20 Bourbon Martinis Recipes: The Best Ones

Bourbon martinis are a fantastic way to enjoy a sophisticated cocktail with a twist. Whether you’re throwing a party or just looking for a new drink to try at home, there’s a bourbon martini recipe for every occasion. I’ve got a collection of the best recipes to help you shake things up and impress your guests.

From classic Bourbon Martinis to Manhattan-inspired variations, there’s something here for everyone. Don’t forget to plan ahead and refrigerate everything you need, so you’re ready to mix a perfect cocktail at any moment. Follow along and let’s make some delicious drinks together.

Bourbon Martinis recipes you must try!

1. Classic Bourbon Martini

I really enjoy this classic take on a Bourbon Martini—it’s one of my go-to drinks. The combination of bourbon with sweet vermouth and a bit of sour mix is a delightful treat.

Quick Recipe:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1/2 oz sour mix

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with cocktail cherries.

2. Elegant Boulevardier

The Boulevardier is an elegant drink from the 1920s that never goes out of style. It’s simple but classy with a mix of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari.

Quick Recipe:

• 1 1/2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz sweet vermouth

Stir with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

3. Refreshing Bourbon Sour Martini

A Bourbon Sour Martini is a classic and refreshing choice. The lemon juice and simple syrup make it a delightful option even for those who aren’t usually bourbon fans.

Quick Recipe:

• 2 oz bourbon
• ¾ oz lemon juice
• ¾ oz simple syrup
• 1-2 tsp egg white (optional)

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into an ice-filled glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge and a maraschino cherry.

4. Sweet and Retro Brown Derby

The Brown Derby is a retro cocktail that pairs bourbon with grapefruit and honey syrup. It’s a sweet and citrusy drink that’s refreshingly amazing.

Quick Recipe:

• 3 oz bourbon whiskey
• 1 1/2 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
• 3/4 oz honey syrup

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a grapefruit slice if desired.

5. Citrusy Man O’ War

Named after a famous racehorse, the Man O’ War martini is a citrusy delight. The combination of orange curaçao and lemon juice with bourbon is a real winner.

Quick Recipe:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz orange curaçao (or triple sec)
• 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
• 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a skewered lemon peel and a brandied cherry.

6. The Bourbon Manhattan Twist

Living in Manhattan, I can’t help but love a good Manhattan twist. This version uses bourbon instead of rye, making it a smooth and rich choice.

Quick Recipe:

• 2 1/2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2-3 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters

Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a cherry and an orange peel.

7. Kentucky-Inspired Bourbon Sidecar

The Bourbon Sidecar is a Kentucky-inspired version of the classic Sidecar, which swaps cognac for bourbon. The orange liqueur and lemon juice give it a sweet-tart finish.

Quick Recipe:

• 1 1/2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz orange liqueur
• 1/2 oz lemon juice

Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

8. Cozy Matriarch Martini

The Matriarch Martini is perfect for cooler weather with its espresso twist. This one combines tart cherry juice and espresso, making it a warm and satisfying drink.

Quick Recipe:

• 1 1/2 oz bourbon
• 3/4 oz tart cherry juice
• 3/4 oz espresso
• 1/2 oz vanilla demerara syrup

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with chocolate shavings.

9. Decadent Bourbon Black Forest

The Bourbon Black Forest is a decadent treat with chocolate and cherry flavors. It’s like having a drink and dessert all in one.

Quick Recipe:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 3/4 oz cherry brandy
• 1/2 oz brown crème de cacao
• 1/6 oz Kahlua

Stir with ice and strain into cherry-garnished glasses. Float double cream on top and sprinkle with grated chocolate or cocoa powder.

10. Rich and Spicy Fox River

The Fox River is a rich, dark drink with a touch of chocolate. It’s a Manhattan-style martini with a layer of cocoa flavor that’s truly exciting.

Quick Recipe:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/4 oz brown crème de cacao
• 5 dashes Angostura bitters

Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

11. Coffee-Laden Revolver

The Revolver is a ‘martini-esque’ cocktail that combines bourbon with coffee liqueur and a hint of orange bitters. It’s perfect for coffee lovers!

Quick Recipe:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz coffee liqueur
• 2 dashes orange bitters

Stir with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a flamed orange peel.

12. Dessert-Like Pumpkin Pie Martini

The Pumpkin Pie Martini combines dessert and drink in one glass. It’s rich and full of fall flavors, making it a favorite for the colder months.

Quick Recipe:

• 2 1/2 oz vanilla vodka
• 1 1/2 oz aged rum
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/4 cup half-and-half
• 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• Handful of ice cubes

Shake well and strain into chilled martini glasses. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice.

13. Tangy Bourbon Lemon Drop Martini

I’ve always enjoyed a Bourbon Lemon Drop Martini. The tangy lemon with a hint of mint makes it a refreshing drink for any time of year.

Quick Recipe:

• 6 fresh mint leaves
• 2 oz homemade sour mix
• 1 1/2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz Limoncello

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves.

14. Spicy and Warm Spiced Bourbon, Beer, and Maple Martini

This Spiced Bourbon, Beer, and Maple Martini is perfect for chilly nights. It has a warm and spicy kick that’s great for winter.

Quick Recipe:

• 1 cup chilled bourbon
• 1/4 cup chilled dark beer
• 1/4 cup chilled pure maple syrup

Shake with ice and strain into four chilled martini glasses. Grate nutmeg over each martini and stir. Garnish with a small dried red chili.

15. Hazelnut Bourbon Ball Martini

The Bourbon Ball Martini is indulged with hazelnut and chocolate flavors. It’s a strong and flavorful drink that’s quite delightful.

Quick Recipe:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz white crème de cacao liqueur
• 1/4 oz hazelnut liqueur

Stir with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with chocolate shavings.

16. Creamy Bourbon Cream Chocolate Martini

This Bourbon Cream Chocolate Martini isn’t overly sweet but still rich and satisfying. It combines bourbon cream with bourbon, creating a delightful drink.

Quick Recipe:

• 8 oz bourbon cream
• 2-3 oz bourbon
• 1 oz Kahlua
• 1 oz crème de cacao

Shake with ice. Roll the rims of the glasses in chocolate syrup and dip them in crushed candy canes. Strain into the glasses and garnish with an optional candy cane.

17. Fig-Inspired Bourbon Fig Martini

The Bourbon Fig Martini is a unique and rustic cocktail. Its fig flavors mix beautifully with the bourbon, making it a memorable drink.

Quick Recipe:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz fig liquor
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Dash of bitters

Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a fig slice.

18. Modern Black Manhattan

The Black Manhattan is a modern twist on the classic, replacing sweet vermouth with another delicious component. It’s a smooth and flavorful cocktail.

Quick Recipe:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz Amaro
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Stir with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a cherry.

19. Refreshing Ginger Pear Bourbon Martini

The Ginger Pear Bourbon Martini is light and refreshing, perfect for warmer months. It’s a unique blend of ginger and pear flavors with bourbon.

Quick Recipe:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz pear juice
• 3/4 oz ginger syrup

Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a pear slice.

20. Sweet Maple Cranberry Bourbon Martini

Finally, the Maple Cranberry Bourbon Martini is a fantastic choice for Thanksgiving or any holiday gathering. The tart cranberry and sweet maple syrup pair perfectly with bourbon.

Quick Recipe:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 2 oz unsweetened cranberry juice
• 1/2 oz bourbon maple syrup
• 1/2 oz fresh orange juice

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with fresh cranberries.