Did you know that the original martini was often made with gin and vermouth and was a favorite of classic Hollywood stars? Now, imagine mixing that iconic elegance with the rich history of bourbon, America’s native spirit.
This blend of sophistication and deep flavor creates the perfect fusion in this Bourbon cocktail. It’s a drink that not only honors tradition but also excites the palate with its unique combination of sweet and smoky notes.
Curious to learn how to make this intriguing cocktail? Let’s get into the delicious details and elevate your cocktail game with the Bourbon Martini.
How to Make a Bourbon Martini
The Bourbon Martini is an easy-to-make cocktail that brings out the best of bourbon and vermouth. Just pour the ingredients into your favorite shaker, mix and enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a party or just winding down, here’s how to create this delightful drink.
What’s in a Bourbon Martini
To make a Bourbon Martini, you’ll need the following ingredients:
2 oz Bourbon: I love this recipe with Kurvball BBQ Whiskey. It has savory, sweet, and smoky notes that make it perfect for slowly enjoying this drink. The unique flavor profile of Kurvball adds a depth to the Bourbon Martini that you won’t find with other bourbons.
1 oz Vermouth: Sweet vermouth pairs beautifully with smoky bourbon, adding a layer of herbal sweetness that complements the bourbon’s rich, charred notes. 9diDante vermouth is my go-to for this cocktail. It’s known for its rich and complex flavor, and brings out the best in the bourbon. 9diDante is crafted with a blend of botanicals that add a unique touch to any drink.
2 dashes Biters: Angostura bitters adds a complex, aromatic depth to a bourbon martini, balancing the sweetness of the vermouth with its distinctive spiced notes. It enhances the overall flavor profile, making the cocktail more nuanced and enjoyable.
1/2 oz Sour mix: The sour mix balances out the sweet flavors, making this cocktail refreshing yet smoky. It’s a combination that will please any bourbon lover’s palate.
Ice: Because his drink is best enjoyed cold.
Luxardo cherries: To garnish the drink. I highly recommend luxardo cherries vs marschino cherries, as they have a richer depth of flavor.
Directions
- In a cocktail shaker, mix together bourbon, sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters, and sour mix.
- Add ice until the shaker is half full, secure the lid, and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds until well combined and chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a martini glass, ensuring no ice pieces slip through.
- Garnish with cocktail cherries if you like.
- Enjoy.
Food Pairings
- Milk Chocolate: The creamy sweetness of milk chocolate complements the rich, oaky flavors of bourbon, making it a perfect pairing for this bourbon cocktail.
- BBQ Ribs: The smoky, savory taste of BBQ ribs pairs wonderfully with the smooth and slightly sweet notes of a bourbon martini, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
- Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses, especially aged cheddar or gouda, provide a balanced contrast to the robust flavors of bourbon, making for a delightful and sophisticated pairing. These easy summer charcuterie boards would be a perfect pairing!
Expert Tips and Variations
- No Shaker? No Problem If you don’t have a shaker, simply combine all the ingredients in a glass filled with ice and stir until well combined.
- I recommend serving this cocktail immediately, but you can also make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just add ice and stir well.
- Taste and adjust the recipe to your preference. You can add as much or as little of the bitters or sour mix as you want
- Adding ice cubes when you’re not ready to serve will dilute the cocktail. It’s best to wait to add the ice just before you serve.
- Try it with an ounce of coffee liqueur for an interesting twist.
- Instead of cherries, you can garnish this delectable cocktail with a twist of lemon zest for a delicious experience.
Bourbon Martini
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 1 oz Vermouth
- 2 dashes Biters
- 1/2 oz Sour mix
- Ice
- Luxardo cherries
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, mix together bourbon, sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters, and sour mix.
- Add ice until the shaker is half full, secure the lid, and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds until well combined and chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a martini glass, ensuring no ice pieces slip through.
- Garnish with cocktail cherries if you like.
- Enjoy.
Conclusion
The bourbon martini is a versatile and sophisticated cocktail that brings a bold twist to a classic favorite. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of vermouth, this drink showcases the rich, smoky flavors of bourbon perfectly. It’s an ideal choice for both casual sipping and special occasions, offering a unique experience for cocktail enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make a martini with bourbon?
Yes, but other changes need to be made as well. A classic martini contains gin and vermouth, but I swapped gin for bourbon in this recipe. I also added some sour mix to it.
Can you make a martini without a shaker
Yes you can. Simply combine all the ingredients in a glass filled with ice and stir until well combined.
What is bourbon?
Bourbon is a kind of American whiskey that’s made with at least 51% corn in its grain mix. It’s often associated with the state of Kentucky, though it can be made anywhere in the U.S. The unique aging process in new charred oak barrels gives bourbon its distinctive flavor profile, characterized by notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
