Paul Kushner
Strawberry Bourbon Cocktails bring together the rich caramel and vanilla notes of bourbon with the bright sweetness of fresh strawberries. The juicy berries soften bourbon’s bold character, creating drinks that are balanced, refreshing, and full of seasonal flavor. Many recipes also include ingredients like lemon juice, honey, mint, basil, ginger, bitters, or sparkling water to add depth and freshness. From whiskey smashes and juleps to bourbon sours and sparkling spritzes, strawberry bourbon cocktails offer something for every occasion. They’re perfect for summer cookouts, backyard gatherings, brunches, or relaxing evenings when you want a cocktail that blends fresh fruit with the smooth warmth of bourbon.
Bourbon Strawberry Iced Tea
The Bourbon Strawberry Iced Tea combines fresh fruit, smooth bourbon, and classic iced tea into a refreshing cocktail that is perfect for warm weather. Sweet strawberries add bright berry flavor that pairs naturally with the caramel and vanilla notes of bourbon. A splash of fresh lemon juice provides enough citrus to keep the drink crisp and balanced, while unsweetened iced tea ties everything together with a clean finish. Served over plenty of ice and garnished with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and mint, this cocktail is both refreshing and colorful. It’s an excellent choice for summer cookouts, holiday celebrations, backyard barbecues, and relaxing afternoons with friends.
Bourbon Strawberry Iced Tea
Ingredients
Method
- In a shaker, muddle the sliced strawberries until they are well crushed and juicy.
- Add the lemon juice, bourbon, and rich simple syrup to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice.
- Top off the drink with unsweetened iced tea.
- Garnish with a few blueberries, a strawberry slice, and a mint sprig.
Strawberry and Maple Brown Derby
The Strawberry and Maple Brown Derby offers a fresh take on the classic bourbon cocktail by combining bright fruit with rich natural sweetness. Fresh strawberries add juicy berry flavor that blends beautifully with the caramel notes of bourbon, while grapefruit juice contributes refreshing citrus that keeps the drink lively and balanced. Maple syrup provides smooth sweetness with subtle richness, creating layers of flavor that complement the whiskey without overpowering it. Served chilled and garnished with fresh strawberries or grapefruit, this cocktail delivers a refreshing combination of sweet, tart, and citrus notes. It’s perfect for brunches, dinner parties, weekend gatherings, or anyone looking for a fruit-forward bourbon cocktail.
Strawberry and Maple Brown Derby
Ingredients
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker with bourbon, grapefruit juice, maple syrup, and chopped strawberries.
- Shake the mixture vigorously to combine and chill the ingredients.
- Double strain the mixture into a serving glass using a fine mesh strainer to remove the strawberry pulp.
- Garnish with a fresh strawberry for a sweet, decorative touch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the fruity, sweet, and tangy flavors of the Strawberry and Maple Brown Derby!
Hot Honey Strawberry Bourbon Smash
The Hot Honey Strawberry Bourbon Smash combines sweet berries, gentle spice, and smooth bourbon into a cocktail full of bold flavor. Fresh strawberries provide juicy sweetness that balances the warmth of the whiskey, while hot honey adds a pleasant kick that builds gradually with every sip. A splash of citrus keeps the drink refreshing and helps tie the flavors together beautifully. Served over crushed ice and garnished with fresh strawberries and herbs, this smash feels refreshing while still offering plenty of depth. It’s an excellent choice for backyard cookouts, casual gatherings, summer evenings, or anyone who enjoys cocktails with both sweetness and a little heat.
Hot Honey Strawberry Bourbon Smash
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the Strawberries: In a cocktail shaker, muddle the fresh strawberries until they are well mashed and release their juice.
- Add the Bourbon: Pour the bourbon into the shaker with the muddled strawberries.
- Sweeten with Hot Honey: Add the hot honey to the shaker. If you prefer more sweetness, you can add a bit more.
- Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice to add a tart balance to the sweetness and spice.
- Shake Well: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with Club Soda: Add a splash of club soda to give the drink a refreshing fizz.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a slice of strawberry.
Kiwi Strawberry Bourbon Smash
The Kiwi Strawberry Bourbon Smash is a refreshing cocktail that blends bright fruit flavors with the smooth richness of bourbon. Sweet strawberries and juicy kiwi create a colorful combination that adds freshness and natural sweetness to every sip. Bourbon provides a warm foundation that balances the fruit without overwhelming it, while fresh citrus helps keep the drink lively and refreshing. Served over crushed ice and garnished with fresh fruit and mint, this cocktail delivers a crisp combination of sweet, tart, and rich flavors. It’s a wonderful choice for summer entertaining, outdoor gatherings, weekend brunches, or relaxing afternoons when you want a fresh fruit twist on bourbon.
Kiwi & Strawberry Bourbon Smash
Ingredients
Method
- In a shaker, muddle the strawberries and kiwi slices. This means pressing them with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their juices and flavors.
- Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, and bourbon to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice, covering the liquid and fruit.
- Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. The goal is to chill the mixture thoroughly and mix all the ingredients well.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice to catch any fruit pieces and seeds.
- If you like a lighter drink, top it off with a splash of soda water.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint and maybe a slice of kiwi or strawberry on the rim of the glass.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Kiwi & Strawberry Bourbon Smash!
Strawberry Jam Paper Plane
Strawberry Jam Paper Plane is one of those cocktails that feels both familiar and a little unexpected in the best way. The first time I made it, I already liked the classic Paper Plane, but the addition of strawberry jam made it stand out right away. This version keeps the equal-parts structure, so it stays balanced and easy to mix. The jam adds a soft fruit sweetness that blends smoothly with the citrus and bitters. I like how it feels slightly richer while still finishing clean. It’s a great choice for evenings when you want something simple, a little creative, and easy to enjoy.
