Summertime is almost over, which means now is the perfect time to explore refreshing cocktails that are suited to the warmer weather. Cocktails are my favorite drink – I love the mix of different flavors! One spirit that often goes overlooked in the realm of summer drinks is bourbon.
While many reserve it for the cooler months, this drink can play the leading role in many refreshing summer cocktails. In this blog post, we’ll highlight 8 unique bourbon cocktails that you must try this summer. So grab your shaker, your favorite bourbon, and get ready to shake up some fun in the sun!
Classic Cocktails with a Summer Twist
Summer cocktails should be refreshing and easy to drink, often incorporating fruits, herbs, and lighter mixers. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t turn to the classics. Let’s explore how we can add a summer twist to a couple of beloved bourbon-based cocktails.
1. Summer Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a cocktail that’s truly stood the test of time, thanks to its simplicity and elegance. The Summer Old Fashioned puts a fruity twist on this classic by introducing muddled peaches to the mix.
Start by muddling a few slices of ripe, juicy peaches in your glass. Add a spoonful of sugar, a couple of dashes of bitters, and then the bourbon. Stir, add ice, and top with a slice of peach for garnish. The result is a delicious cocktail that’s perfectly suited to a summer evening.
| Recipe Name | Summer Old Fashioned |
| Ingredients |
|
| Instructions |
|
| Suggested Glass | Old Fashioned glass |
| Serves | 1 |
| Preparation Time | 5 minutes |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
2. Mint Julep with a Twist
The Mint Julep is already a summer classic, but with a simple twist, we can make it even more refreshing. The addition of cucumber gives this cocktail an extra layer of coolness that’s perfect for a hot day.
Muddle fresh mint leaves and cucumber slices in a glass, add a touch of simple syrup, then pour in your bourbon. Top with crushed ice and garnish with a sprig of mint and a cucumber slice. This recipe takes the refreshing nature of the Mint Julep to new heights.
| Recipe Name | Mint Julep with a Twist |
| Ingredients |
|
| Instructions |
|
| Suggested Glass | Mint Julep cup or rocks glass |
| Serves | 1 |
| Preparation Time | 5 minutes |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
Bourbon and Seasonal Fruits
Seasonal fruits and bourbon are a match made in cocktail heaven. With their natural sweetness and variety of flavors, fruits can bring out the best in this beverage, creating cocktails that are refreshing, flavorful, and perfect for sipping on a warm summer day.
3. Berry Smash
The Bourbon Berry Smash is the perfect cocktail for those who love fruity, refreshing drinks. The combination of fresh summer berries and bourbon creates a smash hit that’s perfect for any summer gathering.
Muddle fresh mixed berries at the bottom of your glass, add a squeeze of lemon juice, a touch of simple syrup, and your bourbon. Shake, strain, and pour over ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a skewer of mixed berries. This cocktail is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any summer party.
| Recipe Name | Bourbon Berry Smash |
| Ingredients |
|
| Instructions |
|
| Suggested Glass | Highball glass |
| Serves | 1 |
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
4. Peach Lemonade
Peach Bourbon Lemonade combines the freshness of summer peaches with the tang of lemonade and the depth of bourbon. It’s a refreshingly sweet and tart cocktail that’s as enjoyable to drink as it is to look at.
To make it, muddle fresh peaches at the bottom of your glass, add your bourbon, a touch of simple syrup, and top up with freshly squeezed lemonade. Stir, add ice, and garnish with a slice of peach and a sprig of mint. This cocktail is a delicious ode to the flavors of summer.
| Recipe Name | Peach Bourbon Lemonade |
| Ingredients |
|
| Instructions |
|
| Suggested Glass | Highball glass |
| Serves | 1 |
| Preparation Time | 5 minutes |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
Bourbon and Herbs
Herbs can add an unexpected twist to your cocktails, providing a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the bourbon and other ingredients. Let’s explore two cocktails that incorporate herbs in a delicious and surprising way.
5. Basil Sour
A twist on the classic Whiskey Sour, the Basil Bourbon Sour combines the richness of bourbon with the tartness of lemon juice and the unique, aromatic flavor of fresh basil. It’s a refreshing and balanced cocktail that’s perfect for a summer evening.
Muddle fresh basil leaves at the bottom of your shaker, add your bourbon, lemon juice, and a touch of simple syrup. Shake, strain, and pour over ice. Garnish with a sprig of basil and a slice of lemon. This cocktail is a delightful blend of familiar and unexpected flavors.
| Recipe Name | Basil Bourbon Sour |
| Ingredients |
|
| Instructions |
|
| Suggested Glass | Whiskey sour glass |
| Serves | 1 |
| Preparation Time | 5 minutes |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
6. Thyme Lemonade
This is a sophisticated and refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for a summer brunch or afternoon on the patio. The herbal notes of the thyme beautifully complement the sweet, tart lemonade and the depth of the bourbon.
To make this cocktail, make a thyme-infused simple syrup by simmering fresh thyme leaves with sugar and water. Combine the syrup with bourbon and fresh lemonade in a glass, stir, add ice, and garnish with a sprig of thyme and a slice of lemon.
