Summer Bourbon Cocktails: 15 Top Sipping Options

What are the best summer bourbon cocktails to sip on a hot day?

With a few basic ingredients, you can easily create refreshing bourbon cocktails this summer.

Here are some summer bourbon cocktail recipes that are cool for the summer.

Summer Bourbon Cocktails

Sip sip hooray!

1. Bourbon Slush

A bourbon slush is a frozen cocktail made with bourbon whiskey, fruit juices, sweeteners, and sometimes tea or other ingredients.

The ingredients are combined and then frozen until slushy, creating a refreshing and icy drink that is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.

Bourbon slush can be made in large batches and stored in the freezer, making it a convenient and crowd-pleasing option for summer gatherings or parties.

The specific ingredients and ratios can vary depending on the recipe, but common ingredients include bourbon whiskey, lemon juice, sugar, and fruit juices such as peach or cherry.

2. Lawrenceburg Lemonade

This classic Wild Turkey 101 and Lemonade cocktail is the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and refreshing.

It’s a great drink to enjoy on a hot summer day or any time you need something light and fruity.

The combination of Wild Turkey 101 bourbon’s smooth flavor profile along with the tangy citrus notes from the lemon juice creates an incredibly flavorful drink that will tantalize your taste buds like never before.

The addition of simple syrup helps to cut through some of the acidity while adding just enough sweetness to round out each sip perfectly.

And finally, topping it off with club soda gives it that effervescent finish that makes this cocktail so enjoyable.

3. Jim Beam Black Sour

The Jim Beam Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail made with Jim Beam bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice.

The ingredients are shaken together and strained into a glass filled with ice.

This drink is tart and sweet, making it a popular choice for those who like balanced cocktails.

To make a Jim Beam Whiskey Sour, you need to mix Jim Beam bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker, shake with ice, and strain into a glass filled with ice.

4. Blackberry Bourbon Smash

A Blackberry Bourbon Smash is a cocktail made with fresh blackberries, lemon juice, sugar, and bourbon.

The blackberries are muddled with the lemon juice and sugar to create a sweet and tangy base, which is then combined with bourbon and ice for a refreshing summer drink.

Some variations of the Blackberry Bourbon Smash may also include additional ingredients such as mint or soda water to create a fizzier, more complex flavor profile.

The result is a delicious and fruity cocktail that is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.

5. Maker’s Mark and Ginger Ale

This classic cocktail is a great way to enjoy Maker’s Mark and ginger ale for sipping during any occasion.

To make this drink, you will need 2 ounces of Maker’s Mark whiskey, 4 ounces of ginger ale, 1/2 ounce simple syrup or honey syrup (optional), and an orange slice for garnish.

How do you mix a Maker’s Mark & Sprite cocktail?

You will also need a rocks glass, ice cubes, and a lemon wedge for garnish. Fill your rocks glass with ice cubes. Pour 2 ounces of Maker’s Mark bourbon over the ice. Top off with 4 ounces of Sprite. Garnish with a lemon wedge to add an extra hint of citrus flavor to the drink.

6. Paper Plane

The Wild Turkey Paper Plane is a classic cocktail made with Wild Turkey bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, lemon juice, and honey syrup.

The ingredients are stirred together and strained into a chilled glass, typically a cocktail or martini glass.

This cocktail is known for its balanced blend of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors, and is a popular choice among bourbon drinkers and cocktail enthusiasts.

7. Jack & Coke

Jack Daniels is technically bourbon. With Coke it’s a simple and straightforward cocktail served over ice.

This drink is perfect for those who enjoy the taste of whiskey but prefer a sweeter and more approachable option.

Simply pour the whiskey and coke over ice, and you’re good to go.

8. Kentucky Mule

The Jim Beam Kentucky Mule is a twist on the classic Moscow Mule cocktail.

It is made by combining Jim Beam bourbon, ginger beer, and lime juice over ice, and garnished with a lime wedge.

This drink combines the smooth and smoky flavors of Jim Beam bourbon with the spicy and tangy flavors of ginger beer for a unique and refreshing cocktail.

9. Bourbon Sweet Tea

Jim Beam Bourbon Sweet Tea is a refreshing cocktail made with Jim Beam bourbon, sweet tea, and syrup.

It is typically served over ice and garnished with a lemon wedge.

It’s perfect for those who enjoy the sweet and fruity flavor of peaches and want to add a touch of whiskey to their tea.

10. Jim Beam Apple & Soda

Apple Jim Beam Cocktails are cocktails made with Apple Jim Beam, a flavored whiskey that combines the taste of Jim Beam bourbon with the sweetness of green apples.

These cocktails can be made in various ways, such as mixed with soda, lemonade, or other ingredients to create a unique and delicious drink.

11. Maker’s Mark Cranberry Orange Cocktail

For those looking for something a bit more festive, the Maker’s Mark-and-Cranberry Cocktail is an easy way to add some holiday cheer.

This classic cocktail combines the bold flavor of Maker’s Mark with tart orange and cranberry juices for a refreshingly sweet taste.

The combination of flavors makes this drink perfect for any occasion, from casual get togethers to more formal gatherings.

This cocktail is incredibly easy to make but packs quite a punch in terms of flavor.

12. Bourbon Rickey

A Bourbon Rickey is a cocktail made with bourbon, lime juice, and carbonated water.

