This margarita is made with bourbon instead of tequila for a Southern twist.

In this cocktail, we swap outtequilafor bourbon, making for a particularly Southern take on a classic margarita.

It’s a beautifully balanced cocktail that just happens to go down a little differently than the traditional version.

Southern Living Bourbon Margarita in glasses to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Learn how to make a bourbon margarita.

What Does A Bourbon Margarita Taste Like?

Overall, it’s a satisfying mix of sweet, sour, and smoky flavors for a robust result.

Southern Living Bourbon Margarita ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Whichever you choose, you don’t need to break the bank to make this cocktail.

Any budget-friendly option you already have on hand is a great option.

Rim the glasses with coarse salt and set aside.

Southern Living Bourbon Margarita running a lime wedge around the edge of the glass

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

When ready to serve, fill the glasses with ice and pour in the margarita mixture.

Enjoy these margaritas throughout the party withpulled pork sliders, barbecue ribs, grilled shrimp tacos, and more.

)orange liqueur(such as Cointreau)

3Tbsp.

Southern Living Bourbon Margarita dipping the rim of the glass in salt

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

(1 1/2 oz.

)freshly squeezed lime juice(from 2 small limes)

2Tbsp.

Pour salt onto a plate and dip the top of the glass in salt.

Southern Living Bourbon Margarita filling the glass with ice

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Fill glass with ice and set aside.

Add ingredients to shaker:

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

Add bourbon, orange liqueur, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.

Southern Living Bourbon Margarita filling the shaker with drink ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Shake cocktail:

Close shaker and shake vigorously 30 seconds or until very chilled.

Strain and serve:

Strain cocktail into prepared glass and serve immediately.

We prefer to serve this margarita in a rocks glass, highball, or coupe.

Southern Living Bourbon Margarita shaking the shaker until cold

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Bourbon Margarita garnished and ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox