5 Refreshing Summer Bourbon Cocktails To Sip This Season

Few things hit as right or taste as refreshing in the summertime as a well-made bourbon cocktail. Sure, gin and tonics, as well as vodka- and rum-based drinks, often get the shiniest spot in the summer months. But the classic Kentucky spirit, which mellows over years in the hot Southern climate, is especially fitting on the warmer days. When stirred into a cocktail, it strikes the right balance between bracing and oh-god-give-me-another. A The only problem? There are so many great options. To help you out, are five bourbon cocktail recipes that are simple to mix and ideal for sipping slowly when the temperatures threaten to overwhelm even the most resilient dad.

1. The Boulevardier

Basically a Negroni made with whiskey in lieu of gin, this classic cocktail is both substantial and refreshing. Try it with Russell’s Reserve for its sweetness and subtle herbal notes.

Ingredients

• 1-2 oz Bourbon
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz sweet vermouth

Directions

Stir bourbon, vermouth, and Campari over ice and strain into a chilled glass (optional large ice cube) garnished with a Luxardo maraschino cherry.

2. The Bourbon Arnold Palmer

One of the easiest summer cocktails to whip up, this is a classic 50/50 mix of lemonade and tea plus a couple of ounces of spirit. While Mr. Palmer preferred his with vodka, we think bourbon makes it better. Try it with Four Roses Small Batch. It’s soft oak and fruity sweetness add depth and flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 2-3 oz of lemonade
• 2-3 oz of iced tea

Directions

Pour everything over ice in a highball glass. Stir and enjoy.

3. The Peach Whiskey Sour

A fresh spin on the classic sour, this drink has been elevated with fresh juice and the addition of peaches for extra depth. Mostly phoned in by bartenders, the whiskey sour is one of those drinks that doesn’t get the respect it deserves. But when it’s made well, it’s a tasty summery beverage. Try it with Bulleit 10 Year, which brings a nice body to this crisp summer cocktail.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 3/4 oz simple syrup
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 1 1/2 oz frozen pureed peaches

Directions

Shake all ingredients over ice, strain into a glass with one large ice cube and garnish with a slice of peach.

4. The Kentucky Buck

Made with ginger beer, bourbon, lemon juice, and bitters, the Kentucky Buck is a refreshing summer drink perfect for kicking off a Friday happy hour. It’s also one hell of a refreshing reward for mowing the lawn. Try it with Wild Turkey Rare Breed. At 116 proof, it gives the Buck a little extra kick.

Ingredients

• A few dashes of Angostura bitters
• 1/2–3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 2 oz bourbon Ginger beer

Directions

To a highball glass full of ice add bitters, lemon juice, bourbon and top off with ginger beer, stir and garnish with a strawberry.

5. The Mint Julep

Calendar be damned, the celebrated derby day drink is one of the best summer cocktails. Bourbon, mint, club soda, and simple syrup combine for a sweet, bracing, and very drinkable concoction. Try it with Woodford Reserve. Thanks to its rich vanilla notes, it’s our go-to bourbon in a julep.

Ingredients

• Fresh mint
• 1/4 oz simple syrup
• 2 oz bourbon Club soda
• Crushed ice

Directions

In either a silver cup or a highball glass, muddle two or three mint sprigs with a dash or two of simple syrup, fill the glass with crushed ice (a must), add bourbon, top with club soda. Slap a mint sprig in your hand once or twice to release extra aromatics from the herb, and then add it as a garnish.