The Bourbon Martini

Daiquiri/Classic Sours & Riffs August 26, 2026

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A photo of the The Bourbon Martini cocktail containing Savage & Cooke Cask Finished Bourbon, Claret red wine, Freshly squeezed lemon juice, Giffard Sugar Cane Syrup (Sirop Sucre de Canne) in a Martini.

Other Ingredients

  • 1.00 fl oz Claret red wine
  • 0.50 fl oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 0.50 fl oz Giffard Sugar Cane Syrup (Sirop Sucre de Canne)

Directions

  • Add ice to cocktail shaker
  • Add all ingredients to shaker
  • Shake vigorously
  • Fine strain into chilled martini glass
  • Express orange zest twist over drink and drop into glass

Cocktail Description

When bourbon crashes the martini party, sophistication meets Southern charm in a glass that refuses to play by the rules.

The Bourbon Martini is a spirited twist on the classic that replaces gin or vodka with rich, barrel-aged bourbon, balanced by a splash of Claret red wine that adds depth and a subtle fruity complexity. The lemon juice cuts through the sweetness from the cane syrup while highlighting the bourbon's warm caramel and vanilla notes, and that orange zest twist adds a bright, aromatic finish that ties everything together beautifully. This is a cocktail for early evening sipping—think cocktail hour before a dinner party or a pre-theater drink when you want something refined but not stuffy. Making it requires just a good shake and a fine strainer, so it's accessible for home bartenders who can handle basic technique without needing specialty equipment. The flavors make it a natural companion to charcuterie boards, aged cheeses, or grilled steak with peppercorn sauce. Despite its martini-glass presentation, this drink leans more toward robust and warming than crisp and cold, making it particularly appealing during cooler months when you want a sophisticated sipper with some backbone.

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