Bourbon Cocktails That’ll Beat the Heat

Love bourbon but looking for a refreshing whiskey drink to beat the heat this summer other than a Mint Julep or a spiked iced tea? Here are 15 summery bourbon cocktails to help you cool down whether you’re porchside or poolside.

Ananda Spritz

A sparkling wine cocktail that sings with tropical flavors. 

Better Buck Tomorrow

Stone fruit and tea combine for the perfect warm-weather refresher.

Gold Rush

It doesn’t get much more beautifully uncomplicated than this cocktail: a variation of the classic Whiskey Sour that’s made with honey instead of simple syrup.

Good Samaritan

This equal-parts beauty pairs the richness of bourbon and sherry with the bright sweetness of banana liqueur and lemon juice.

Iron Ranger

High-proof bourbon sets a bold tone for this tropical refresher from Raised by Wolves in San Diego.

Kentucky Bird

A whiskey drinker’s Jungle Bird.

The Levity of Bourbon Cocktail

In this bourbon cocktail, the whiskey anchors a fruity blend of PX sherry, pineapple, lemon, blackberry, and honey.

The Long Shot

This tropical bourbon cocktail combines the refreshing nature of the Mai Tai and Mint Julep with the full, rich flavor of whiskey and banana.

Need More Derby

A peppery orange and peppercorn syrup adds layers of sweetness and spice to this whiskey-based drink.

Porch Punch

Planning some warm-weather entertaining? This bourbon punch will become a perennial party favorite.

Rhinestone Cowboy

Jac’s on Bond in New York injects a bit of summer into a bourbon buck, rounding out the bright flavors with ripe stonefruit and floral notes.

Queen Bee

This cocktail gets an especially summery boost from a thyme-honey syrup and crushed ice.

Sage Advice

This rum and bourbon cocktail from New Orleans’ Cane & Table features the summer freshness of blackberries and elderflower and sage notes.

Veranda Vernacular

Light and drinkable, this bourbon-spiked sweet tea delivers soft, cooling peach and mint flavors.

Whiskey Daisy

Bourbon meets rye in this contemporary daisy.