Bourbon’s warm and rich flavors make it the perfect spirit for romantic Valentine’s Day cocktails. Here are 18 bourbon-based recipes to elevate your celebrations, each packed with love, history, and tips for the perfect sip.
1. Bourbon Rose
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of bourbon
- 1/2 ounce of rose water
- 1/2 ounce of lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce of simple syrup
- Rose petal for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine bourbon, rose water, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a rose petal.
History:
This elegant cocktail combines the smoothness of bourbon with the delicate flavor of roses, symbolizing love and passion.
Tips:
Use edible rose petals for garnish to ensure they are safe to consume. Adjust the amount of rose water for a more subtle or pronounced floral flavor.
2. Maple Bourbon Sour
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of bourbon
- 1/2 ounce of maple syrup
- 1/2 ounce of lemon juice
- 1 egg white
- Angostura bitters for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine bourbon, maple syrup, lemon juice, and egg white in a shaker without ice.
- Shake vigorously for 30 seconds to froth the egg white.
- Add ice and shake again until chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass and top with a few drops of bitters.
History:
The classic whiskey sour gets a sweet upgrade with maple syrup, giving it a comforting and cozy feel for Valentine’s Day.
Tips:
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. If you’re not comfortable using raw egg white, pasteurized egg whites are a great alternative.
3. Chocolate Bourbon Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of bourbon
- 1/4 ounce of chocolate liqueur
- 1 sugar cube
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- Orange peel and dark chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions:
- Place the sugar cube in a rocks glass and soak it with bitters.
- Add bourbon and chocolate liqueur, then stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Fill the glass with ice and garnish with an orange peel and dark chocolate shavings.
History:
The Old Fashioned is a bourbon classic, and the addition of chocolate liqueur turns it into a luxurious treat for special occasions.
Tips:
Use a large ice cube for a slower melt and a more elegant presentation. Adjust the chocolate liqueur for a richer or subtler flavor.
4. Bourbon Cherry Smash
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of bourbon
- 1/2 ounce of cherry liqueur
- 1/2 ounce of lime juice
- 1/2 ounce of simple syrup
- Fresh cherries and mint for garnish
Instructions:
- Muddle fresh cherries in a shaker with lime juice and simple syrup.
- Add bourbon, cherry liqueur, and ice, then shake well.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice and garnish with mint and a cherry.
History:
This cocktail highlights the natural pairing of bourbon and cherries, a match that has long been celebrated in mixology.
Tips:
Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor. You can also add a splash of soda water for a lighter version.
5. Strawberry Bourbon Lemonade
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of bourbon
- 1 ounce of fresh strawberry purée
- 1 ounce of lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce of simple syrup
- Soda water for topping
- Fresh strawberry for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine bourbon, strawberry purée, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with soda water and garnish with a fresh strawberry.
History:
Bourbon lemonade is a summertime favorite, and adding strawberries makes it a fruity, romantic option for Valentine’s Day.
Tips:
Use fresh strawberry purée for a natural sweetness. Adjust the simple syrup to taste depending on the ripeness of your strawberries.
6. Vanilla Bourbon Spritz
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of bourbon
- 1/2 ounce of vanilla syrup
- 1/2 ounce of lemon juice
- Prosecco for topping
- Lemon wheel for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine bourbon, vanilla syrup, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with Prosecco and garnish with a lemon wheel.
History:
The addition of vanilla syrup gives this spritz a warm, aromatic sweetness that pairs beautifully with bourbon and sparkling wine.
Tips:
Use a dry Prosecco to balance the sweetness of the vanilla syrup. You can also experiment with flavored syrups for different profiles.
7. Spiced Apple Bourbon Cider
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of bourbon
- 4 ounces of warm apple cider
- 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 cinnamon stick for garnish
- Apple slice for garnish
Instructions:
- Warm the apple cider in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Stir in bourbon and cinnamon until well combined.
- Pour into a mug and garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice.
History:
This cozy cocktail is inspired by the classic pairing of apple and cinnamon, with bourbon adding a smooth, warming touch.
Tips:
Use fresh apple cider for a robust flavor. You can also add a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist.
8. Bourbon Espresso Martini
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 ounces of bourbon
- 1 ounce of espresso
- 1/2 ounce of coffee liqueur
- 1/2 ounce of simple syrup
- Espresso beans for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine bourbon, espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with espresso beans.
History:
The espresso martini is a popular cocktail, and swapping vodka for bourbon brings a deeper, richer flavor to this beloved drink.
Tips:
Use freshly brewed espresso for the best taste. Adjust the simple syrup to your preferred sweetness level.
9. Honey Bourbon Mule
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of bourbon
- 1/2 ounce of honey syrup
- 1/2 ounce of lime juice
- Ginger beer for topping
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine bourbon, honey syrup, and lime juice in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a copper mug filled with ice.
- Top with ginger beer and garnish with a lime wedge.
History:
The Moscow Mule gets a Southern twist with bourbon and honey, making it a sweet and spicy Valentine’s favorite.
