20 Bourbon Martinis Perfect for Fall – That Start With Recipes

I’ve got bourbon martinis to shake (or stir) things up this autumn! From classics like the Manhattan to modern riffs–I’ve got you covered.

I mean, these easy bourbon martini recipes are perfect year round–not just the holidays!

Bourbon martinis you must try!

I’m a fan of bourbon. It all began with the Maple Cranberry Bourbon Martini (#20) I made last Thanksgiving…

1. Bourbon Martini

I LOVE bourbon! Woodford Reserve is one of my favorites and I think it’s just perfect in this recipe. I’m a fan.

Easy Recipe: Shake 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, and 1/2 oz sour mix. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with cocktail cherries.

2. Boulvadier

An elegant bourbon libation to sip this fall–the Boulevardier is a classic that has been around since the 1920s. It’s a simple tipple made with equal parts bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari.

Easy Recipe: Stir 1 1/2 oz bourbon, 1 oz Campari, and 1 oz sweet vermouth in a mixing glass filled with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

As I said–it’s simple.

3. Bourbon Sour Martini

Bourbon Whiskey Sour is a classic and easy to mix! Try this simple recipe with lemon and simple syrup. Even if you’re not a fan of bourbon–I think you’ll still like this martini.

Easy Recipe: In a shaker, combine 2 oz bourbon, ¾ oz lemon juice, ¾ oz simple syrup, and 1-2 tsp egg white (optional); shake vigorously with ice. Strain into an ice-filled glass and garnish with a lemon wedge and maraschino cherry.

4. Man O’ War

The Man o’ War bourbon martini is named after the famous racehorse. This citrus-y drink is a winner! I think the flavors play nicely together.

Easy Recipe: Shake 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz orange curaçao (or triple sec), 1/2 oz sweet vermouth, and 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice with ice until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a skewered lemon peel and brandied cherry.

Related: 14 Best Jim Beam Cocktails

5. Brown Derby

The Brown Derby bourbon cocktail pairs with grapefruit and honey syrup. This retro tipple is sweet and citrus-y. I mean, of course it’s refreshingly amazing!

Easy Recipe: Shake 3 oz bourbon whiskey, 1 1/2 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, and 3/4 oz honey syrup with ice until well-chilled. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a grapefruit slice, if desired.

6. Bourbon Manhattan

I live in Manhattan, so I’m a bit partial to this drink–which is why I have 3 riffs of it on my list! For a real Manhattan, you need rye whiskey–but you can opt for a bourbon swap instead.

Easy Recipe: Shake ice, 2 1/2 oz bourbon, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 2-3 dashes of Angostura aromatic bitters. Strain into a martini glass. I finish off with a cherry 🍒 and orange peel for garnish.

7. Matriarch Martini

The Matriarch Martini is an espresso twist. While I sometimes use bourbon in warmer months with fruit–I’m more likely to mix a Matriarch Martini in cooler weather.

Easy Recipe: Combine 1 1/2 oz bourbon, 3/4 oz tart cherry juice, 3/4 oz espresso, and 1/2 oz vanilla demerara syrup in a shaker filled with ice; shake until cold. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with chocolate shavings.

To make vanilla demerara syrup, combine 1 cup demerara sugar, 1/4 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 cup water in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, let cool to room temperature.

8. Bourbon Sidecar

The Bourbon Sidecar is a Kentucky inspired sip that swaps cognac for bourbon. Just add orange liqueur and lemon juice for a sweet-tart finish.

Easy Recipe: Combine 1 1/2 oz bourbon, 1 oz orange liqueur, and 1/2 oz lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice; shake well. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

9. Bourbon Black Forest

A Bourbon Black Forest is a delicious and decadent cocktail loaded with chocolate & cherry flavors. I know! It’s like Christmas came early.

Easy Recipe: Combine 2 oz bourbon, 3/4 oz cherry brandy, 1/2 oz brown creme de cacao, and 1/6 oz Kahlua in an ice-filled shaker; stir for 20 seconds. Strain into cherry-garnished glasses, float double cream on top, and sprinkle with grated chocolate or cocoa powder.

10. Fox River

The Fox River is a “martini-based” Manhattan style drink with a layer of chocolate. I’m so excited to try this rich, dark, and spicy drink!

Easy Recipe: Shake 2 oz bourbon, 1/4 oz brown creme de cacao, and 5 dashes Angostura bitters with ice. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

11. The Revolver

Another alternative to the Manhattan, this ‘martini-esque’ drink is loaded with bourbon and coffee liqueur. I loved the orange notes the bitters add!

Easy Recipe: In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine 2 oz bourbon, 1/2 oz coffee liqueur, and 2 dashes of orange bitters; stir until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a flamed orange peel.

