Whiskey may have a reputation for winter warmth, but it’s a bold, versatile spirit that deserves a spot in your summer rotation too. Whether it’s bourbon, rye, or something in between, whiskey shines in cocktails that are citrusy, herbaceous, fizzy, and refreshing — exactly what you want when the temps start climbing.
Here are three easy, crowd-pleasing summer whiskey cocktails, each paired with a perfect bottle to get you started.
1. Whiskey Smash
Bright, citrusy, and herbaceous — basically summer in a glass.
Origin: First published in 1862 by Jerry Thomas, the Whiskey Smash is a timeless mix of lemon, mint, and whiskey — the refreshing cousin of the Mint Julep.
Featured Whiskey: Basil Hayden’s Bourbon
A light and approachable bourbon with gentle spice and a smooth finish — perfect for a citrus-forward cocktail like the Smash.
Ingredients:
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2 oz Basil Hayden’s Bourbon
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¾ oz simple syrup
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½ lemon (cut into wedges)
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6–8 mint leaves
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Crushed ice
Instructions:
Muddle the lemon and mint in a shaker. Add bourbon and simple syrup. Shake well with ice and strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a mint sprig and sip under the sun.
2. Gold Rush
A modern classic that’s smooth, tangy, and slightly sweet.
Origin: Created at Milk & Honey in NYC in the early 2000s, the Gold Rush is essentially a whiskey sour with honey syrup — simple and endlessly drinkable.
Featured Whiskey: Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon
Bold, spicy, and full of character, Wild Turkey 101 adds depth and balance to the sweetness of the honey and brightness of the lemon.
Ingredients:
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2 oz Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon
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¾ oz fresh lemon juice
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¾ oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
Instructions:
Shake all ingredients with ice until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over ice and garnish with a lemon wheel. Refreshing with a bit of bite — a summer MVP.
3. John Collins
A fizzy, citrusy twist on the classic Collins, made with whiskey.
Origin: The John Collins dates back to 19th-century London, originally served with gin. The whiskey version became popular in America and delivers a more robust, spicy profile.
Featured Whiskey: Bulleit Rye
Known for its high rye content and bold character, Bulleit Rye is ideal for this cocktail — it holds its own without overpowering the citrus and soda.
Ingredients:
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2 oz Bulleit Rye
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1 oz lemon juice
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½ oz simple syrup
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Club soda
Instructions:
Shake the whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. Strain into a tall glass over ice and top with club soda. Garnish with a lemon slice and enjoy the fizz.
So next time you're tempted to stash that whiskey bottle until autumn, remember: with the right ingredients, it’s one of summer’s most satisfying spirits. Whether you're shaking up a Smash, sipping a Gold Rush, or topping off a Collins, these cocktails prove that whiskey is just as good in the heat as it is by the fire.
Cheers to warm nights, cold drinks, and bottles that go the distance. 🥃☀️
