Paul Kushner
Valentine’s bourbon cocktails are a great way to bring warmth and depth to a romantic night in. Bourbon has a smooth, rich flavor that pairs well with ingredients like honey, cherry, cranberry, citrus, and even chocolate. These drinks can be served shaken over ice, stirred and strong, or topped with a splash of sparkling mixer for a lighter feel. They work well for cozy dinners, date nights, or a Valentine’s toast that feels a little more classic than fruity vodka drinks. Add a simple garnish like an orange peel, a cherry, or a cinnamon stick to make it feel special. If you want a cocktail that tastes bold but still feels romantic, bourbon is an easy choice.
Strawberry and Maple Brown Derby
The Strawberry and Maple Brown Derby is a fun Valentine’s twist on a classic bourbon cocktail. It blends fresh grapefruit juice with maple syrup and strawberries for a flavor that feels bright, smooth, and well balanced. The grapefruit adds a crisp tart note, while the maple syrup brings gentle sweetness and a warm finish that pairs perfectly with bourbon.
Fresh strawberries add a fruity touch and a pretty color that fits the holiday. This drink is a great choice for bourbon fans who want something a little lighter but still full of flavor. Serve it chilled with a strawberry garnish for a simple, romantic cocktail that feels special without being complicated.
Blood Orange Bourbon Smash
The Blood Orange Bourbon Smash is a great Valentine’s cocktail when you want something bold but still easy to sip. Fresh blood orange juice brings a bright, tangy flavor that pairs naturally with smooth bourbon. A touch of maple syrup adds gentle sweetness and helps round out the citrus. Ginger beer finishes the drink with a crisp bite and bubbly lift, keeping the cocktail light and refreshing.
The result is a balanced mix of sweet, tart, and warm notes that feels special without being too heavy. Serve it over ice with a blood orange slice for a simple garnish. This cocktail is a solid choice for date night, dinner parties, or any celebration where you want to serve something memorable.
Chocolate Cherry Old Fashioned
If you want a Valentine’s twist on the classic Old Fashioned, the Chocolate Cherry Old Fashioned is a great choice. This cocktail combines bourbon with cherry liqueur and a few dashes of chocolate bitters for a smooth, layered flavor. The bourbon adds warmth and depth, while the cherry brings gentle sweetness and a fruity finish.
Chocolate bitters tie everything together with a light cocoa note that makes the drink feel extra special. It’s simple to mix, but it tastes like something you’d order at a nice bar. Serve it over a large ice cube and garnish with a cherry or orange peel for an easy upgrade.
Strawberry Bourbon Smash
Enjoy the rich taste of bourbon paired with the sweet-tart flavor of fresh strawberries in this Strawberry Bourbon Smash. This cocktail starts with muddled strawberries for a juicy, fruity base, then adds bourbon for warmth and depth. Fresh mint brings a clean, cooling note, while a splash of lemon juice brightens everything and keeps the drink balanced.
The result is bold but still fresh, making it easy to sip and hard to put down. It’s a great choice for a Valentine’s date night, a cozy evening at home, or weekend get-togethers with friends. Serve it over ice and garnish with a strawberry and mint sprig for a simple, polished finish.
Cherry Bourbon Smash
One of my favorite drinks to make for Valentine’s Day is the Cherry Bourbon Smash. It’s a smooth cocktail with a great mix of sweet and tart flavors, and it always feels like a treat. Fresh ripe cherries bring juicy fruit flavor, while lemon juice adds a bright, crisp bite that keeps the drink balanced. A touch of simple syrup softens the edges, and bourbon gives it a warm, rich finish.
It’s easy to mix up, but it tastes like something special. Whether you’re relaxing at home with someone you love or serving friends at a small gathering, the Cherry Bourbon Smash is a crowd-pleaser that looks great in a glass and goes down easy.
Raspberry Bourbon Smash
The Raspberry Bourbon Smash is a great Valentine’s cocktail for anyone who loves bourbon but still wants something fresh and fruity. Muddled raspberries create a bright, berry-forward base with a natural tartness that pairs beautifully with the warm depth of bourbon or whiskey. A touch of mint adds a clean, refreshing note, while a bit of sweetener helps smooth everything out.
The result is balanced and easy to sip, with just enough strength to remind you it’s a bourbon drink. Serve it over ice for a crisp finish and garnish with fresh raspberries and a mint sprig. It’s a simple cocktail that feels special, making it perfect for date night or a small celebration at home.
Bourbon Vanilla and Chocolate Milkshake
A Bourbon Vanilla and Chocolate Milkshake may not fit everyone’s definition of a “cocktail,” but it’s still a fun, boozy treat that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day. It combines creamy ice cream, rich chocolate flavor, and smooth bourbon for a drink that feels like dessert in a glass.
While no one knows the exact moment this milkshake first became popular, it likely showed up not long after milkshakes were created in the late 1800s. As milkshakes evolved in the early 1900s into the ice cream-based versions we know today, adding whiskey or bourbon became a natural next step for anyone wanting something a little stronger.
Pomegranate Whiskey Smash
The Pomegranate Whiskey Smash is a fun Valentine’s Day cocktail that puts a fruity twist on the classic whiskey smash. It mixes smooth whiskey with fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and juicy pomegranate seeds for a flavor that’s bright, slightly tart, and nicely balanced. Fresh mint adds a clean, refreshing note that keeps the drink light and easy to sip.
This cocktail is great when you want something that feels special but is still simple to make at home. Shaken over ice and served cold, it’s perfect for date night, dinner parties, or a cozy evening in with someone you love.
Bourbon Strawberry Iced Tea
Sweet strawberries pair perfectly with bourbon, especially when balanced with a splash of fresh lemon juice. In this cocktail, unsweetened iced tea keeps the drink smooth and refreshing, cutting through the fruit and bourbon so the flavors stay light and easy to sip.
It’s simple to make, great for batching, and perfect for sharing at a Valentine’s get-together or a cozy night in. The garnish makes it even better: fresh blueberries, a strawberry slice, and a sprig of mint add color and a clean finish. This drink is a crowd-pleaser that looks festive in the glass and tastes bright, balanced, and refreshing from the first sip to the last.
Kiwi Strawberry Bourbon Smash
The Kiwi & Strawberry Bourbon Smash is a fresh, fruity cocktail that feels perfect for Valentine’s Day. Juicy strawberries and ripe kiwi create a bright, naturally sweet base, while freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a clean tart note that keeps the drink balanced. Simple syrup smooths everything out, and bourbon brings a warm, rich finish that makes this cocktail feel a little more grown up.
Shaken over ice and served in a rocks glass, it’s refreshing, colorful, and easy to make in just a few minutes. Add a splash of soda water if you want it lighter, then finish with mint and fresh fruit for a pretty, date-night-ready garnish.
