Summer is here and we all know what that means – it's time for refreshing drinks, barbecues, and time spent with friends and family.
As a bartender, I know that whiskey is often seen as a drink best enjoyed in the colder months, but I'm here to tell you that whiskey can be the perfect base for a refreshing summer cocktail.
Whiskey is a versatile spirit that can be used in a variety of cocktails, and with the right ingredients, it can be transformed into a refreshing and delicious drink perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.
Whether you prefer bourbon, rye, or scotch, there's a summer whiskey cocktail out there for you.
The key to creating a summer whiskey cocktail is to use fresh, seasonal ingredients that complement the rich, complex flavors of the whiskey.
Think juicy fruits, herbs, and light mixers. A summer whiskey cocktail should be light, refreshing, and easy to drink, making it the perfect addition to any summer party or barbecue.
So, if you're a whiskey lover looking for a new way to enjoy your favorite spirit this summer, keep reading.
In this post, I'll be sharing some of the best summer whiskey cocktail recipes that are sure to impress your guests and keep you cool all season long.
1. Sparkling Peach Whisky Cocktail
The Sparkling Peach Whisky Cocktail is a refreshing and light summer drink that is perfect for cooling down on a hot day. Made with whisky, peach liqueur, lemon juice, and soda water, this cocktail is easy to make and has a sweet and tart flavor profile.
It can also be adjusted to suit individual preferences by adding simple syrup or more lemon juice. The addition of peach slices or a twisted lemon or orange peel as a garnish adds a touch of elegance to the drink. Overall, this cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and refreshing summer whiskey cocktail.
2. Blackberry Citrus Old Fashioned Cocktail
Looking for a refreshing and fruity whiskey cocktail to enjoy this summer? Look no further than the Blackberry Citrus Old Fashioned. This cocktail is perfect for camping trips or outdoor gatherings, as it doesn't require ice and only uses a few simple ingredients.
The combination of blackberries and orange adds a sweet and tangy flavor, while the Hella Citrus Bitters provide a floral and citrusy balance. Overall, this cocktail is a perfect choice for those looking for a unique and flavorful whiskey drink to enjoy during the warm summer months.
3. Whiskey Lemonade
Whiskey Lemonade is a refreshing summer drink that is perfect for those who love the taste of whiskey but want a lighter and more refreshing cocktail. This cocktail is made with your choice of whiskey, lemonade, and a fresh squeeze of lemon for added citrus flavor.
It's a simple yet delicious drink that is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. The combination of whiskey and lemonade creates a unique and refreshing flavor that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. If you're looking for a new summer cocktail to try, Whiskey Lemonade is definitely worth a shot.
4. Perfect Manhattan Cocktail
The Perfect Manhattan Cocktail is a timeless classic that every whiskey lover must try. This cocktail is believed to have originated in the 1870s and has been a popular choice ever since. It is made with a perfect blend of whiskey or bourbon, vermouth, bitters, and cherry juice, and is garnished with cherries.
The Perfect Manhattan Cocktail is a sophisticated cocktail that is perfect for sipping on a warm summer evening. Its smooth and rich flavor profile is sure to impress your taste buds. If you're looking for a classic cocktail that never goes out of style, then the Perfect Manhattan Cocktail is the perfect choice for you.
5. Whiskey Smash
The Whiskey Smash is a refreshing and sophisticated cocktail perfect for summer. It's made by muddling lemons and mint with whiskey, creating a bright and flavorful drink. The mint and citrus take the edge off the whiskey, making it palatable for those who don't typically enjoy whiskey.
The cocktail experienced a rebirth in the 1980s and 1990s thanks to the endorsement of King Cocktail, Dale DeGroff. The Whiskey Smash is a perfect choice for a summer cocktail, and its simplicity makes it easy to make in batches for parties.
6. Irish Maid Cocktail
The Irish Maid Cocktail is a refreshing and floral whiskey cocktail that is perfect for summer sipping. Made with cucumber, lemon juice, and St. Germain elderflower liqueur, this cocktail is a great option for those who are not regular whiskey drinkers.
