14 Vodka Cocktails You’ll Want to Make with Bourbon Instead

You might reach for vodka out of habit, but here’s the thing. When you use bourbon instead, you give a familiar drink a fuller body and a warmer finish. You also get more control over sweetness because the spirit already carries vanilla and caramel notes. That means you can simplify recipes and still end up with something balanced. What this really means is you have more room to play. Once you try it, you’ll start seeing how many drinks open up when you choose bourbon first.

1. Bourbon Lemonade

A simple vodka lemonade works, but bourbon gives you richer flavor without making the drink heavy. You get a bright hit from the citrus, then a warm wave that settles things in a satisfying way. When you shake it with fresh lemon and a touch of honey, you build something that lands cleaner than you expect. You can top it with soda if you want a lighter finish. It stays easy to mix, so you can make it anytime without planning. You can also dial the honey up or down depending on how sweet you like it. It’s a drink that always feels casual but never boring.

2. Bourbon Mule

You know the classic formula with vodka, ginger beer, and lime. Swap in bourbon and the whole drink becomes more layered. The ginger sharpens the spirit’s natural sweetness, and the lime keeps everything bright. You still get the crisp hit you expect from a mule, but now it feels more grounded. It works well over crushed ice when you want something cold but not dull. You can also add a lime wheel if you want a simple garnish. Try a spicier ginger beer if you want more kick. It’s an easy drink that never asks much from you.

3. Bourbon Cranberry Sparkler

Vodka lets cranberry juice stand alone, but bourbon turns it into something deeper without adding complexity you don’t need. The berry flavor pulls forward while the spirit rounds out the sharp edges. Add a splash of sparkling water and it becomes a drink you bring out when you want easy refreshment. It stays clean, bright, and balanced. You can chill the glass first if you want it extra crisp. You can also squeeze in a little lime for more lift. It’s the kind of drink that works any time of year.

4. Bourbon Tonic

You might not expect bourbon to work with tonic, but it lands surprisingly well. The bitterness hits first, then the spirit lifts everything with mellow sweetness. It feels crisp without being thin, which is usually the problem with vodka here. Add a squeeze of orange or a twist of lemon peel and you get a drink with personality that still stays light. It’s a quick mix that works even when you’re short on ingredients. You can pour it over extra ice for a sharper chill. It’s a simple swap that rewards you instantly.

5. Bourbon Sour Spritz

A vodka sour can feel flat, but bourbon wakes it up with fuller texture and a more rounded finish. Shake it with lemon and a touch of simple syrup, then top with sparkling water for lift. You get the freshness of a spritz without losing depth. It’s bright at the start and mellow at the finish, which makes it great for people who like balanced cocktails. You can use a tall glass if you want more bubbles. You can also add a lemon wheel for a quick garnish. It’s refreshing without feeling thin.

6. Bourbon Bloody Mary

Vodka disappears in a Bloody Mary, but bourbon gives you a smoky nudge that supports the tomato base. The drink feels familiar but more interesting. The spice mix holds its shape because the spirit doesn’t fade under it. Add your usual garnishes and you end up with something that tastes like a more thoughtful brunch drink. It pairs well with eggs, salty snacks, or anything rich. You can make it spicier if you want a bigger push. It’s a fun way to upgrade a routine brunch order.

7. Bourbon Espresso Martini

Vodka is the standard, but bourbon adds warmth that complements the coffee instead of sitting underneath it. The drink still feels sleek, but the flavor lands softer and more rounded. It also reduces the bitterness that sometimes takes over when espresso cools. Shake it hard to keep the top creamy. You can chill the glass first to keep the foam from fading too fast. You can even add a single coffee bean for a simple touch. It’s a great pick when you want something bold but smooth.

8. Bourbon Cosmopolitan

A Cosmo with vodka is crisp, but bourbon gives you a berry-forward drink that tastes richer without becoming heavy. The cranberry and lime stay bright, while the spirit adds a subtle vanilla note that smooths everything out. It feels familiar enough for Cosmo fans but interesting enough for people who skip it. It shines at parties because it looks classic while tasting new. You can make it slightly tarter if you want more edge. It’s an easy drink to batch for friends.

9. Bourbon Greyhound

Vodka lets grapefruit dominate, but bourbon softens the juice’s bitterness and brings out a sweeter side. The drink turns smoother without losing its citrus edge. You can salt the rim if you want contrast, but even without it, the cocktail lands clean. It’s simple and refreshing without feeling basic. Chill the juice beforehand to keep the drink crisp. You can add a small splash of soda if you want more lift. It’s a great option when you want something bright but not sharp.

10. Bourbon Cherry Limeade

You might think of vodka for this drink, but bourbon blends better with the cherry syrup and lime. It adds a calm sweetness that steadies the acidity. Shake it or build it over ice for a grown-up twist on something nostalgic. The finish stays warm and smooth while the lime keeps it lively. It’s easy to batch if you want something crowd-friendly. You can make it tarter by adding more lime. It’s a good pick for people who like soft, fruity drinks with depth.

11. Bourbon Cape Codder

The classic vodka and cranberry combo is fine, but bourbon gives it more personality. The cranberry hits first, then the caramel notes from the spirit step in. The drink stays easygoing, and you can adjust sweetness without hurting the balance. It’s a natural choice when you want something you can pour quickly but enjoy slowly. It works well on warm evenings when you want something light. You can add a lime wedge for brightness. It’s simple but rarely disappoints.

12. Bourbon Screwdriver

Vodka and orange juice can taste one-note. Bourbon changes that with deeper flavor and a softer finish. The citrus brightens the spirit instead of clashing with it, and the drink feels fuller. Fresh juice works best because it plays well with the caramel notes. It’s a simple brunch drink that tastes more intentional. Serve it over plenty of ice for the cleanest finish. You can squeeze in extra orange for more freshness. It’s a comfort drink that feels lifted.

13. Bourbon Collins

A Tom Collins with vodka is crisp, but bourbon gives it more texture and a friendlier finish. Lemon, simple syrup, and soda water stay the same, yet the drink lands more balanced. You get freshness at the front and warmth at the back. It’s casual but still feels thoughtful. Add extra lemon if you want a sharper edge. You can also top it with more soda for a lighter feel. It’s an easy drink to make on repeat. You can even play with the sweetness to match your mood. It stays reliable when you want something simple that still feels special.

14. Bourbon Sea Breeze

A Sea Breeze usually leans on vodka, grapefruit, and cranberry. Bourbon shifts it toward richer fruit flavor without making it sugary. The grapefruit adds sharpness, the cranberry adds depth, and the spirit ties everything together. It keeps its breezy feel but tastes more rounded. It opens up even more as the ice melts. You can serve it in a tall glass to keep it airy. It’s a simple upgrade that makes the drink feel more grown-up. You can add a little extra cranberry if you want a softer finish. It’s the kind of drink you reach for when you want something easy but not bland.