Paul Kushner
Summer Rye is a fresh and floral take on a rye whiskey cocktail. It’s light enough for warm weather but still has depth from the whiskey. Elderflower liqueur and apple juice add brightness, lemon gives it a tart edge, and a splash of champagne rounds it out. It’s crisp, smooth, and made for late afternoon sipping. Inspired by liquor.com.
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Tasting Notes
The Summer Rye strikes a balance between light and bold. Rye whiskey adds warmth and spice, while elderflower liqueur brings soft floral tones. Apple juice and lemon juice offer a crisp, fruity brightness, and a touch of simple syrup smooths everything out. Champagne tops it off with dryness and bubbles that lift the drink’s overall texture. The result is a refreshing yet grounded cocktail that’s lively without being too sweet or too strong. Apple cubes on top add a bit of crunch and aroma with every sip. It’s a complex yet easygoing drink that finishes clean.
Equipment and Glassware
You’ll need a cocktail shaker, jigger, strainer, and a sharp knife for prepping the garnish. A fine-mesh strainer is helpful for double-straining the shaken ingredients to keep the drink smooth and free of pulp or small ice shards. Use a standard rocks glass to serve it’s the right size and allows room for fresh ice and the champagne topper. Having a chilled glass isn’t essential but helps maintain the drink’s cool temperature. This setup makes for a simple but professional result with just a few basic bar tools.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz rye whiskey
- 0.75 oz elderflower liqueur
- 0.25 oz simple syrup
- 0.75 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz apple juice
- 0.75 oz chilled champagne
- Garnish: diced apple cubes
Instructions
- Add rye whiskey, elderflower liqueur, simple syrup, lemon juice, and apple juice to a shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled.
- Double-strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Add champagne on top.
- Add a few diced apple cubes to the glass before serving.
Pro Tips
- Use chilled champagne to keep the drink crisp
- Double-strain for a smoother texture
- Try a high-quality rye with some spice and oak notes
- Use Fuji or Honeycrisp apples for fresh-tasting garnish
- Adjust simple syrup to taste if your apple juice is sweet
- Shake well to fully mix the citrus and base spirits
- Avoid overfilling the glass before topping with champagne
- For a twist, swap apple juice for pear nectar
When to Serve
The Summer Rye is ideal for warm-weather occasions outdoor dinners, afternoon parties, or garden brunches. Its mix of fruit and bubbles makes it easy to enjoy early in the day, while the rye whiskey gives it enough structure to serve later as well. It’s also a good option for small celebrations where something light but flavorful is called for. Serve it as an opening cocktail at a dinner party or a feature drink at a spring or summer event. It fits best when the mood is relaxed but still calls for something a little special.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Rye Whiskey:
- Bulleit Rye
- Old Forester Rye
- Sazerac Rye
- Elderflower Liqueur:
- St-Germain
- Fiorente Elderflower
- Thatcher’s Elderflower Liqueur
- Champagne or Sparkling Wine:
- La Marca Prosecco
- Mumm Napa Brut
- Gruet Brut
Similar Cocktails
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz rye whiskey
- 0.75 oz elderflower liqueur
- 0.25 oz simple syrup
- 0.75 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz apple juice
- 0.75 oz chilled champagne
- Garnish: diced apple cubes
Instructions
- Add a few diced apple cubes to the glass before serving.
- Add rye whiskey, elderflower liqueur, simple syrup, lemon juice, and apple juice to a shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled.
- Double-strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Add champagne on top.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use fresh Fuji apple juice if possible for natural sweetness.
- Chill your glass ahead of time to keep the drink cool longer.
- Gently stir after topping with champagne to mix without losing the bubbles.
