How to Make Bourbon Martinis

Bourbon martini with a marascino cherry garnish

Martini lovers are often particular about the ingredients--and the ratios thereof--used in their drinks. The traditional martini is made of gin and vermouth, with the ratio of gin to vermouth varying according to individual taste. A standard ratio is two parts gin to one part vermouth. This may vary up to 15 parts gin to one part vermouth to create a dry martini. As the ratio varies, so do the ingredients. Some people prefer martinis made with vodka, and others prefer bourbon. Experiment with making bourbon martinis for a new and different drink.

Things You'll Need

• Bourbon
• Dry vermouth
• Crème de cacao (dark and white)
• Martini shaker
• Martini glass
• Ice
• Plastic cutting board
• Metal serving spoon
• Maraschino cherries

Instructions

Bourbon Martini

1. Run cold water over the martini glass and shake off the excess water. Place the martini glass into the freezer and leave it there for at least 30 minutes.

2. Pour 2 oz. bourbon into the martini shaker. Add .5 oz. each dark and white crème de cacao.

3. Place four ice cubes onto a plastic cutting board and crack them with the metal serving spoon. Place the back of the spoon onto an ice cube and press it down firmly to crack the ice cube into smaller chunks. Add the ice chunks to the martini shaker.

4. Cover the shaker and shake the contents vigorously for approximately 20 seconds.

5. Remove the martini glass from the freezer and pour the blended martini into the cold glass. Add one or two cherries as garnish.

Manhattan Bourbon Martini

1. Prepare the martini glass as you did in Step 1 above.

2. Pour 3.5 oz. bourbon into the martini shaker. Add .5 oz dry vermouth.

3. Prepare the ice cubes in the same fashion as Step 3 above. Add the ice chunks to the martini shaker.

4. Cover the shaker and shake vigorously for 20 seconds.

5. Remove the martini glass from the freezer and pour the shaken martini into the martini glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry before serving.

References

• Bourbon Martini
• Manhattan Bourbon Martini