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This easy bourbon margarita is a twist on the classic margarita, swapping tequila for bourbon. It combines bourbon, Cointreau, fresh lime juice and a touch of agave syrup, shaken with ice and served on the rocks with a salted rim.
Bourbon works beautifully in cocktails. If you enjoy whiskey-based drinks, you might also like other bourbon cocktails such as a bourbon rosemary cocktail, a pear bourbon cocktail, a blood orange whiskey sour, a blackberry bourbon smash, or a pineapple old fashioned.
This bourbon margarita is a unique, flavorful alternative to the traditional tequila version. For more margarita variations, try guava margaritas, an Amaretto margarita, or a mango jalapeño margarita.
Why this is the best whiskey margarita
- Great for celebrations. Margaritas are a popular party drink; this bourbon version is ideal if you prefer whiskey over tequila.
- All-season appeal. Bourbon pairs well with warm and cool-weather flavors, making this cocktail suitable year-round.
- Balanced flavors. The recipe keeps the bourbon from overpowering the citrus and orange liqueur so the drink remains bright and balanced.
Ingredients
- Bourbon: Choose a good-quality, mid-range bourbon for mixing. Reserve premium bottles for sipping neat.
- Cointreau: Cointreau gives a smooth, bright orange flavor. Triple sec can be used in a pinch, but the quality and taste differ.
- Fresh lime juice: Always use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best citrus brightness—bottled juice won’t provide the same freshness.
Instructions
Prepare the glass by running a lime slice around the rim, then dip the edge in salt if desired.
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the bourbon, Cointreau, fresh lime juice and agave syrup. Shake vigorously for about 5–7 seconds, strain into a glass filled with fresh ice, and garnish with a lime wedge. Serve immediately.
FAQ
While you can mix bourbon with pre-made margarita mix, the flavor won’t be as bright or fresh. Making this cocktail from scratch with fresh lime and quality orange liqueur yields a noticeably better drink.
Yes. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, use a mason jar: add the ingredients and ice, close the lid tightly, shake well, then strain into your glass.
Expert Tips
- Adjust sweetness to taste. If you prefer a stronger bourbon presence, reduce the agave by half or to taste.
- Use agave to stick coarse salt. For large salt crystals on the rim, dip the glass in a little agave then press into the salt. Let the rim dry briefly before pouring the cocktail.
📖 Recipe
Bourbon Margarita
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
4.7 from 7 reviews
- Author: Ali
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This bourbon margarita is a simple, refreshing cocktail that swaps tequila for bourbon, creating a rich, citrus-forward drink that’s great any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 oz bourbon
- ¾ oz Cointreau
- 1 ½ oz lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 oz agave syrup
- Salt (optional)
Instructions
- Run a lime slice around the edge of a margarita glass and dip it in salt if using.
- Add bourbon, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, agave syrup and a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 5–7 seconds until the shaker is frosted. Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice and garnish with a lime wedge. Enjoy responsibly.
Notes
- Make it bolder: Reduce the agave syrup for a stronger bourbon flavor. Adjust sweetness to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 247
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 3mg
- Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 35.1g
- Protein: 0.2g
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