The Top 3 Bourbon Cocktails of the Summer

When the temperature rises, many people assume bourbon should stay on the shelf until fall. That couldn't be further from the truth. Bourbon's caramel, vanilla, and oak notes make it one of the most versatile summer spirits—especially when paired with bright citrus, fresh herbs, and seasonal fruit.

Whether you're sitting on the porch, hosting friends for a backyard barbecue, or enjoying a sunset by the lake, these three cocktails deserve a spot in your summer rotation.

1. The Paper Plane

Bright • Balanced • Surprisingly Refreshing

The Paper Plane has quietly become one of the modern classics of the bourbon world. Created in 2008, it delivers the perfect balance of sweet, tart, herbal, and slightly bitter flavors.

Ingredients

• ¾ oz bourbon

• ¾ oz Aperol

• ¾ oz Amaro Nonino

• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Why it's perfect for summer:

The citrus keeps it crisp while the Aperol brings bright orange notes. It's refreshing without hiding the bourbon.

Best bourbon choice:

• Buffalo Trace

• Four Roses Small Batch

• Elijah Craig Small Batch

2. The Mint Julep

Classic • Southern • Ice-Cold

No bourbon cocktail says summer quite like the Mint Julep. While it's famous for the Kentucky Derby, this drink deserves to be enjoyed all season long.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon

• ½ oz simple syrup

• Fresh mint leaves

• Crushed ice

Lightly muddle the mint with the syrup, add bourbon, fill with crushed ice, stir until the outside of the glass frosts, and garnish generously with fresh mint.

Why it works:

Crushed ice chills the bourbon immediately while fresh mint provides an incredibly cooling finish.

Pro Tip:

Don't over-muddle the mint. Bruising it too much releases bitter flavors.

Best bourbon choice:

• Woodford Reserve

• Old Forester 100 Proof

• Maker's Mark

3. Bourbon Peach Smash

Fresh • Fruity • Backyard Favorite

Nothing says summer quite like fresh peaches. This cocktail combines ripe fruit with bourbon's rich sweetness for one of the easiest crowd-pleasers you'll make all year.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon

• 2–3 fresh peach slices

• ½ oz lemon juice

• ½ oz simple syrup

• Fresh mint

Muddle the peaches and mint gently, add bourbon, lemon juice, syrup, shake with ice, and pour over fresh ice.

Why you'll love it:

Fresh peaches soften bourbon's spice while adding natural sweetness without becoming overly sugary.

Best bourbon choice:

• Wild Turkey 101

• Russell's Reserve 10 Year

• Knob Creek 9 Year

Summer Bourbon Tips

A great bourbon cocktail starts with quality ingredients and a few simple techniques:

• Use fresh citrus instead of bottled juice.

• Large ice cubes melt more slowly and prevent dilution.

• Fresh herbs like mint should be added just before serving.

• Choose bourbons in the 90–100 proof range—they stand up well in cocktails without overpowering the drink.

Final Pour

Summer isn't a season to put bourbon away—it's a season to experience it differently. The Paper Plane offers bright sophistication, the Mint Julep remains a timeless Southern staple, and the Bourbon Peach Smash celebrates everything that's great about warm-weather entertaining.

So fire up the grill, invite a few friends over, and pour yourself something worth slowing down for. After all, the best bourbon isn't just about what's in the bottle—it's about who you're sharing it with.