Bourbon cocktails are trending, and with good reason, simply because they’re so darn good.

Our Bourbon Margarita Punch Cocktail is a perfect blend of bourbon, tequila-infused margarita mix, and a few other unexpected ingredients that come together to make this incredibly irresistible cocktail.

This cocktail is similar to a Kentucky Margarita.

I love creating new cocktails because I thoroughly enjoy tinkering around in your home bar and conjuring up mixology magic.

This cocktail came about because my friend Spencer couldn’t decide whether he wanted a bourbon cocktail or a margarita, and after a few failed attempts, this is the drink recipe I created.

It’s a well-balanced cocktail, and the bourbon shines through.

But underneath the sour mash bourbon, which I think is ideally suited for a mixed drink, is an undercurrent of tequila-infused margarita mix, coconut rum, peach vodka, a couple of dashes of cherry bitters, and a big splash of raspberry cranberry juice.

Despite its ingredient list, this visually dazzling cocktail drinks very light, like a fruity citrus tide barely gracing your taste buds.

What You Will Need for our Bourbon Whiskey Margarita:

Bourbon. When making bourbon cocktails, there’s no need to use the best bourbon on the market. Save the high-end bourbon for sippin’ and employ a mid-level bourbon for mixing purposes. For this cocktail, I used one of my favorite all-purpose bourbons, Henry McKenna Bourbon Whiskey Sour Mash ALC./VOL—40%.

Tequila Margarita Mix. Sometimes there’s nothing wrong with wanting something with tequila, but it isn’t necessarily a margarita. This is one cocktail that satisfies your tequila fix and then some. I highly recommend Jose Cuervo Strawberry Lime Margarita mix for this cocktail recipe.

Caribbean Rum. Another unlikely ingredient is the addition of Caribbean rum with coconut liqueur; it is unexpected but oh-so-yummy.

Peach Vodka. I scream. You scream. We all scream for peach vodka. I love the addition of peach vodka with its fruity and sweet kick; it’s a great supporting cast in this potent punch cocktail.

Cherry Bitters. Any good cocktail is a well-balanced blend of sweet and bitter flavors, and cherry bitters in this cocktail do the trick.

Raspberry-Cranberry Juice. It’s the raspberry cranberry juice that brings this beautiful cocktail altogether.

You Will Love This Cocktail Because It’s:

Fruity

Potent

Easy To Make

Drinks Like A Dream

Great All Year Round

Perfect for real Bourbon Drinkers

How To Make Bourbon Margarita Punch

2 Servings

Ingredients:

2 ounces bourbon whiskey sour mash
1 1/2 ounces tequila strawberry lime margarita mix
1-ounce Caribbean rum with coconut liqueur
1-ounce Peach vodka
2 dashes of cherry bitters
4 ounces raspberry cranberry juice
orange slices
fresh rosemary sprig (optional)
ice

Directions:

Into a cocktail tin, add ice, bourbon whiskey sour mash, tequila strawberry lime margarita mix, Caribbean rum with coconut liqueur, peach vodka, cherry bitters, and raspberry cranberry juice.
Secure the lid of the cocktail shaker, shake vigorously for 30 seconds, and strain into a standard cocktail glass filled with ice.
Garnish with an orange slice and a fresh sprig of rosemary.
Serve.

If you’re a big bourbon fan, you will love our Sparkling Bourbon Cocktail Recipe and our Bourbon Moscato Tea Punch (which is excellent for a crowd).

Can I add a Honey Salt Rim?

We do not have a salt-rimmed glass for our original recipe, but you can add one.

Making a honey salt rim for your margarita is a great way to add a touch of sweetness and savory flavor to the drink.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup kosher salt
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon hot water

Instructions:

In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt and honey. Mix well to combine.
Add hot water to the mixture and stir until the honey has dissolved and the mixture has formed a paste-like consistency.
Spread the mixture out onto a small plate.
Take a lime wedge and run it around the rim of your margarita glass to moisten it.
Dip the rim of your cocktail glass into the honey salt mixture, pressing down gently to ensure the mixture sticks to the rim.
Shake off any excess honey salt mixture and let the glass sit for a few minutes to dry and harden.
Once the rim is dry, fill the glass with ice and pour in your margarita mixture.

What if I don’t have all the ingredients for this recipe?

If you don’t have all the ingredients to make a Bourbon Margarita, here are some substitute ideas.

