16 Best Summer Bourbon Cocktails to Try in 2024

There’s something truly magical about summer—the sun is shining, the days are longer, and everything just feels more vibrant. And what better way to celebrate the season than with a refreshing cocktail that embodies the warmth and excitement of summer? Enter bourbon, that wonderfully rich and smooth spirit that somehow becomes even more delightful when served chilled in a tasty concoction.

Over the years, I’ve come across some incredible bourbon cocktails that are perfect for summer, each one offering a unique twist that elevates the experience. So, without further ado, let me share with you my 16 Best Summer Bourbon Cocktails that are sure to make your sunny days even brighter.

1. Classic Mint Julep

The Mint Julep is a quintessential summer drink, offering a cool and refreshing escape from the heat.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 tsp powdered sugar
• 2 tsp water
• 4 fresh mint leaves

Instructions: Muddle the mint leaves, sugar, and water in a glass. Fill the glass with crushed ice and add bourbon. Stir well and garnish with a sprig of mint.

2. Bourbon Lemonade

Lemonade isn’t just for kids! This adult version is tangy and refreshingly delightful.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 4 oz fresh lemonade
• Lemon wheel for garnish

Instructions: Fill a glass with ice, add bourbon, and top with lemonade. Stir gently and garnish with a lemon wheel.

3. Brown Derby

Named after the famous Hollywood establishment, this cocktail mixes bourbon with a zesty grapefruit twist.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz bourbon
• 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 0.5 oz honey syrup

Instructions: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.

4. Bourbon Smash

The Bourbon Smash is a fruitier option that melds seasonal berries with that irresistible bourbon flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz simple syrup
• Handful of fresh berries
• 4 fresh mint leaves

Instructions: Muddle the berries and mint in a glass. Add bourbon, simple syrup, and ice. Stir well and garnish with additional berries and mint.

5. Kentucky Mule

This is a bourbon twist on the classic Moscow Mule, complete with the zing of ginger beer.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 4 oz ginger beer
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice

Instructions: Combine bourbon, ginger beer, and lime juice in a copper mug filled with ice. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.

6. Peach Bourbon Iced Tea

Perfect for lazy afternoons, this cocktail combines the sweetness of peaches with iced tea and bourbon.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 4 oz iced tea
• 1 oz peach syrup
• Fresh peach slices for garnish

Instructions: Mix bourbon, iced tea, and peach syrup in a glass with ice. Stir well and garnish with peach slices.

7. Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade

A fruity and tangy drink that adds blackberry flavor into the classic bourbon lemonade mix.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz blackberry syrup
• 4 oz fresh lemonade

Instructions: Combine bourbon, blackberry syrup, and lemonade in a glass filled with ice. Stir and garnish with fresh blackberries.

8. Spicy Bourbon Pineapple Cocktail

If you like a kick, this spicy pineapple and bourbon blend is just the ticket.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 4 oz pineapple juice
• 0.5 oz lime juice
• 1 splash of hot sauce
• Pineapple slice for garnish

Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass. Garnish with a pineapple slice.

9. Apple Cider Bourbon Sangria

A twist on traditional sangria, this version uses apple cider for a fresh summer vibe.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle dry white wine
• 1 cup bourbon
• 2 cups apple cider
• Sliced apples, oranges, and berries for garnish

Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a pitcher. Let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour. Serve over ice and garnish with sliced fruit.

10. Bourbon Watermelon Cooler

Watermelon and bourbon make for a super refreshing combination.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 3 oz fresh watermelon juice
• 1 oz lime juice
• Mint leaves for garnish

Instructions: Mix bourbon, watermelon juice, and lime juice in a shaker with ice. Strain into a glass and garnish with mint leaves.

11. Honey Bourbon Fizz

A light and bubbly drink with a touch of honey sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz honey syrup
• 3 oz club soda
• Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions: Combine bourbon and honey syrup in a glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and stir gently. Garnish with a lemon twist.

12. Orange Bourbon Sweet Tea

Sweet tea gets a citrusy upgrade with a splash of bourbon and orange.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 4 oz sweet tea
• 1 oz fresh orange juice

Instructions: Mix bourbon, sweet tea, and orange juice in a glass with ice. Stir well and garnish with an orange wheel.

13. Bourbon Peach Smash

Peaches and bourbon are a natural pair in this delightful summer cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz peach schnapps
• Fresh peach slices
• Mint leaves for garnish

Instructions: Muddle peach slices in a glass. Add bourbon, peach schnapps, and ice. Stir gently and garnish with mint leaves.

14. Cherry Bourbon Sour

Perfectly tart and sweet, this cocktail showcases bourbon’s softer side.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz cherry syrup
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice

Instructions: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with a cherry.

15. Tropical Bourbon Punch

A mix of tropical juices and bourbon that is perfect for a summer party.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 2 oz pineapple juice
• 2 oz orange juice
• Dash of grenadine

Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a pineapple slice.

16. Bourbon Basil Lemonade

A sophisticated twist on lemonade, featuring fresh basil and bourbon.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 4 oz lemonade
• 2 fresh basil leaves

Instructions: Muddle basil leaves in the bottom of a glass. Add bourbon, lemonade, and ice. Stir well and garnish with a basil sprig.

And there you have it—16 Best Summer Bourbon Cocktails! These are all incredibly delicious and perfect for enjoying on a warm summer day. So, pick one (or a few) to make and toast to the sunny season ahead. Cheers!