Bourbon Margarita Recipe

The best bourbon margarita recipe you’ll find. It’s a mouthwatering riff on a classic cocktail, with bourbon instead of tequila. The Bourbon Whiskey Margarita (also known as the Kentucky Margarita) is what real bourbon drinkers drink on Cinco de Mayo!

The Bourbon Drink’s Way to Celebrate Cinco De Mayo!

For true bourbon aficionados, the Bourbon Margarita is the perfect way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. This twist on a classic cocktail will tantalize your taste buds with a truly mouthwatering margarita flavor.

When searching for Mexican drinks with bourbon whiskey came up short I threw together a riff on the classic margarita. A classic margarita made with bourbon. And you know what? It turned out pretty damn good.  A Whiskey Margarita and Tacos are now my Tuesday Ritual. If you are looking for more bourbon recipes, you can’t go wrong with the classic old fashioned cocktail, Kentucky maid (a true summer bourbon cocktail) or my bourbon Bloody Mary.

Ingredient Highlight: Bourbon

For the bourbon, I chose 1792 Small Batch. It is 93 Proof and stands up well to the lime and agave flavors. But since the bourbon is the most dominant flavor, I recommend going with a good-quality bourbon that you enjoy the most. 

For more recipes where bourbon is front and center, try my bourbon glazed carrots or bourbon chocolate chip cookies. For more drink recipes, try my bourbon whiskey sour. 

My 2-1-1 Bourbon Margarita Ratio

This margarita cocktail breaks with the classic margarita 3-2-1 ratio between spirits, acid, and sweetener. I initially assumed the same ratio for my bourbon riff, but after consulting with my husband and a couple of bourbon margaritas later, we decided that a 2-1-1 ratio (2 parts bourbon, 1 part fresh lime juice, and 1 part agave syrup) works best for this drink! 

If you found another ratio works better for you, let me know in the comments 🙂 

Mixology Top Tips!

Freshly squeezed citrus is key to any cocktail. It gives the cocktail a fresh light airiness to it. Processed juices are too heavy. 

How to Make Bourbon Margarita Cocktail Recipe

• First, fill your cocktail shaker with ice.
• Add the Bourbon, fresh lime, and Agave syrup then shake the cocktail shaker vigorously.
• Next, add crushed ice to your glass and strain the bourbon whiskey margarita into the margarita glass. 
• Add your garnish of choice and serve. 

Margarita Glassware Shotout 

Featured are JoyJolt stemless martini glasses. This is our favorite line of glassware. We love the brand’s sleek designs and they are very affordable. Top pick for sure! 

Garnishes for a Bourbon Margarita

• A lime wedge around the rim 
• A spring of mint
• Dip the glass is coarse salt for a salt rim