Whiskey. Remember, different types of whiskey will have different flavor profiles and may affect the overall taste of the cocktail. If you don’t have bourbon whiskey sour mash, you can use any type of whiskey, such as rye, Scotch, or Irish whiskey.

Margarita mix. If you don’t have tequila strawberry lime margarita mix, you can substitute it with fresh lime juice, agave nectar, and a splash of orange juice. This will give you a similar sweet-tart flavor profile.

Rum. If you don’t have Caribbean rum with coconut liqueur, you can use any rum or coconut-flavored rum. You can also substitute with coconut cream or coconut milk for a non-alcoholic version.

Vodka. If you don’t have peach vodka, you can use regular vodka or a different flavored vodka, such as raspberry or orange.

Bitters. If you don’t have cherry bitters, you can use any bitters or omit them altogether.

Juice. If you don’t have raspberry cranberry juice, you can use any type of fruit juice, such as orange, pineapple, or grapefruit.

Garnish. If you don’t have orange slices or fresh rosemary, you can use any citrus fruit or herb for garnish, such as lemon, lime, or mint.

Overall, this cocktail recipe is very versatile, and you can make substitutions based on your preferences or what you have.

Remember to adjust the proportions accordingly to maintain the right balance of flavors.

Tips on making this Whiskey Bourbon Margarita:

It’s essential to start with a good quality whiskey. Since bourbon whiskey is a crucial ingredient in this cocktail, you will want to look for bourbon with a rich, complex flavor profile and smooth finish.
Having balanced flavors is essential. Bourbon whiskey can have a robust and bold flavor, so it’s crucial to balance it with other ingredients. Use a mix of sweet and sour flavors to create a balanced cocktail. You can use fresh lime juice, agave nectar, or a pre-made margarita mix to add sweetness and tartness.
Less is more, don’t overdo it with the bourbon. Bourbon is a strong spirit, so it’s important not to overdo it in the cocktail. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1-2 ounces of bourbon per drink, depending on the glass size.
Get creative with different flavors. You can try adding fruit juices, such as orange or cranberry, or experiment with different types of bitters or liqueurs to add depth and complexity. Making a margarita with bourbon is a great opportunity to get creative with the various flavors.
Since this cocktail is simple, using high-quality ingredients is essential. Use fresh lime juice, good-quality tequila, and fresh garnishes to elevate the flavor and appearance of the drink.
Ice is an essential ingredient too! Like a traditional margarita, a bourbon margarita should be served over ice. This helps to dilute the strong flavors of the bourbon and makes for a refreshing, easy-drinking cocktail.

You can double or triple this recipe by using our recipe feature listed below.

What is a Kentucky Margarita?

A Kentucky Margarita is a twist on the classic margarita cocktail incorporating bourbon whiskey instead of tequila.

It’s a popular variation for bourbon drinkers in the Southern States, and it’s ideal for those who love a good smoky flavor but want a summery feel.

A classic Kentucky Margarita insists on using orange liqueur (such as Triple Sec or Cointreau), bourbon whiskey, lime juice, and agave nectar or simple syrup. Plus, they add a salted rim.

Here are some reasons to love using bourbon in this margarita recipe:

Bourbon whiskey is made from a mash of at least 51% corn and aged in charred oak barrels, which gives it a rich, smoky, and complex flavor profile. This can add a unique twist to the classic margarita, which is typically made with tequila.
Bourbon whiskey can pair well with various ingredients commonly used in margaritas, such as citrus juices, honey, maple syrup, and ginger beer. This makes it easy to experiment with different flavors and create your unique margarita recipe.
Many people enjoy sipping bourbon whiskey neat or on the rocks, as it is known for its smooth and mellow flavor. Adding it to a margarita can create a refreshing and sippable cocktail, making it an excellent choice for a leisurely evening drink.
When you add bourbon whiskey to a margarita, you can take a classic cocktail and elevate it to something special. It can add a sophisticated and unique twist to the traditional margarita, making it a standout drink for any occasion.
Whiskey is not only great for summertime drinks, but also, when the chill of the fall weather hits, bourbon can still be a winner by making a few warm bourbon drinks.

Overall, a bourbon margarita is a delicious twist on a classic cocktail that will impress your guests. Remember to balance the flavors and use high-quality ingredients to create a memorable drink.

With National Margarita Day and Cinco De Mayo just around the corner, here are a few margarita recipes to try:

Cranberry Margarita Recipe

Cherry Margarita Recipe

Raspberry Margarita

Frozen Peppermint Coconut Margarita

Fall Margarita Idea (for a little Fall flavor)