Alright, let’s be honest: when you think of summer drinks, you probably imagine something fruity, tropical, or maybe even served in a coconut. But bourbon? Summer bourbon? Oh yeah, it deserves a front-row seat at the summer cocktail party. Trust me, bourbon isn’t just a cold-weather cuddle buddy. It can totally hold its own in the heat — especially when you know what you’re doing.
So if you’ve ever found yourself staring at your bar cart wondering, “Can I make something refreshing with bourbon that doesn’t feel like I’m sipping campfire smoke in July?”… the answer is 100% YES.
These 20 summer bourbon banger drink recipes prove just that.
1. Bourbon Peach Smash
Juicy peaches + mint + bourbon = summer in a glass.
Why it slaps:
- It’s fruity, but not too sweet.
- Smashing peaches is oddly satisfying.
Quick mix:
- 2 oz bourbon
- Half a peach (sliced)
- 4 mint leaves
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Muddle, shake with ice, strain, and serve over crushed ice.
2. Kentucky Mule
It’s like a Moscow Mule, but with Southern charm (and way more kick).
What you need:
- 2 oz bourbon
- ½ oz lime juice
- Ginger beer to top
Pro tip: Serve it in a copper mug because yes, it actually keeps it colder.
3. Bourbon Lemonade
This one’s a crowd-pleaser. Like, Fourth of July BBQ level crowd-pleaser.
Why it works:
- Sweet-tart balance
- Easy to batch for a party
How to:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 4 oz fresh lemonade
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and mint
4. Blackberry Bourbon Fizz
A little fruity, a little fizzy, a whole lotta fun.
Recipe rundown:
- 2 oz bourbon
- ½ oz lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 3-4 blackberries (muddled)
- Top with club soda
BTW: This one looks fancy. Instagram it. You deserve the clout.
5. Boulevardier Spritz
Basically a Negroni’s southern cousin that discovered Aperol and sparkling water.
Shake things up with:
- 1 oz bourbon
- 1 oz Aperol
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- Top with sparkling water
6. Spiked Sweet Tea
Southern charm in every sip. Bonus points if you say “y’all” while drinking it.
What goes in:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 4 oz sweet tea
- Lemon wedge for garnish
Optional: Add a dash of peach schnapps if you’re feeling extra.
7. Watermelon Bourbon Cooler
Yes, watermelon and bourbon get along just fine.
Build it like this:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 2 oz watermelon juice
- 1 oz lime juice
- ½ oz agave syrup
- Shake, strain, serve over ice
8. Ginger Peach Bourbon Iced Tea
Try saying that five times fast. Or just drink it.
How to make it:
- 1 cup peach iced tea
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz ginger liqueur (or fresh ginger muddled + simple syrup)
9. Citrus Bourbon Spritzer
Think of it like your bourbon just got back from a yoga retreat in Malibu.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz bourbon
- ½ oz orange juice
- ½ oz lemon juice
- Sparkling water to top
- Orange twist (for drama)
10. Mint Julep Slush
The Derby classic gets a frozen remix.
What to do:
- Blend 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz simple syrup, and lots of ice with a handful of mint.
- Serve in a chilled metal cup (or whatever makes you feel fancy).
11. Pineapple Bourbon Punch
If summer had a VIP punch bowl, this would be in it.
What you’ll need:
- 1.5 oz bourbon
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- ½ oz lime juice
- A splash of grenadine
12. Blueberry Bourbon Basil Smash
Sounds bougie. Tastes delicious.
Mix this magic:
- 2 oz bourbon
- A handful of blueberries and basil (muddled)
- ½ oz lemon juice
- ½ oz honey syrup
13. Grilled Peach Bourbon Old Fashioned
Yes, you read that right. Grilled peaches. You’re welcome.
What to do:
- Grill peach slices, muddle with 2 oz bourbon and a dash of bitters.
- Add ice and a tiny splash of maple syrup.
IMO: This one wins the backyard BBQ award. No contest.
14. Strawberry Mint Bourbon Smash
Basically a picnic in a glass.
Recipe:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 3 strawberries
- 4 mint leaves
- ½ oz lemon juice
- Muddle and shake with ice
15. Bourbon Arnold Palmer
Because why choose between sweet tea and lemonade when you can have both… and bourbon?
Quick fix:
- 1 oz sweet tea
- 1 oz lemonade
- 2 oz bourbon
- Serve over ice with a lemon wedge
16. Cherry Cola Bourbon Bomb
Nostalgia in a highball glass. It’s like the grown-up version of your favorite soda.
How to pour:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 3 oz cherry cola
- Luxardo cherry on top if you’re feeling yourself
17. Maple Bourbon Lemonade
A little sweet, a little tart, a lot of “where has this been all my life?”
Make it like this:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 4 oz lemonade
- ½ oz maple syrup
- Stir with ice, garnish with rosemary if you’re trying to impress someone
18. Frozen Bourbon Peach Bellini
Blender + bourbon = summer win
Blend together:
- 1 cup frozen peaches
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz peach schnapps
- A splash of sparkling wine
19. Bourbon Mojito
Traditional mojito meets Kentucky swagger.
Muddle and mix:
- Mint + lime + 2 oz bourbon + ½ oz simple syrup
- Top with club soda and ice
20. Smoked Honey Bourbon Lemonade
Because sometimes you want a little edge in your chill.
What you’ll need:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 4 oz lemonade
- ½ oz honey syrup
- Optional: smoked ice cubes (yup, that’s a thing)
Final Sip
So there you have it: 20 summer bourbon bangers that prove this spirit doesn’t need to sit out the sunny season. Whether you’re chilling on your deck, sweating through your grill sesh, or just vibing on the couch with a fan pointed directly at your face, there’s a bourbon drink here for you.
Pro tip before you go: Keep things balanced. Bourbon is bold, but with the right mixers and fresh ingredients, it absolutely thrives in summer cocktails.
Got a fave from the list? Or maybe you’re thinking, “Why didn’t you include a Bourbon Negroni Popsicle?!” (okay fine, next list). Let me know, and more importantly, go make one of these. Or five. No judgment. 🙂