June 19 is National Martini Day, and while gin and vodka may traditionally dominate the conversation, bourbon lovers know there’s another way to celebrate America’s most iconic cocktail glass.
Bourbon brings depth, warmth, and complexity to martini-style cocktails, creating drinks that are rich, sophisticated, and uniquely American. Whether you prefer classic recipes or modern bourbon-forward creations, National Martini Day is the perfect excuse to shake (or stir) something special.
Here are 10 bourbon martini-inspired cocktails worth raising a glass to this June 19.
Classic Bourbon Martini
A simple and elegant bourbon variation that delivers balance and character.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- ½ oz sour mix
Directions
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with cocktail cherries.
Why You’ll Love It
The sweet vermouth softens the bourbon’s spice while bitters add depth, creating a smooth and approachable cocktail.
The Boulevardier
Born during the Roaring Twenties, the Boulevardier remains one of bourbon’s most beloved cocktails.
Ingredients
- 1½ oz bourbon
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
Directions
Stir with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
Why You’ll Love It
Bold, bittersweet, and complex, this cocktail offers a sophisticated alternative to the traditional martini.
Bourbon Sour Martini
A refreshing cocktail that highlights bourbon’s versatility.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup
- 1-2 teaspoons egg white (optional)
Directions
Shake vigorously with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge and cherry.
Why You’ll Love It
Bright citrus notes and a silky texture make this an easy-drinking summer favorite.
Man O’ War
A Kentucky Derby favorite that feels right at home on National Martini Day.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz orange curaçao or triple sec
- ½ oz sweet vermouth
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
Directions
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon peel and brandied cherry.
Why You’ll Love It
The combination of citrus and bourbon creates a vibrant cocktail that’s both refreshing and flavorful.
Brown Derby
A Hollywood classic that deserves a place in every bourbon lover’s repertoire.
Ingredients
- 3 oz bourbon
- 1½ oz fresh grapefruit juice
- ¾ oz honey syrup
Directions
Shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a grapefruit slice.
Why You’ll Love It
Sweet honey and tart grapefruit beautifully complement bourbon’s caramel and vanilla notes.
Bourbon Manhattan
The Manhattan may not technically be a martini, but it’s impossible to leave this iconic cocktail off the list.
Ingredients
- 2½ oz bourbon
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
Directions
Stir or shake with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a cherry and orange peel.
Why You’ll Love It
Rich, smooth, and timeless, the Manhattan remains one of the finest showcases for quality bourbon.
Kentucky Sidecar
A bourbon-forward take on the classic Sidecar.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- ¾ oz Cointreau
- ¾ oz simple syrup
Directions
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Why You’ll Love It
The citrus notes brighten the bourbon while maintaining a rich Kentucky character.
Bourbon Espresso Martini
A bourbon-forward twist on the wildly popular Espresso Martini.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz freshly brewed espresso (cooled)
- ½ oz coffee liqueur
- ¼ oz simple syrup
Directions
Shake vigorously with ice until frothy. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with three coffee beans.
Why You’ll Love It
The rich caramel and vanilla notes of bourbon pair beautifully with bold coffee flavors, creating a sophisticated after-dinner cocktail.
Maple Old Fashioned Martini
A martini-style presentation of Kentucky’s favorite bourbon cocktail.
Ingredients
- 2½ oz bourbon
- ¼ oz pure maple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters
Directions
Stir with ice until well chilled. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with an orange twist and Luxardo cherry.
Why You’ll Love It
The maple syrup enhances bourbon’s natural sweetness while maintaining the spirit-forward character cocktail enthusiasts appreciate.
Bourbon Apple Martini
A seasonal favorite that combines crisp fruit flavors with Kentucky bourbon.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz apple cider
- ½ oz apple liqueur
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
Directions
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a thin apple slice or cinnamon stick.
Why You’ll Love It
Fresh apple flavors complement bourbon’s oak and spice notes, making it an ideal cocktail for fall gatherings or cool evenings.
The Bourbon Flight’s Pick: The Bourbon Espresso
If you’re looking for a standout recipe to feature as a “must-try” cocktail for National Martini Day, the Bourbon Espresso Martini offers the perfect combination of modern cocktail trends and classic Kentucky bourbon character. It’s an excellent way to introduce martini drinkers to the versatility of bourbon while staying true to the spirit of the holiday.
Tips for the Perfect National Martini Day Celebration
- Chill your martini glasses before serving.
- Use fresh citrus juice whenever possible.
- Upgrade your garnish with Luxardo cherries.
- Choose a bourbon between 90 and 100 proof for optimal balance.
- Stir spirit-forward cocktails and shake those containing citrus.
A Bourbon Lover’s Martini Day
National Martini Day doesn’t have to be reserved for gin drinkers. Bourbon offers endless opportunities to create elegant cocktails that honor both classic mixology and Kentucky’s signature spirit.
Whether you’re enjoying a Boulevardier on the patio, a Brown Derby at brunch, or a perfectly crafted Manhattan at sunset, June 19 is the perfect occasion to explore the bourbon side of the martini world.
So grab your favorite bottle, chill a glass, and toast National Martini Day the Kentucky way.
Cheers!
