It’s time to unlock your inner mixologist with these 17 whiskey cocktail recipes! These refreshing, fruit-forward drinks are certain to impress at any get-together.
Discover your new signature summer sip right here.
1. Whiskey Sour
If tart drinks are what you are after, look no further than this timeless three-ingredient cocktail! A mix of bourbon, maple syrup, and lemon juice results in a sweet and tangy masterpiece that’s impossible not to love.
However, if sour flavors aren’t your thing, you should probably skip this one. Orange peel and a maraschino cherry make for beautiful garnish.
2. Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is right up there with the Manhattan cocktail when it comes to recognition. But while its reputation precedes it, its flavor is one-of-a-kind.
Nothing beats this minty, fresh, and crisp combination on a hot summer day at the track. If you enjoy mint with a touch of sweetness, you’ll fall head over heels for this five-ingredient cocktail.
3. Bourbon Lemon Rosemary Cocktail
A rosemary and bourbon surge enhances the lemonade found in this dry, tart cocktail. The lemon juice and rosemary simple syrup blend to deliver a flavor combo you won’t soon forget. And the bourbon slots right into the mix.
It offers a distinctive and enlivening selection if you are looking for a summer cooler. I think you’ll agree it has an easily appreciated taste.
4. Jack’s Tennessee Sweet Tea
I bet you’re thinking this recipe is your typical southern sweet tea. Well, get ready for a curveball! This recipe is more akin to a Long Island Iced Tea.
That’s right, this recipe has no tea. Instead, your favorite brand of cola, Jack Daniels, lemon juice, and honey all mix to create a one-of-a-kind flavor. The end result is a powerful cocktail with sweet, sour, and smoky hints.
5. Gold Rush
Only three things are needed to make the classic, amber-colored Gold Rush: lemon juice, honey syrup, and bourbon. The Gold Rush has a powerful, nearly medicinal taste that’s sharp and alcohol-forward. If you’ve ever spent any time down south, it may remind you of something.
It may not be sweet, but it also isn’t bitter. People who enjoy sipping the flavor of their liquor will find this perfect.
6. Blackberry Bourbon Smash
While my friends often describe this drink as both minty and dry, I experience it as berry-licious and sweet. The lime juice and simple syrup only highlight the blackberry flavor.
It’s hard to resist, especially when you add a little club soda. I can’t get enough of this cocktail, so I suggest you give it a try and make up your own mind!
7. Peach Mint Julep
Seeking a Southern twist for your typical Mint Julep? Give this peach Mint Julep recipe a try.
The ingredients are very close to the regular recipe mentioned previously. The only additions are peaches and the ginger simple syrup.
If you enjoy the appeal of Mint Juleps, prepare yourself for even more flavor, more fresh mint, and even more spice. Your next brunch or BBQ will be a hit!
8. Belmont Jewel
The Belmont Jewel may ring a bell if you follow horse racing. In case you don’t, it’s the official beverage of the Belmont Stakes.
This cocktail has a brilliant ruby-red tint with a tangy, tart, and boozy flavor. It’s super simple to make, calling for bourbon, lemonade, and pomegranate juice. If you’re a beginner to mixing drinks, this one’s an excellent choice!
9. New York Sour
The New York Sour certainly wins on looks compared to the Whiskey Sour. As for taste, both are equally delightful. But since this one has more sweetness, almost anyone can enjoy it.
While it has a somewhat dry taste, it isn’t too harsh. Its unique look and frothy top layer make this cocktail something special. Fortunately, it has a flavor that matches its distinctive appearance.
10. Kentucky Mule
By now, you are likely noticing a trend of summer whiskey recipes calling for bourbon. With over half its mash consisting of corn, bourbon has a much sweeter flavor than standard whiskey. While bourbon production occurs all over the United States, Kentucky is its primary home.
That’s why Kentuckians used their most beloved product to create a Southern version of the Moscow Mule. Bubbly, zesty, and refreshing, this recipe tastes best served ice cold.
11. Lynchburg Lemonade
Guess what? I have another whiskey lemonade recipe!
This one, however, uses lemon-lime soda in place of simple syrup and lemon juice. This results in a zingier, more bubbly texture that dances on the tongue.
To amplify its citrusy goodness, you’ll also need a dash of Triple Sec. It’s easy to see why this fruity cocktail is a summer favorite!
12. Strawberry Whiskey Lemonade
You can enjoy this scrumptious strawberry lemonade with or without the whiskey; either way, it’s sure to please. If you’re seeking a mocktail, this recipe is fantastic!
Its fruity-liciousness overshadows the boozy taste. So fresh, fruity, sweet, and sensational, this lemonade is an excellent choice if you want to skip the hard stuff!
13. Brown Derby
With its bold mix of grapefruit, honey syrup, and bourbon, you can expect a tangy and bittersweet punch from this drink. The grapefruit juice asserts itself as the most noticeable flavor, meaning it won’t appeal to people who dislike bittersweet citrus.
The inclusion of honey syrup, thankfully, reduces the sourness for a drink that packs an invigorating zing. If you want something crisp and lively, look no further.
14. Boulevardier
Like another recipe on this list, the Boulevardier has a lovely ruby-red color. However, its flavor has more distinction. Although the drink carries subtle hints of sweetness, its flavor leans toward the dry side.
Its herby, citrusy taste is not for everyone, and some find it too bitter. Its crisp and enlivening taste will truly revive your senses. If you enjoy grapefruit, pomelos, and other fruits with bittersweet tastes, you’ll enjoy this cocktail.
15. Irish Maid
Standing apart from the Gold Rush cocktail is the Irish Maid. It’s a light and refreshing blend more akin to a spa beverage than a typical summer cocktail.
It’s easy to see why with its mix of Irish whiskey, elderflower liqueur, simple syrup, lemon juice, and cucumbers. Its herbal, floral, and subtly sweet notes make it quite the delight! The crisp tastes of cucumber and elderflower take center stage here instead of the alcohol.
16. Kentucky Lemonade
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill lemonade, it’s sparkling lemonade with bourbon and mint! Every ingredient combines for a bubbly, zippy, and delightful taste. That means you’re in for a concoction that’s fresh, sweet, tart, tangy, boozy, and everything in between.
You don’t need to live in Kentucky to whip this one up. In just 10 minutes, you can make enough to share, wherever you are!
17. Manhattan
You likely already know everything you need to about the classic Manhattan. So, if you find yourself with sweet red Vermouth, bourbon (or rye), and bitters, you’re all set.
To prepare, you only need bourbon (or rye), sweet vermouth, and Angostura or orange bitters. Garnish with a Luxardo cherry.