Bourbon Margarita

This Bourbon Margarita is a riff on a classic margarita cocktail, where bourbon replaces tequila. If you enjoy a citrusy whiskey sour, you’ll love this cozier version of a margarita!

Easy Whiskey Margarita Recipe

Ahhh, margaritas. I love ’em.

Traditionally made with tequila or mezcal, I’m always up for a fun variation (such as one with bubbles, a margarita with prosecco). This Bourbon Margarita is my latest riff on a classic margarita!

With this variation, I swap tequila for bourbon, which adds a bit of warmth with its caramel and oak undertones. It’s just the thing to take this classic summer cocktail perfectly into fall and winter. If you like a whiskey sour, I guarantee you’ll fall in love with this bourbon whiskey margarita.

This cocktail is super easy to make at home. I can whip up 2 of them up in just 5 minutes. And if you want to serve these for a larger gathering, I’ve included easy big-batch margarita instructions as well!

What You’ll Need

This easy bourbon cocktail recipe is made with just 5 ingredients. And it’s quick and easy to prepare. Scroll down to the recipe box for measurements.

• Bourbon – Bourbon replaces tequila in this riff on a margarita cocktail. It adds warmth with its caramel and oak notes, perfect for fall and winter. Any good-quality bourbon that you already like to drink will work well in this drink.
• Orange liqueur – Orange liqueur adds a subtle acidity, plus bright sweetness. I prefer Cointreau or Grand Marnier in my margaritas, but a good-quality Triple Sec would also be great.
• Freshly squeezed orange & lime juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice is a classic addition to margaritas. I’ve added a splash of orange juice as well, which enhances the flavor of the orange liqueur and pairs perfectly with bourbon. Freshly squeezed juices are a must here. And I’m totally in love with my new citrus press (affiliate link), it works SO FABULOUSLY!
• Honey – Honey adds a touch of sweetness to the margarita. Feel free to leave it out, add more, or swap it for simple syrup or maple syrup if you prefer. I like to use a local brandy-barrel-aged honey, a collaboration between Minnesota’s Bare Honey and Tattersall Distilling – delightful! (This specific honey is not necessary for this cocktail, I just really like it!)

Recipe Variations

Here are a few ways you can switch up your margarita with bourbon:

• Use another whiskey. You can make this drink by using rye whiskey or any other whisk(e)y you enjoy drinking.
• Make it spicy. Do you like a spicy margarita? Then muddle a few slices of jalapeno in the bottom of the glass.
• Switch up the rim. Instead of a salt rim, try adding a spicy tajin rim or even a sugar rim if you want something on the sweeter side.
• Use a different sweetener. In place of honey, you can use agave, simple syrup, or pure maple syrup.

Can I Use A Margarita Mix?

While technically you could use a margarita mix to make your bourbon margarita, I don’t recommend it. I find premade mixes to be overly sweet and without authentic citrus flavor. If I’m going to drink a margarita, I want it to be a good one!

Besides that, it really only takes a little extra time to prepare a margarita from scratch. And I enjoy the process!

How to Salt a Margarita Glass Rim

Salting the rim of this margarita is optional but easy to do if you’d like. Here’s how.

• Wet the glass rim. Run a lime wedge around the rim of the glasses, so the salt has something to stick to.
• Dip into salt. Quickly dip the rim into a small dish of coarse salt. Just go up and down, do not twist the glass.

How to Make a Bourbon Margarita

This margarita with bourbon comes together in just 5 minutes.

• Salt the rim (optional). See the directions above.
• Combine the ingredients. Add bourbon, orange liqueur, lime juice, orange juice, and honey to a cocktail shaker, and whisk to fully incorporate the honey.
• Shake the cocktail. Add ice to the shaker, cap it tightly, and shake vigorously for 45 seconds to perfectly chill and dilute the drink.
• Serve. Strain the margarita into 2 glasses over cubed or crushed ice. Garnish with lime wheels and enjoy!

Can I Make This For a Crowd?

Are you hosting a larger gathering? You can easily make a big batch of these bourbon cocktails. Here’s how to make a pitcher (8 servings) of bourbon margs!

• Combine the ingredients. To a small/medium-sized pitcher, add 1½ cups bourbon, ¾ cup orange liqueur, ½ cup lime juice, ½ cup orange juice, and 2½ tablespoons honey. Whisk briskly to fully incorporate the honey.
• Chill. Add a couple big handfuls of ice and then stir everything vigorously for a full 45 seconds, to chill and dilute.
• Serve. Strain the margarita mixture into glasses over cubed or crushed ice. Garnish with lime wheels and enjoy!

More Bourbon Cocktail Recipes:

• Apple Sangria with Bourbon and Thyme
• Old Fashioned Bacon Bourbon
• Mint Julep
• Peach Mint Julep
• Whiskey Sour

Like this cocktail recipe? Save it to Pinterest!