Strawberry Jam Paper Plane
Ingredients
Method
- Add strawberry jam and lemon juice to a shaker and stir (or give a short dry shake) to loosen the jam.
- Add bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, bitters, and ice.
- Shake hard until well chilled (about 10–15 seconds).
- Double strain into a chilled coupe or over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
- Garnish with a slit strawberry on the rim.
Strawberry Coconut Breeze
This Strawberry Coconut Breeze blends juicy strawberry with creamy coconut and the depth of both rum and bourbon. The fruit and cream round out the sharper edges of the spirits, while lime juice and simple syrup keep it bright and easy to drink. A few drops of orange flower water and bitters provide subtle complexity, while the grated nutmeg gives a warm aroma to finish. The result is rich, refreshing, and layered offering a balance of fresh fruit, creaminess, oak, and spice that makes each sip interesting and satisfying without being overly heavy.
Strawberry Coconut Breeze
Ingredients
Method
- Muddle the strawberries in a shaker.
- Add the coconut cream, rum, bourbon, lime juice, simple syrup, orange flower water, and bitters.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake quickly to chill and combine.
- Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
- Grate fresh nutmeg over the top.
- Garnish with a strawberry slice and lime wheel.
Strawberry Mango Bourbon Smash
The Strawberry Mango Bourbon Smash is bold, fruity, and full of fresh flavor. It mixes the rich warmth of bourbon with the sweetness of ripe strawberries and juicy mango. A splash of citrus and a few mint leaves keep it bright and balanced, cutting through the sweetness just enough. It’s the kind of drink that works well on a sunny afternoon or a relaxed evening with friends. The fruit and bourbon blend smoothly, making each sip refreshing but still packing that classic whiskey depth. If you’re into sweet-meets-strong drinks, this one’s got you covered.
Strawberry Mango Bourbon Smash
Ingredients
Method
- Add strawberries, lime juice, and simple syrup to a shaker. Muddle well until the berries are broken down.
- Pour in the mango nectar and bourbon. Add ice and shake briefly.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with ginger beer and give it a gentle stir.
- Garnish with a strawberry slice or mint sprig.
Whiskey Strawberry Lemonade
Whiskey Strawberry Lemonade brings together bold and sweet in the easiest way. Whiskey gives it a strong, peppery base, balanced out by the brightness of lemonade and the smooth sweetness of strawberry puree. A touch of simple syrup ties it all together without overdoing it. It’s chilled, fruity, and just strong enough to keep things interesting. Perfect for front porch sipping, BBQs, or anytime you want a drink that’s laid-back with a little bite.
Whiskey Strawberry Lemonade
Ingredients
Method
- Add whiskey, lemonade, strawberry puree, and simple syrup to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with mint, a lemon wheel, and a strawberry slice.
Strawberry Avenue
The Strawberry Avenue is a sophisticated bourbon cocktail that balances bold spirits with layers of bittersweet and herbal flavor. Maker’s Mark Bourbon provides a smooth foundation with notes of caramel and vanilla, while Campari contributes its signature bittersweet character. Martini Rubino adds rich herbal and spice notes that give the cocktail extra depth and complexity. A few dashes of strawberry-celery bitters introduce a subtle blend of fruit and savory flavors, creating a unique finish that makes every sip interesting. Served over a large ice cube with a citrus twist or fresh strawberry garnish, the Strawberry Avenue is an excellent choice for evening cocktails, dinner parties, or anyone who enjoys spirit-forward drinks with a modern twist.
Strawberry Avenue
Ingredients
Method
- Add bourbon, Martini Rubino, Campari, and strawberry-celery bitters to a mixing glass.
- Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir gently for about 20-30 seconds to chill and dilute.
- Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube or into a chilled coupe.
- Add a fresh strawberry or a thin celery ribbon for an elegant touch.
Strawberry Whiskey Limeade
Strawberry Whiskey Limeade is fresh, fruity, and a little herbal. Strawberry whiskey gives it a smooth, berry-forward base, while lime juice adds a bright, tangy kick. Fresh strawberries and basil bring in a garden-fresh feel that keeps things light and easy. A splash of soda water finishes it off with a crisp, bubbly touch. It’s the kind of drink that works well for sunny afternoons, picnics, or just kicking back with something cool and not too sweet. Serve it over ice and let the flavors do their thing.
Strawberry Whiskey Limeade
Ingredients
Method
- In a glass, muddle the strawberries and basil with lime juice.
- Add the whiskey.
- Fill the glass with ice and top with soda water.
- Stir gently to mix.
- Garnish with a strawberry slice and basil leaf.
Strawberry Old Fashioned
Whiskey cocktails don’t always have to feel serious, and this Strawberry Old Fashioned is proof. I made my first one on a random weeknight when I wanted an Old Fashioned, but I also had strawberry syrup sitting in the fridge from a brunch recipe. On a whim, I added a tiny splash to my bourbon mix, and it instantly turned into something new. Still bold and smooth, but with a subtle fruity note that made it feel lighter and more fun. This is the kind of drink that works year-round, too. It’s great for summer nights when you want something refreshing without going full tropical, and it’s just as good in the fall when bourbon season hits. If you’re looking for cocktails that feel familiar but still a little unexpected, this Strawberry Old Fashioned deserves a spot in your rotation.
Strawberry Old Fashioned
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing glass, combine the Bourbon, strawberry syrup, orange bitters, and aromatic bitters.
- Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir gently to chill and combine the ingredients (about 20-30 seconds).
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over a large ice cube or fresh ice.
- Garnish with a fresh strawberry and a twist of orange peel.
- Enjoy your elegant and refreshing Strawberry Old Fashioned!
