Paul Kushner
Summer bourbon cocktails are the perfect way to enjoy bourbon when the weather’s warm. The rich, smooth flavor of bourbon pairs easily with fresh fruits, citrus, herbs, and light mixers, making each drink refreshing but still full of bold flavor. These easy bourbon cocktails are great for summer BBQs, backyard gatherings, or relaxing by the pool. From fruity smashes to light lemonades, every recipe brings something fresh to the table. Whether you’re hosting friends or sipping solo, this roundup has plenty of simple recipes everyone will enjoy.
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#30. Bourbon Strawberry Iced Tea
Bourbon Strawberry Iced Tea is perfect for summer days. Fresh strawberries are muddled with lemon juice and simple syrup, then shaken with smooth bourbon for a sweet, tangy base. Topped with unsweetened iced tea, it’s light, crisp, and easy to sip when the weather heats up. Served over ice and garnished with fresh berries and mint, it’s colorful, refreshing, and simple to build for BBQs, porch hangs, or backyard get-togethers.
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#29. Pineapple Bourbon Honey Sour
Pineapple Bourbon Honey Sour brings a tropical twist to summer sipping. Smooth bourbon blends with fresh pineapple and lemon juice for a bright, balanced sip. Honey syrup softens the edges, while a frothy egg white adds a creamy texture. A few dashes of bitters give it just enough depth. Served over ice and topped with edible flowers, it’s colorful, refreshing, and easy to enjoy on warm nights, summer parties, or backyard gatherings.
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#28. Orange Bourbon Sour
Orange Bourbon Sour is a bright, refreshing take on a classic bourbon cocktail. Fresh orange juice blends with smooth bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup for a sweet-tart balance that’s perfect for summer. The citrus keeps it light, while the bourbon adds rich depth without feeling heavy. Served over ice with an orange slice, it’s easy to make and ideal for summer BBQs, backyard gatherings, or casual warm-weather sipping. A simple bourbon drink everyone can enjoy.
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#27. Frozen Peach Bourbon Mule
Frozen Peach Bourbon Mule is made for hot summer days. Smooth bourbon blends with fresh peaches, lime juice, and spicy ginger beer for a sweet, tangy, and icy sip. Blended to a frosty slush, it’s cool, refreshing, and perfect for poolside, BBQs, or backyard hangs. The peaches balance the bourbon’s warmth while the ginger keeps it lively. Garnished with mint and lime, it’s colorful, easy to build, and full of bold summer flavor.
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#26. Kentucky Mule
Kentucky Mule keeps things bright, bold, and perfect for summer. Smooth bourbon blends with fresh lime juice and spicy ginger beer for a crisp, refreshing sip that cools you down on hot days. Built right in the glass over ice, it’s quick to make and full of flavor. The ginger’s kick balances the bourbon’s warmth, while the lime adds fresh brightness. Great for BBQs, patio hangs, or summer nights when you want bourbon that’s easy to sip.
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#25. Beachy Bourbon
Beachy Bourbon brings a light tropical twist to summer bourbon sipping. Smooth bourbon blends with Campari’s bittersweet kick, fresh lime juice, and spicy ginger beer for a bold, refreshing drink. Shaken and served over ice with a lime wedge, it’s crisp, colorful, and easy to build. The bright citrus and ginger balance the bourbon’s warmth, making it perfect for beach days, BBQs, or casual summer nights. Full of flavor without feeling heavy.
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#24. Grapefruit Bourbon Smash
Grapefruit Bourbon Smash brings bright, fresh flavor that’s perfect for summer. Fresh grapefruit and mint are muddled with simple syrup and lemon juice, then shaken with smooth bourbon for a crisp sweet-tart balance. A splash of club soda keeps it light and refreshing for warm days. Served over ice with a grapefruit slice and mint, it’s colorful, easy to make, and great for BBQs, patio hangs, or laid-back summer evenings.
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#23. Mint Julep
The Kentucky Derby may be a springtime event, but the Mint Julep still makes a refreshing and delicious summer bourbon cocktail. It is an easy cocktail to make, involving muddling mint and simple syrup in a glass before adding bourbon. The sharp flavor of the mint and sweet simple syrup combine with the smokey bourbon producing a well-rounded cocktail.
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#22. Orange Bourbon Smash
Orange Bourbon Smash is a simple, refreshing bourbon cocktail perfect for summer. Fresh orange wedges are muddled with mint and simple syrup, then mixed with smooth bourbon and a splash of soda for a light, crisp finish. The bright citrus balances the bourbon’s warmth, making it easy to sip on warm days. Served over ice with fresh orange slices and mint, this bourbon smash is great for BBQs, patio nights, or backyard gatherings.
