The return of summer brings with it the onset of hot and humid temperatures, leaving many in search of the perfect drinks to cool them off after a day in the sun. While bourbon may have a reputation as a liquor that will warm you up, the rich flavors of the spirit pair perfectly with several summertime flavors like berries, peaches, and mint.
If you’re a bourbon lover looking for new ways to cool off with the spirit this summer, here are nine summer bourbon cocktails to get you started.
Blackberry Bourbon Sour
Summertime means many fruits are back in season, and through July and August, blackberries reign supreme. The Blackberry Bourbon Sour blends the sweetness of blackberries and the zippiness of lime juice with bourbon for a flavor reminiscent of berry pies — perfect for sipping on a summer afternoon.
The Southern Jam
As bourbon is a staple in the American South, it’s only right that the spirit be paired with another southern staple: jam. This cocktail allows room for experimentation as any of your favorite berry jams will work, but for this recipe, we recommend raspberry. Simply combine bourbon, lemon juice, raspberries, and raspberry jam into a shaker, mix, and serve over ice for a refreshing and sweet summer cocktail.
Strawberry and Maple Brown Derby
A riff on the Brown Derby, the Strawberry and Maple Brown Derby swaps out honey for maple syrup and adds strawberries for extra sweetness and an added fruit flavor. These flavors, combined with bourbon and grapefruit juice, are perfect for cooling down after a day in the sun.
The Southern Knight
A mouthwatering mix of bourbon, lemon juice, strawberry syrup, and ginger beer, the Southern Knight is a light and balanced cocktail perfect for enjoying at any summer happy hour.
Bourbon Peach Punch
Summer indicates the return of outdoor hosting, and the Bourbon Peach Punch is a great cocktail to make for your guests all season long. A blend of bourbon, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and peach slices, this cocktail’s tropical fruit flavors are perfect for imbibing on long summer nights.
Mint Julep
While the Mint Julep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, the refreshing cocktail is perfect for sipping even weeks after the race has passed. A low-fuss combination of bourbon, simple syrup, and mint, the Mint Julep is best served in its iconic copper mug.
Kentucky Mule
If your friends are drinking Moscow Mules but vodka isn’t your spirit of choice, the Kentucky Mule might be the perfect rendition for you. Simply swap vodka for bourbon and add freshly squeezed lime juice and ginger beer for an effervescent cocktail perfect for beating the heat.
Gold Rush
Widely considered a modern classic, the Gold Rush combines bourbon, lemon juice, and honey syrup for a cocktail that’s equal parts sweet and sour. With a golden hue, the Gold Rush is sunshiney and delicious, the perfect antidote for sweltering temperatures.
Paper Plane
Created by NYC mixologist Sam Ross and inspired by the M.I.A. song “Paper Planes,” this cocktail is a perfect summer sip for bourbon and Aperol lovers alike. Featuring bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lime juice, the Paper Plane is a refreshing and delicious summer sip.
The First Flight
Created at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris during World War I, the French 75 is today beloved for its vivacious nature and easy-drinking qualities. This version of the classic cocktail utilizes bourbon in place of gin and swaps out the original’s simple syrup for orgeat, giving the concoction a slightly sweeter, more luscious mouthfeel. A few dashes of Angostura add a hint of subtle spice before a healthy topper of Champagne is added.
The Suffering Bastard Riff
Stirred up for the first time as a treatment for hangovers in the 1940s, the Suffering Bastard originally used rum as its base. However, this version of the cocktail swaps out rum for a split base of bourbon and gin before ginger ale and vanilla Angostura bitters are added to add nuance and balance. The resulting cocktail is zippy, expressive, and certainly able to be enjoyed beyond the morning after a night of heavy drinking.
The Whiskey Smash
When it comes to quaffable bourbon cocktails to enjoy under the summer sun, look no further than the classic Whiskey Smash. While it can be made with any whiskey of your choice, we recommend using bourbon for its layers of oaky vanilla sweetness. To make your own, simply muddle a lemon and shake it up with bourbon and simple syrup before serving in a chilled rocks glass with a mint spring for garnish.
