost as iconic as the events they accompany. Just as the mint julep has been synonymous with the Kentucky Derby for generations, the Honey Deuce has become the unofficial mascot of the U.S. Open tennis tournament, generating an impressive $17 million in sales. Now, there’s a new contender stepping onto the green: The Mulligan, making its grand appearance at the 2025 Ryder Cup, is aiming to challenge the dominance of its tennis counterpart in the sports cocktail arena.
This bourbon-based refreshment made its initial debut last year at the PGA finals, but it’s at the prestigious Ryder Cup where it’s really looking to make its mark. The Mulligan offers a sophisticated twist on the classic Arnold Palmer (the beloved half-tea, half-lemonade beverage named after the golfing legend). This boozy version combines Elijah Craig bourbon with sweet black tea, zesty lemonade, and a splash of soda water for effervescence. What makes this cocktail particularly clever for early morning golf tournaments is its light caffeine content – a practical feature for fans who need to shake off sleepiness for those dawn tee-offs. As Chris Barry, Elijah Craig’s brand ambassador, cleverly put it: “Call this the John Daly – if you will – to the non-alcoholic Arnold Palmer,” referencing the famously colorful golfer known for his less-than-temperate lifestyle. It’s a knowing wink to golf enthusiasts while also capitalizing on the current popularity of caffeinated cocktails like the espresso martini.
Like many stadium beverages, The Mulligan comes with a premium price tag – $19.50 for a standard serving or $26.50 if you want to take home the souvenir cup. While this might seem steep, it’s actually on par with other offerings at the Bethpage Black event, where a premium beer will set you back $19, and even a hard seltzer costs $16. The Honey Deuce, by comparison, goes for $23 at the U.S. Open. The real question isn’t about price but whether this bourbon-based beverage can truly compete with its vodka-based rival. Industry experts express some skepticism – according to national data from Overproof, vodka remains America’s top spirit, followed by tequila/mezcal, with whiskey (including bourbon) coming in third. Frankie Solarik, owner of renowned cocktail destination BarChef, notes that “Bourbon and whiskey generally do have a specified market and palate, so I would say it will be difficult to overtake the popularity of the Honey Deuce.”
The timing of The Mulligan’s introduction is no coincidence, as sporting events have become fertile ground for beverage companies looking to create memorable (and profitable) experiences. With patrons already paying premium prices for admission – practice rounds at the Ryder Cup start at $255, with daily tickets reaching $750 – splurging on a signature cocktail becomes part of the overall experience. The Honey Deuce’s success story is certainly inspiring; what started as just another concession option has transformed into a cultural phenomenon that spectators specifically seek out, often sharing pictures of the distinctive melon-ball-garnished drink on social media.
Perhaps understanding the power of accessibility in building a cocktail’s reputation, Elijah Craig has cleverly expanded The Mulligan’s availability beyond the golf course. Those unable to make the journey to Farmingdale for the tournament can sample the drink at pop-up locations in New York City, including Pebble Bar at Rockefeller Center and The New York Edition hotel. The latter has already attracted golf royalty, with Team USA player Scottie Scheffler among those spotted at the venue. This strategy of making the cocktail available to a wider audience could help build its reputation beyond the confines of the tournament.
For cocktail enthusiasts looking to recreate The Mulligan at home, the recipe is refreshingly straightforward. Simply steep a black tea bag in three ounces of Elijah Craig Bourbon, then mix with lemonade and soda water over ice. At the official tournament, the presentation includes a lemon slice and miniature golf flag garnish – a playful touch that enhances the drink’s connection to the sport. While it’s too soon to tell if The Mulligan will achieve the same cult status as the Honey Deuce, its thoughtful connection to golf culture (including its clever name, referencing the unofficial do-over shot that many weekend golfers rely on) gives it a fighting chance. Whether it becomes golf’s definitive drink or remains just another contender, The Mulligan represents the continuing evolution of how we experience sporting events – not just through the competition itself, but through the cultural rituals we build around them.