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#21. Bourbon Rickey
Bourbon Rickey keeps it light, crisp, and simple, making it perfect for summer. Smooth bourbon blends with fresh lime juice and club soda for a refreshing sip that cools you off on hot days. No shaker needed, just build it right in the glass over ice. The bright lime cuts through the bourbon’s warmth, while the soda keeps it bubbly and easy to sip. Quick to make and perfect for BBQs, pool days, or patio nights.
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#20. Gold Rush
Gold Rush keeps it simple, bright, and perfect for summer. Born in New York in the early 2000s, this bourbon cocktail gets its name from its golden color, not California gold. It’s basically a bourbon sour, blending smooth bourbon, honey syrup, and fresh lemon juice for a sweet-tart balance. The honey softens the bourbon's warmth while the lemon keeps it light and refreshing. Easy to shake up, it’s great for BBQs, porch hangs, or warm evenings.
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#19. Cherry Bourbon Lemonade
Cherry Bourbon Lemonade is bright, bold, and easy to sip. Smooth bourbon mixes with tart lemonade and rich cherry syrup for a sweet-tart balance that’s perfect for warm days. Served over ice with maraschino cherries and lemon, it’s colorful and refreshing. Simple to stir up and full of fresh flavor, this one works for backyard BBQs, summer gatherings, or casual nights. Bourbon stays front and center while the cherry and citrus keep it light.
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#18. Paper Plane
Using a list of rare and prestigious ingredients, the Paper Plane is another new and fashionable bourbon cocktail. It combines equal parts Amaro, Aperol, Bourbon, and lemon juice, resulting in a sophisticated flavor palate of sour, bitter, smoky, and sweet. This recipe makes a single cocktail, but since it calls for equal measurements of all ingredients, you can easily scale it up for a crowd.
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#17. Blueberry Bourbon Lemonade
Blueberry Bourbon Lemonade is bright, fruity, and easy for warm days. Fresh blueberries and lemon juice bring sweet-tart flavor that pairs perfectly with smooth bourbon. A splash of club soda keeps it light and crisp, while lemon slices and fresh berries make it photo-ready. Quick to shake up and full of bold, refreshing flavor, it’s perfect for backyard BBQs, porch hangs, or summer parties. Bourbon stays front and center without feeling too heavy.
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#16. Cherry Bourbon Smash
Cherry Bourbon Smash brings bright summer flavor with every sip. Fresh cherries and lemon get muddled with simple syrup for a sweet-tart base. Smooth bourbon rounds it out, while a quick shake and pour over ice keeps it light and refreshing. Garnish with extra cherries and a lemon twist for a colorful finish. Easy to make and full of bold, juicy flavor, this one’s perfect for backyard BBQs, date nights, or warm evenings outside.
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#15. Watermelon Bourbon Smash
Whiskey Smash is simple, fresh, and perfect for warm days. Muddled lemon and mint bring bright, crisp flavor that balances with smooth whiskey. A little simple syrup ties it all together for a sweet, tart sip that goes down easy. Served over ice with a mint garnish, it’s light, refreshing, and easy to build. Great for backyard hangs or laid-back evenings when you want a bourbon-forward drink that stays bright and easy.
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#14. Whiskey Smash
Whether “smash” refers to its inebriating effects or the technique used to make it, this tasty bourbon cocktail is a crowd-pleaser. It is essentially a citrusy Mint Julep, adding lemon wedges to the classic simple syrup and mint muddling. The well-balanced flavor profile boasting sweet, tart, minty, and smoky notes, makes this summer bourbon cocktail a big favorite.
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#13. Southern Peach Bourbon Tea
Southern Peach Bourbon Tea is smooth, simple, and built for warm days. Bourbon and peach syrup blend with iced tea for a sweet, mellow sip that’s easy to enjoy anytime. Served over ice with fresh peach slices, it looks as good as it tastes. Light, fruity, and not too heavy, it’s perfect for porch sitting, BBQs, or casual get-togethers. This one’s easy to mix, easy to sip, and just right for summer afternoons.
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#12. Hot Honey Strawberry Bourbon Smash
Hot Honey Strawberry Bourbon Smash brings sweet, spicy, and fresh flavors together. Muddled strawberries mix with smooth bourbon, hot honey syrup, and lemon juice for a bold, balanced sip. A splash of club soda adds a light fizz, while mint and strawberry garnish make it extra fresh. The sweet heat from the honey keeps things interesting without feeling heavy. Easy to build and perfect for summer nights, BBQs, or anytime you want a little kick.
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#11. Bourbon Old Fashioned
Bourbon Old Fashioned keeps it classic and simple. A little sugar, a few dashes of bitters, and a splash of water mix right in the glass before smooth bourbon goes on top. Stirred over ice with an orange peel or cherry garnish, it’s rich, balanced, and easy to sip. No fancy tools, just a timeless bourbon-forward drink that works for slow summer nights, small gatherings, or anytime you want something smooth and familiar.
