Introducing a new cocktail that aims to shake up the competition.
The Mulligan is making waves at the 2025 Ryder Cup, attempting to dethrone the current champion (sorry, mint julep) of sports beverages: the $17 million-selling Honey Deuce, which scored big at the U.S. Open.
The Mulligan is a delightful mix of Elijah Craig bourbon, sweet black tea, lemonade, and soda water, having made its debut last year at the PGA championship, serving as a refreshing alternative to the classic Arnold Palmer.
Infused with a piquant twist and a light caffeine boost, this drink is designed to help morning-league golf enthusiasts shake off their sleepiness before heading to the first tee, tapping into New Yorkers’ love for energizing beverages, evidenced by the espresso martini craze.
“Think of it as the John Daly version—if you will—of the non-alcoholic Arnold Palmer,” Elijah Craig brand ambassador Chris Barry shared with The Post.
While the Honey Deuce became an instant hit, this cocktail caters to those with a preference for a drier flavor profile and a hint of caffeine, perfect for the early risers who arrive at the course by 7 a.m.
But is the Mulligan merely a high-priced novelty—$19.50 for a standard pour or $26.50 for a larger souvenir version, against the wildly popular $23 Honey Deuce?
Could it genuinely compete in the realm of iconic sports drinks?
Some mixologists raise doubts about how a dark spirit could hold its own in the competitive NYC market against a vodka favorite like the U.S. Open’s popular offering—it might just not be their cup of tee.
According to Overproof’s national insights, vodka remains the leading spirit in the U.S., followed by tequila/mezcal, with whiskey, specifically bourbon, at a distinct level of preference.
“Bourbon and whiskey have a defined market and specific target audience, so I think it will be a challenge to surpass the Honey Deuce’s popularity,” remarked Frankie Solarik, owner of BarChef.
This doesn’t seem to indicate a perfect score—perhaps it’s not even a double bogey?
Though the price is high, it’s still a reasonable option in the context of the Bethpage Black event—premium beer rings in at $19 (plus tax and tip), while hard seltzer will set you back a staggering $16—who truly needs caffeine?—and a non-alcoholic Michelob Ultra Zero costs $12.
If you can’t muster the energy to hop on the LIRR towards Farmingdale—or cover the $255 for a practice round or $750 per day—you can check it out at two Elijah Craig pop-up spots at Pebble Bar in Rockefeller Center and The New York Edition hotel, with several golf pros, including Team USA player Scottie Scheffler, spotted at the latter venue on Wednesday evening.
Get ready to tee off!
Craft Your Own Mulligan
- For a professional touch, steep one black tea bag in 3 ounces of Elijah Craig Bourbon.
- Combine this with lemonade and soda water over ice.
- At the course, garnish with a lemon slice and a miniature golf flag for that perfect hole-in-one presentation.