The drink originated in the late 1800s and was named after Joseph Rickey, a political lobbyist who was known for ordering the drink at bars in Washington, D.C.

The Bourbon Rickey is a simple and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for hot summer days.

The lime juice provides a tart, citrusy flavor that complements the rich, smooth taste of the bourbon, while the carbonated water adds a light and bubbly texture to the drink.

To make a Bourbon Rickey, simply mix together two ounces of bourbon, the juice of half a lime, and carbonated water over ice. Stir well, garnish with a lime wedge, and enjoy!

13. Brown Derby

The Brown Derby is a classic bourbon cocktail that was created in the late 1920s in Hollywood, California.

It is made with bourbon, honey syrup, and grapefruit juice.

The drink is named after the famous Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood, which was known for its innovative cocktails and celebrity clientele.

It’s a refreshing cocktail that is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.

Garnish with a grapefruit wedge or twist for an added touch of citrusy flavor.

14. Boulevardier

Boulevardier is a classic whiskey cocktail that has been around since the 1920s.

It’s a simple yet delicious drink made with equal parts bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari.

The combination of these three ingredients creates an incredibly smooth and flavorful drink that can be enjoyed by all.

The Boulevardier is slightly bitter from the Campari but balanced out nicely by the sweetness from both the bourbon and vermouth, making it incredibly smooth to sip on its own or over ice cubes if preferred.

15. Summer Breeze

The Summer Breeze is a refreshing and fruity bourbon cocktail that is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.

It typically consists of bourbon, cranberry juice, and orange juice, which are combined with a sweet and sour mix and ice.

Some variations of the Summer Breeze may also include ingredients such as gin, triple sec, or lemon-lime soda to create a more complex flavor profile.

Garnish with a slice of orange or a cherry for an added touch of color and flavor.

Bourbon vs Whiskey

Bourbon is a type of whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon.

The main difference between bourbon and whiskey is the type of grain used in the production process, and the geographical location in which the whiskey is made.

Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that is made from a mash bill (the mixture of grains used to make the whiskey) that must contain at least 51% corn.

It must be aged in new, charred oak barrels for at least two years and must be produced in the United States.

Whiskey, on the other hand, is a broader category that includes bourbon, as well as other types of whiskey such as Scotch, Irish whiskey, Canadian whiskey, and others.

Each type of whiskey has its own specific requirements for production, including the type of grains used, the distillation process, and the aging process.

Tennessee Whiskey vs Kentucky Bourbon

Kentucky Bourbon and Tennessee whiskey are both types of American whiskey, but there are some differences between the two.

Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that is made from a mixture of grains, with at least 51% corn, and aged in charred oak barrels. It is often produced in Kentucky but can be produced anywhere in the United States. It must meet certain legal requirements in order to be labeled as “bourbon”.

Tennessee whiskey, on the other hand, is a type of whiskey that is specifically made in Tennessee. However, it also undergoes an additional step known as the “Lincoln County Process”, in which the whiskey is filtered through charcoal before aging.

This gives Tennessee whiskey a unique flavor profile and sets it apart from other types of whiskey.

What is Whiskey?

Whiskey is a type of alcoholic beverage that is made from fermented grain mash and aged in wooden barrels.

Whiskey Grains

The grain used can vary, with the most common being barley, corn, rye, and wheat.

Distillation

Whiskey is made through a distillation process in which the fermented grain mash is distilled multiple times to concentrate the alcohol.

Aging

Whiskey is aged in wooden barrels, which can be made from oak, maple, or other types of wood, to develop its flavor and color.

The length of aging, the type of barrel used, and the composition of the grain mash all play a role in determining the final flavor and character of the whiskey.

Types of Whiskey

There are several different types of whiskey, including bourbon, Scotch, Irish whiskey, and Tennessee whiskey, each of which has its own unique set of production methods, ingredients, and flavor profiles.

Whiskey or Whisky: What’s the Difference?

Whiskey and whisky are spellings used for the same distilled spirit made from fermented grains.

Whiskey is the spelling used for spirits made in the United States and Ireland, while whisky is used for those made in Scotland, Canada, and Japan.

The difference lies in the country of origin.

More Bourbon & Whiskey Cocktails

Summer Bourbon Cocktail FAQs

Can you drink bourbon in the summer?

Yes, bourbon can be enjoyed all year round, including in the summer. In fact, many people prefer to drink bourbon in the summer due to its versatility and refreshing qualities when mixed with summer ingredients like fruit juices, iced tea, and simple syrups.

What is the best summertime bourbon?

The best summertime bourbon is a matter of personal preference. Some popular summer bourbon options include Maker’s Mark, Bulleit Bourbon, and Jim Beam. Light and smooth bourbons like these work well in a variety of summer cocktail recipes.

What is a good mixer with summer bourbon cocktails?

There are many good mixers that can be used in summer bourbon cocktails, including lemon or lime juice, simple syrup, iced tea, fruit juices, and tonic water. Experimenting with different mixers can help you find the perfect balance for your taste preferences.

How do I make a simple summer bourbon cocktail?

A basic recipe might include bourbon whiskey, a sweet mixer like simple syrup or fruit juice, and a tart mixer like lemon or lime juice. Simply mix the ingredients together in a glass filled with ice, stir, and garnish with a slice of fruit or a sprig of mint.