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#10. Raspberry Bourbon Smash
Raspberry Bourbon Smash keeps things simple and fresh. Muddle raspberries and mint right in the glass, then add simple syrup and smooth bourbon. Top it with soda water for a light, fizzy finish. No shaker or strainer needed, so you get a pulpy, bubbly texture that feels extra summery. Bright, easy, and full of berry flavor, it’s perfect for backyard hangs, casual get-togethers, or warm nights when you want bourbon that’s light and refreshing.
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#9. Strawberry Bourbon Smash
Strawberry Bourbon Smash brings fresh, easy summer flavor. Muddled strawberries, mint, and sugar create a sweet, juicy base. Bourbon adds smooth depth, while lemon juice brightens every sip. Served over ice with a splash of soda water, it’s light, colorful, and perfect for warm nights or weekend hangs. Garnish with a strawberry and mint for extra flair. It’s easy to make, full of fresh flavor, and lets the bourbon shine without weighing you down.
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#8. Blueberry Bourbon Smash
Blueberry Bourbon Smash delivers bold summer flavor in every sip. Fresh blueberries and lemon juice bring tart, juicy notes that balance perfectly with smooth bourbon. Simple syrup softens the edge, while a splash of soda water adds a light, crisp finish. Served over ice with mint and extra berries, it’s bright, easy, and ready for any summer get-together. Quick to make, full of color, and bourbon-forward without feeling heavy
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#7. Peach Bourbon Lemonade
Peach Bourbon Lemonade brings fresh summer flavor without the fuss. Peach puree, lemon juice, and peach schnapps blend with bourbon for a smooth, juicy sip. Club soda adds a crisp finish, while peach slices, lemon wedges, and mint dress it up. The balance of sweet, tart, and bourbon warmth makes it an easy pick for backyard hangs, brunch, or laid-back afternoons. Simple to prep, easy to share, and perfect for warm-weather sipping.
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#6. Peach Bourbon Arnold Palmer
Peach Bourbon Arnold Palmer takes a summer classic and gives it a smooth upgrade. Sweet tea, lemonade, bourbon, and peach liqueur come together for a mellow sip. Fresh peach slices add a pop of flavor and color, while a whiskey ball keeps it cold without watering it down. Crisp and easy to make, it’s great for porch hangs, backyard BBQs, or lazy afternoons. A simple way to enjoy bourbon when the heat’s on.
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#5. Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade
Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade keeps it fresh and bold, perfect for summer sipping. Muddled blackberries and lemon bring sharp fruit flavor, while maple syrup adds smooth sweetness. Bourbon gives it depth without feeling heavy, and a touch of bitters balances every sip. Served over ice with charred lemon, blackberries, and fresh basil, it’s colorful and easy to make. Light, crisp, and full of flavor, it’s great for BBQs, patio hangs, or hot summer nights.
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#4. Suffering Bastard Cocktail
The Suffering Bastard balances bourbon and gin for a bold, layered sip that still works on hot days. Lime juice, ginger beer, and bitters bring bright citrus and spice, cutting through the spirits with a refreshing kick. It pulls some flavors from a Moscow Mule but adds depth from the bourbon and gin combo. Served cold over ice, it’s light enough for summer but delivers plenty of flavor for BBQs, patio hangs, or laid-back nights.
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#3. Red Moon Over Manhattan
Red Moon Over Manhattan blends bourbon, red wine, simple syrup, and cherries for a bold twist on the classic. The rich flavor works well for cooler fall nights, but serving it over ice keeps it light enough for summer evenings too. Its deep color and smooth sip make it great for backyard dinners, patio hangs, or late-night gatherings when you want something bold but still easy to drink in warm weather.
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#2. Pineapple Bourbon Lemonade
Pineapple Bourbon Lemonade is made for hot days. Fresh pineapple juice, lemon, and simple syrup mix with bourbon for a bright, tropical flavor. Served over ice with pineapple and lemon slices, it’s juicy, smooth, and easy to sip. The bourbon adds just enough warmth without feeling heavy. Quick to shake up and perfect for BBQs, pool parties, or summer afternoons when you want something sweet, crisp, and refreshing.
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#1. Bourbon Margarita
Bourbon Margarita gives a summer twist to the classic. Bourbon mixes with lime juice, Cointreau, and simple syrup for a bold, citrusy sip. Served over ice with a salted rim, it’s crisp and smooth without feeling heavy. Quick to make and easy to sip, it works for BBQs, weekend hangs, or warm nights when you want something fresh with a little kick.
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