Bourbon Vanilla Bean Cocktail

Rich, smooth, and decadently creamy, this Bourbon Vanilla Bean Cocktail is a must-try for dessert cocktail lovers! With the bold warmth of bourbon, the deep coffee notes from Kahlúa, and the sweet, aromatic vanilla liqueur, every sip is indulgent. Finished with a touch of honey and velvety cream, this cocktail is perfect for cozy nights, after-dinner drinks, or whenever you want a little boozy treat.

Ingredients

• 1 oz (30 ml) Bourbon
• 1 oz (30 ml) Coffee Liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
• 1 oz (30 ml) Vanilla Liqueur (e.g., Licor 43)
• 1 oz (30 ml) Heavy Cream
• 0.5 oz (15 ml) Honey (or honey syrup)
• Ice Cubes
• Whipped Cream (optional, for garnish)
• Crushed Vanilla Wafers or Cinnamon (optional, for garnish)

this RECIPE

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Glass

• Fill a rocks glass or coupe glass with ice cubes to chill while you mix the cocktail.

Step 2: Shake the Ingredients

• In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, coffee liqueur, vanilla liqueur, heavy cream, and honey.
• Add ice cubes and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well mixed and chilled.

Step 3: Strain and Serve

• Discard the ice from your glass and strain the mixture over fresh ice cubes.

Step 4: Garnish and Enjoy

• Optional but delicious! Top with a dollop of whipped cream.
• Sprinkle with crushed vanilla wafers or a dash of cinnamon for extra flavor.
• Serve immediately and enjoy this luxurious, creamy cocktail!

Notes

✔ Honey Syrup Tip: If your honey is too thick, mix equal parts honey and warm water to make a honey syrup for easier blending.
✔ Want it extra creamy? Swap heavy cream for half & half or sweetened condensed milk for a richer flavor.
✔ Make it dairy-free! Use coconut cream or almond milk instead of heavy cream.
✔ Prefer it warm? Serve it hot instead of over ice—perfect for winter nights!

Helpful Tips

✔ For a silky-smooth texture, shake the cocktail vigorously to properly mix the cream and honey.
✔ Want a stronger kick? Increase bourbon to 1.5 oz for a bolder taste.
✔ Make it an iced coffee cocktail! Add cold brew coffee for an extra caffeinated boost.
✔ Hosting a party? Batch-prep the ingredients (without ice) and shake individual servings as needed.

Conservation and Storage

🔹 Best when served fresh! This cocktail is meant to be enjoyed immediately.
🔹 Pre-Mix Option: You can pre-mix the bourbon, coffee liqueur, vanilla liqueur, and honey and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add ice and cream just before serving.
🔹 No Freezing: The dairy in this cocktail doesn’t freeze well, so avoid storing leftovers.

Substitutions and Variations

💡 No vanilla liqueur? Swap it for vanilla extract + simple syrup or Baileys Vanilla Cinnamon.
💡 Want it spicier? Add a dash of nutmeg or cayenne for a unique twist.
💡 Love chocolate? Drizzle some chocolate syrup inside the glass before pouring!
💡 Turn it into a milkshake! Blend with vanilla ice cream for a boozy shake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without alcohol?

Yes! Substitute bourbon with zero-proof whiskey and use coffee extract instead of coffee liqueur.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but it won’t be as rich and creamy. Half & half is a better alternative!

What’s the best bourbon for this cocktail?

Go for a smooth, caramel-forward bourbon like Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, or Woodford Reserve.

Can I serve this warm?

Yes! Heat the ingredients gently on the stove (without boiling), pour into a mug, and enjoy!

Conclusion

The Bourbon Vanilla Bean Cocktail is bold, creamy, and irresistibly smooth—a perfect balance of rich bourbon, coffee liqueur, and sweet vanilla with a touch of honey and cream. Whether you’re winding down after dinner, enjoying a cozy night in, or looking for a decadent dessert cocktail, this drink hits the spot!

Give it a try and let me know what you think! Tag me on Pinterest or Instagram with your version! 🥃✨ #BourbonVanillaBeanCocktail

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