12. Bourbon Lemon Drop Martini

I have always been a fan of the bourbon lemon drop martini. For this recipe, I used store bought sour mix–but homemade would be lovely too.

Easy Recipe: For the Martini, combine 6 fresh mint leaves, 2 oz homemade sour mix, 1 1/2 oz bourbon, and 1 oz Limoncello in an ice-filled shaker; shake and strain into a chilled coupe, garnishing with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves if desired.

To make the sour mix, boil 1/2 cup each of water and sugar until the sugar dissolves, let cool, then stir in 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice and 1/4 cup fresh lime juice.

13. Pumpkin Pie Martini

The Pumpkin Pie Martini is a cocktail and dessert all in one! You’ll be in love at first sip.

Easy Recipe: Shake 1 1/2 oz bourbon, 2 oz half and half cream, 1 1/2 oz pumpkin puree syrup and a handful of ice cubes. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Star anise for garnish.

14. Spiced Bourbon, Beer and Maple Martini

I love cocktails that use chili garnish. This very “wintery” bourbon martini is perfect for sipping on a chilly night too. I’d spice things up on New Year’s Eve to watch the ball drop with this drink.

Easy Recipe: Shake 1 cup chilled bourbon, 1/4 cup chilled dark beer, and 1/4 cup chilled pure maple syrup with ice. Strain into 4 chilled martini glasses. Grate 1/8 tsp nutmeg over each martini and stir. Garnish with a small dried red chili.

15. Bourbon Ball Martini

The prominent taste in this martini is definitely bourbon. It has a dry, smooth vibe with the sweetness of hazelnut liqueur and creme de cacao making it indulgent. I only had a few tiny sips while testing–it’s STRONG.

Easy Recipe: Stir ice, 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz white crème de cacao liqueur, and 1/4 oz hazelnut liqueur in a mixing glass. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with chocolate shavings.

16. Bourbon Cream Chocolate Martini

The base in the Bourbon Cream Chocolate Martini is bourbon cream and bourbon. I love that it’s not overly-sweet.

Easy Recipe: Shake 8 oz bourbon cream, 2-3 oz bourbon, 1 oz Kahlua, and 1 oz creme de cacao with ice. For the glasses, roll the rims in chocolate syrup, dip the rims with crushed candy canes. Drizzle chocolate syrup inside Martini glasses and strain. Garnish with an optional candy cane.

17. Black Manhattan

The Black Manhattan is a modern riff on the original that swaps sweet vermouth for bittersweet Averna Amaro and adds orange bitters to the mix. I like to use bourbon instead of rye whiskey.

Easy Recipe: Stir 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz Averna amaro, 1 dash Angostura bitters, and 1 dash orange bitters in a mixing glass with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a brandied cherry.

18. Bourbon Fig Martini

I don’t like pulp in my cocktails so I puree the figs instead of muddling them. Bourbon Whiskey is the spirit to use with figs so I go with it.

Easy Recipe: Shake ice, 2 oz of bourbon, 1 tbsp fig preserves, the juice from 1/2 lemon, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 sprig of thyme, and a pinch of cinnamon. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a sprig of thyme or a lemon peel.

19. Ginger Pear Bourbon Martini

This Ginger Pear Bourton Martini has a warm undertone and sweet notes from the pear nectar. The ginger gives it a spicy finish. I recommend a high quality bourbon like Woodford.

Easy Recipe: Shake 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz pear nectar, 1 oz pear ginger simple syrup, and 1/2 oz lemon juice with ice. Pour into a martini glasses and garnish with pear slices and rosemary sprigs.

To make the pear ginger simple syrup, simmer 1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup honey, 1 chopped pear, 1 cinnamon stick, and 1″ sliced ginger for 5 minutes. Cool, strain, and chill.

20. Maple Cranberry Bourbon Martini

I LOVE this tart and festive Maple Cranberry Bourbon Martini to celebrate the holidays! I’m a lightweight and I can’t drink bourbon straight–the secret ingredients here are maple cranberries and maple cranberry syrup. I think you’ll like this recipe–I recommend it for an elegant Thanksgiving gathering.

Easy Recipe: Shake 2 oz bourbon, 2 oz unsweetened cranberry juice, 1/2 oz bourbon maple syrup, and 1/2 oz fresh orange juice with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Skewer and float fresh cranberries to garnish.

To make the bourbon maple syrup, combine 1/2 cup maple syrup and 1/4 cup bourbon in a saucepan. Simmer for 5 minutes, then cool.

More cocktails!

Love cocktails? Me too. There are lots of great cocktail recipes to try! Here are some of my best drink collections I know you’ll love:

Cheers!