It's light and refreshing, making it the perfect drink for a hot summer day. The Irish Maid Cocktail is easy to make and goes down very easily, so beware! If you're looking for a tasty and refreshing whiskey cocktail for your summer gatherings, the Irish Maid Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
7. Blueberry Buck Whiskey Cocktail
The Blueberry Buck Whiskey Cocktail is a refreshing and fruity summer drink that is perfect for whiskey lovers. Made with premium whiskey, fresh blueberries, lemon juice, blueberry juice, ginger beer, and mint, this cocktail is bursting with flavor and is sure to impress your guests.
The sweet and tangy taste of the blueberries is perfectly balanced with the bold flavor of the whiskey, making it a great choice for those who want to try something new. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or just want to enjoy a delicious cocktail on a hot day, the Blueberry Buck Whiskey Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
8. Whiskey Ginger Cocktail
The Whiskey Ginger Cocktail is a refreshing and simple drink that is perfect for summer. With only three ingredients, it's easy to make at home and is sure to please even those who aren't typically whiskey fans. The combination of whiskey, ginger ale, and fresh lime juice creates a deliciously balanced flavor that is perfect for sipping on a hot day.
Whether you're looking for a quick and easy cocktail to enjoy at home or want to impress your guests at a summer party, the Whiskey Ginger Cocktail is a great choice. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious and refreshing this classic cocktail can be?
9. Chamomile Honey and Whiskey Cocktail
The Chamomile Honey and Whiskey Cocktail is a perfect summer drink that is easy to make and has a mild, relaxed flavor. This cocktail is made by infusing dried chamomile, honey, and bourbon, and then shaking it in a shaker and pouring it over ice cubes. The fresh chamomile flowers are used as a garnish, adding to the overall aesthetic of the drink.
This cocktail is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance, no-fuss drink that can be enjoyed in the sun. The mild flavors of this cocktail make it easy to drink multiple glasses, making it both dangerous and fun. Overall, the Chamomile Honey and Whiskey Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a refreshing summer cocktail.
10. Blue Whiskey Cocktail
The Blue Whiskey Cocktail is a refreshing and delicious drink that is perfect for summer evenings. This cocktail is a beautiful blue color and is made with a blend of Hypnotiq, fresh blueberries, and Blue Curacao, which give it a unique and fruity flavor. The addition of whiskey adds a bit of depth and complexity to the drink, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a more complex cocktail.
This drink can be served on the rocks or blended into a slushie-style drink, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. If you're looking for a fun and flavorful whiskey cocktail to enjoy this summer, the Blue Whiskey Cocktail is definitely worth trying.
11. Cherry Whiskey Sour
Looking for a refreshing and fruity whiskey cocktail to beat the summer heat? Look no further than the Cherry Whiskey Sour. This cocktail combines premium whiskey with tart cherry juice, lime juice, and a touch of sweetness from simple syrup.
The addition of egg white gives the drink a frothy texture, while a freshly plucked cherry adds a pop of color and flavor. The Cherry Whiskey Sour is perfect for sipping at a summer barbecue or enjoying on a warm evening with friends. With its balanced blend of sweet and tart flavors, this cocktail is sure to become a new summer favorite.
12. Strawberry Mint Bourbon Smash
The Strawberry Mint Bourbon Smash is a refreshing summer cocktail that combines the smoky flavor of bourbon with the sweetness of fresh strawberries and the coolness of mint. This cocktail is perfect for those who want a little bit of sweetness without being too overpowering.
The recipe calls for muddling diced strawberries and sugar with a sprig of mint before adding the bourbon and topping it off with sparkling water. The result is a fizzy, fruity, and boozy drink that is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. If you're looking for a cocktail that's both light and flavorful, the Strawberry Mint Bourbon Smash is definitely worth trying.
13. Green Tea Shot
The Green Tea Shot is a must-try whiskey cocktail this summer. Don't let the name fool you, there's no actual green tea in this drink, but it's still refreshing and perfect for sipping on a hot day. Made with Jameson Irish Whiskey, Peach Schnapps, and Sour Mix, this cocktail has a fruity flavor with a sour kick.
It's easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends at a party. Plus, with its light greenish-yellow color, it's a great addition to any green-themed event or St. Patrick's Day celebration. If you're looking for a simple yet delicious whiskey-based shot, give the Green Tea Shot a try.