This cocktail is a treat for both the eyes and the palate. With these 8 must-try summer beverages, your summer just got a whole lot more flavorful. Remember, the key to a great cocktail is good quality ingredients, so make sure to use fresh fruits and herbs and, of course, good bourbon. Enjoy!
| Recipe Name | Thyme Bourbon Lemonade |
| Ingredients |
|
| Instructions |
|
| Suggested Glass | Highball glass |
| Serves | 1 |
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Difficulty Level | Intermediate |
Bourbon and Tropical Flavors
Bourbon may not be the first spirit that comes to mind when you think of tropical cocktails, but its deep, rich flavors can pair beautifully with tropical fruits. To cap off our list of summer cocktails, let’s dive into a concoction that brings the beach to your backyard.
7. Pineapple Cooler
This is a sweet, tart, and refreshing cocktail that’s sure to transport you to a tropical paradise. The bright, tangy flavor of pineapple pairs perfectly with the depth and richness of bourbon.
Start by muddling fresh pineapple chunks in your shaker. Add your bourbon, a squeeze of lime juice, and a touch of simple syrup. Shake, strain, and pour over ice. Garnish with a wedge of pineapple and a sprig of mint. This cocktail is a burst of tropical flavors, perfect for a hot summer day.
| Recipe Name | Pineapple Bourbon Cooler |
| Ingredients |
|
| Instructions |
|
| Suggested Glass | Highball glass |
| Serves | 1 |
| Preparation Time | 5 minutes |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
8. The Bourbon Mai Tai
No tropical cocktail list would be complete without a Mai Tai, and a bourbon-based version brings a new twist to this classic. It’s a wonderful balance of sweet, sour, and strong flavors that creates a taste sensation like no other.
To make this cocktail, combine your bourbon, fresh lime juice, orange liqueur, and orgeat (almond syrup) in a shaker. Shake well, strain into a glass filled with crushed ice, and garnish with a sprig of mint and a slice of lime. The Bourbon Mai Tai is a complex and exotic drink that’s sure to delight.
| Recipe Name | The Bourbon Mai Tai |
| Ingredients |
|
| Instructions |
|
| Suggested Glass | Highball glass |
| Serves | 1 |
| Preparation Time | 5 minutes |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate |
The Essentials of Bourbon Cocktails
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey, known for its rich, full-bodied, and slightly sweet flavor profile. It makes for a fantastic base in cocktails, adding depth and complexity that sets it apart from other spirits.
The Profile of the drink
Bourbon is unique in its rich and distinct flavor, thanks to the strict guidelines by which it must be produced. It must be made from at least 51% corn, aged in new charred oak barrels, and distilled to no more than 160 proof, among other rules.
This results in a spirit that’s rich, sweet, and full of character. However, while this beverage has a robust flavor, it’s also incredibly versatile, lending itself to a wide variety of cocktail recipes. From classic concoctions like the Old Fashioned and Mint Julep to more creative combinations, there’s a cocktail to suit every taste.
Which brand to choose?
Here are some of the best bourbon brands that can help you make an amazing cocktail:
| Rank | Brand | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stagg | A champion from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, known for its top-notch quality. |
| 2 | Old Rip Van Winkle | Known for its exceedingly high standard and quality, often considered the best in the world. |
| 3 | Eagle Rare | Known for its high quality, it’s so good it’s only released on allocation. |
| 4 | Remus | Produced by Midwest Grain Products, it has been making bigger branding moves and is a top bourbon brand. |
| 5 | Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. | There’s no bad bottle in this beautifully crafted series. It’s widely respected and highly praised. |
| 6 | Blanton’s | Known for its collectability, it’s a great bottle to use in a whiskey sour. |
| 7 | Weller | Marketed as the original wheat bourbon, it’s an excellent whiskey with close roots to Van Winkle. |
| 8 | Wild Turkey | Known for its uniquely devout fans, it’s famous for being excellent at what it does. |
| 9 | Noah’s Mill | A Willett whiskey is known for its strong and unique flavor profile. |
| 10 | Four Roses | Seen as the underrated version of Wild Turkey, it’s been sticking to what works for decades. |
The Tools of The Trade
Once you’ve selected your bourbon, it’s important to have the right tools on hand to craft your cocktails. This generally includes a shaker, a strainer, a muddler, and a jigger for accurate measurement. Good ice is also a key component of any cocktail. For most cocktails, you’ll want larger, slower-melting ice cubes to avoid diluting the drink too quickly.
FAQs:
Can I use flavored bourbons in these cocktails?
Yes, these can be used in some cocktails, but be mindful of the overall flavor balance to avoid overwhelming the drink.
Can these beverages be customized to fit dietary preferences, such as vegan or gluten-free?
Absolutely! Most of these cocktails can be adjusted to accommodate dietary preferences with suitable ingredient substitutions.
Is it possible to make them in advance and store them for later consumption?
While some components can be prepped in advance, it’s best to assemble the drinks closer to serving time for the freshest taste.
Are these suitable for bourbon beginners?
Absolutely! These cocktails offer a variety of flavors, making them approachable for both bourbon enthusiasts and newcomers.
Can you recommend a cocktail that pairs well with dessert?
The Bourbon Vanilla Milkshake is a decadent treat that pairs wonderfully with a range of desserts.
Final Thought
There you have it – 8 must-try summer bourbon cocktails to keep your summer days refreshing and full of flavor. Whether you’re a bourbon lover looking to explore new combinations, or a cocktail enthusiast seeking new ways to beat the heat, these amazing drinks offer a unique blend of traditional, tropical, and surprising flavors.
The secret to a great cocktail lies in the balance of its ingredients, so don’t be afraid to experiment and tweak these recipes to suit your palate. Cheers to a bourbon-filled summer!