Take whiskey to the next level with these summer-worthy cocktails.
Your summer needs more whiskey!
Related: Summer Bourbon Cocktails: 15 Top Sipping Options
Summer Whiskey Cocktails
Beat the heat with these refreshing summer whiskey cocktails.
1. Whiskey Slush
A whiskey slush is a frozen cocktail made with 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.
This frosty summer whiskey cocktail can be made in large batches and stored in the freezer, making it a convenient and crowd-pleasing option for summer gatherings or parties.
2. Candied Rye Whiskey Smash
The Candied Rye Whiskey Smash is a delicious and refreshing addition to your list of summer whiskey cocktails.
Made with candied syrup, fresh fruit, and rye whiskey, this cocktail is the perfect combination of sweet and tangy flavors.
The syrup is combined with the fruit to create a vibrant, fruity base that is then combined with the whiskey for a smooth, boozy finish.
2. Kentucky Lemonade
This classic whiskey 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 whiskey’s 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. Black Cherry Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail made with whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice.
Add black cherry (or blackberry) for a refreshing twist on this iconic cocktail. Simple shake together and strain into a glass filled with ice.
This drink is tart and sweet, making it a popular choice for those who like balanced cocktails.
4. Orange Whiskey Sour Punch
The Orange Whiskey Sour Punch is a creative twist on the classic whiskey sour cocktail.
It’s made by combining orange juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and whiskey in a pitcher with ice.
This summer cocktail is perfect for a party or gathering, as it can be easily made in a large batch for guests to enjoy.
The combination of tangy citrus and sweet syrup balances out the bitterness of the whiskey, resulting in a perfectly balanced, refreshing drink.
5. Maker’s Mark and Sprite
This classic cocktail is a great way to enjoy whiskey and Sprite for sipping during any occasion.
You will 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 whiskey 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 Paper Plane is a classic cocktail made with whiskey, 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 whiskey drinkers and cocktail enthusiasts.
7. Jack & Coke
Jack Daniels is Tennessee whiskey. Mixed 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.
Related: Is Jack Daniels Whiskey?
8. Kentucky Mule
The Kentucky Mule is a twist on the classic Moscow Mule cocktail.
It is made by combining whiskey, ginger beer, and lime juice over ice, and garnished with a lime wedge.
This drink combines the smooth and smoky flavors of whiskey with the spicy and tangy flavors of ginger beer for a unique and refreshing cocktail.
9. Sweet Tea
Sweet Tea is a refreshing cocktail made with bourbon whiskey, 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. Peach Iced Tea Highball
A Whiskey Peach Tea Highball is a type of cocktail that combines whiskey, iced tea, and peach syrup or puree.
This cocktail is typically served in a highball glass filled with ice, making it the perfect drink for warm summer days.
The combination of the whiskey and the sweet, juicy flavors of the peach syrup or puree create a balanced and refreshing drink that is both easy to mix and enjoy.
Some variations of this cocktail might also include a splash of lemon juice or soda water for added fizz and tang.
11. Blackberry Whiskey Smash
A Blackberry Whiskey Smash is a cocktail made with fresh blackberries, lemon juice, sugar, and whiskey.
The blackberries are muddled with the lemon juice and sugar to create a sweet and tangy base, which is then combined with whiskey and ice for a refreshing summer drink.
Some variations of the Blackberry Whiskey 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.
12. Bulldog Smash
A Bulldog Smash combines whiskey, fresh fruit, and sweeteners such as simple syrup or sugar.
The ingredients are typically muddled together with ice, shaken, and then served over ice in a rocks glass.
The specific ingredients used can vary, but the drink is typically made with lemon and mint, which add a bright and refreshing flavor.
13. Ruby Brown Derby
A Ruby Brown Derby is a type of cocktail that combines whiskey, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup.
This cocktail is typically served in a rocks glass over ice and garnished with a grapefruit twist or wedge.
The combination of the bitter, tart grapefruit juice with the sweetness of the honey syrup creates a well-balanced drink that is both refreshing and flavorful.
The whiskey provides a bold, robust base that complements the bright, fruity flavors of the grapefruit and honey.
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 whiskey, 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 whiskey and vermouth, making it incredibly smooth to sip on its own or over ice cubes if preferred.
More Bourbon & Whiskey Cocktails
- 23 Best Knob Creek Cocktails
- 10 Best Jim Beam Cocktails
- 12 Best Japanese Whiskey Cocktails
- Wild Turkey Drinks (Top 10 Bourbon Cocktails!)
Summer Whiskey Cocktail FAQs
Can you drink whiskey in the summer?
Yes, whiskey can be enjoyed all year round, including in the summer. In fact, many people prefer to drink whiskey 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 whiskey?
The best summertime whiskey is a matter of personal preference. Some popular summer whiskey options include Maker’s Mark, Bulleit Whiskey, and Jim Beam. Light and smooth whiskeys like these work well in a variety of summer cocktail recipes.
What is a good mixer with summer whiskey cocktails?
There are many good mixers that can be used in summer whiskey 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 whiskey cocktail?
A basic recipe might include whiskey 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.
What ingredients should I have on hand for making summer whiskey cocktails?
To make a variety of summer whiskey cocktails, it is helpful to have a few basic ingredients on hand, including:
- Whiskey whiskey
- Simple syrup
- Citrus juices (such as lemon, lime, and orange)
- Fruit juices (such as peach, cherry, and cranberry)
- Herbs and spices (such as mint and basil)
- Bitters
- Club soda or tonic water