Tips:
For a more pronounced honey flavor, use a darker honey variety like wildflower or buckwheat.
10. Chocolate Cherry Bourbon Flip
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of bourbon
- 1 ounce of cherry liqueur
- 1/2 ounce of chocolate syrup
- 1 whole egg
- Cherry and grated chocolate for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine bourbon, cherry liqueur, chocolate syrup, and the egg in a shaker without ice.
- Shake vigorously for 30 seconds to froth the egg.
- Add ice and shake again until chilled.
- Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a cherry and grated chocolate.
History:
The “flip” cocktail dates back to the 1600s, and this version combines chocolate and cherry for a decadent Valentine’s drink.
Tips:
Ensure you use fresh, high-quality eggs. If preferred, pasteurized eggs are a safer alternative.
11. Bourbon Lavender Lemonade
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of bourbon
- 1/2 ounce of lavender syrup
- 1 ounce of lemon juice
- Soda water for topping
- Lavender sprig for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine bourbon, lavender syrup, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with soda water and garnish with a lavender sprig.
History:
This floral and citrusy cocktail blends the calming essence of lavender with the boldness of bourbon, creating a romantic and refreshing drink.
Tips:
Make your own lavender syrup by simmering equal parts water, sugar, and dried culinary lavender. Adjust sweetness to your liking.
12. Bourbon Pomegranate Smash
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of bourbon
- 1 ounce of pomegranate juice
- 1/2 ounce of lime juice
- 1/2 ounce of simple syrup
- Pomegranate seeds and mint for garnish
Instructions:
- Muddle pomegranate seeds and mint in a shaker with simple syrup.
- Add bourbon, pomegranate juice, lime juice, and ice. Shake well.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice and garnish with more pomegranate seeds and mint.
History:
Pomegranate, a symbol of love and fertility, pairs beautifully with bourbon in this rich and festive cocktail.
Tips:
For a sparkling twist, top with a splash of soda water or prosecco.
13. Bourbon Vanilla Hot Toddy
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of bourbon
- 1/2 ounce of vanilla syrup
- 1/2 ounce of lemon juice
- Hot water
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine bourbon, vanilla syrup, and lemon juice in a mug.
- Top with hot water and stir gently.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
History:
The Hot Toddy is a classic cold-weather cocktail, and the addition of vanilla brings a cozy sweetness perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Tips:
Adjust the sweetness by adding honey instead of or in addition to vanilla syrup.
14. Blackberry Bourbon Smash
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of bourbon
- 1/2 cup of fresh blackberries
- 1/2 ounce of lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce of simple syrup
- Mint sprig for garnish
Instructions:
- Muddle blackberries in a shaker with lemon juice and simple syrup.
- Add bourbon and ice, then shake well.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice and garnish with a mint sprig.
History:
This smash cocktail showcases the sweet and tart flavors of blackberries, perfectly complemented by the richness of bourbon.
Tips:
Use fresh, in-season blackberries for the best flavor. Garnish with a whole blackberry for added presentation.
15. Bourbon Cranberry Spritz
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of bourbon
- 1 ounce of cranberry juice
- 1/2 ounce of orange liqueur
- Sparkling water for topping
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine bourbon, cranberry juice, and orange liqueur in a shaker with ice.
- Shake and strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
- Top with sparkling water and garnish with an orange slice.
History:
This refreshing cocktail balances the tartness of cranberry with the warmth of bourbon, making it a festive Valentine’s choice.
Tips:
Add a sprig of rosemary for a touch of herbal aroma and garnish.
16. Bourbon Peach Bellini
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of bourbon
- 2 ounces of peach purée
- Prosecco for topping
- Peach slice for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine bourbon and peach purée in a glass.
- Top with Prosecco and stir gently.
- Garnish with a peach slice.
History:
The classic Bellini gets a bold twist with bourbon, adding depth to the fruity and sparkling drink.
Tips:
Use fresh peaches when in season, or substitute with high-quality frozen peaches for the purée.
17. Bourbon Caramel Milk Punch
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of bourbon
- 1 ounce of caramel syrup
- 1/2 cup of milk
- Grated nutmeg for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine bourbon, caramel syrup, and milk in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass.
- Garnish with grated nutmeg.
History:
The Milk Punch is a historical cocktail dating back centuries, and caramel adds a decadent Valentine’s twist.
Tips:
Use whole milk or a dairy alternative like almond milk for a creamier texture.
18. Bourbon Spiced Tea
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of bourbon
- 4 ounces of hot spiced tea (chai or cinnamon tea)
- 1/2 ounce of honey
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
- Brew your favorite spiced tea and stir in honey while hot.
- Add bourbon and stir gently.
- Pour into a mug and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
History:
This warm and aromatic cocktail combines the soothing qualities of tea with the boldness of bourbon, ideal for cozy Valentine nights.
Tips:
Experiment with different teas like Earl Grey or rooibos for unique flavors.
Conclusion
These 18 Valentine bourbon cocktails offer the perfect mix of romance, warmth, and bold flavors. Whether you’re celebrating with a partner or friends, these recipes will surely impress and add a special touch to your day.
