Ever since my trip to Louisville, bourbon is my new best friend. It has taken the spot of dare I say, tequila! I was a devout tequila drinker. But after learning about bourbon, tasting all the delicious varieties and cocktails in Kentucky, I am now a bourbon girl.
Never thought I’d say those words. I definitely prefer bourbon when it’s in a great cocktail. I think it has such depth of flavor making it a really great ingredient for spring and summer cocktails.
We can’t forget about amazing winter cocktails too with bourbon. Honestly, this apple cider punch is a favorite for how warm and spicy it is. I’m also a big fan of this pear and maple martini. But since we’re heading into spring and summer, I thought I’d share a few spring cocktail recipes with bourbon that you can enjoy for Memorial Day Weekend, 4th of July or just a great backyard BBQ.
Easy Spring Cocktails With Bourbon
A few of my favorite spring cocktails with bourbon will include fresh fruits, herbs and simple mixers. There’s no need to make things fussy. Just grab a rocks glass or a highball glass, ice cubes and bookmark a few recipes to have a couple ingredients on hand for easy summer cocktails.
The Bourbon
Because I got an insider look at Coopers’ Craft this year, I’m clearly favoring it these days. But there are tons of other options to choose from. A few personal favorites include Bulleit, Monkey Shoulder and Woodford Reserve. Any bourbon will do in these cocktails, so choose one that fits your price point and flavor profile and start mixing! And remember, all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon.
How Is Bourbon Made?
There are some reasons that I just will never remember and always have to Google. But basically, for whiskey to be bourbon it must be made with 51% corn, made in the US and be barrel aged in NEW barrels for at least 2 years.
Whiskey can be made in Scotland and Ireland too, but they’ll never be bourbon if they’re not made in the U S of A. So in honor of the Memorial Day Weekend, here our bourbon cocktails to love made from the good ol USA! But yes, you can swap out the bourbon for whatever whiskey you also like too, no one will be mad about that!
Classic Mint Julep
A classic mint julep is so insanely easy to make and if you have a garden, I recommend growing mint for cocktails! It’s all you need with some water, sugar and bourbon. This is hands down the easiest and most classic cocktail!
Mint Julep Recipe
- 2 ounces of bourbon
- 1-2 sugar cubes
- 3-5 fresh mint leaves, leaves torn
- 3 ounces of water
- Shaved ice (crushed ice or regular ice is just fine too)
Add all ingredients to a julep cup and enjoy!
Honey Thyme Lemonade
When I think of bourbon I think of my friend Josh from The Kentucky Gent. He’s always whipping up amazing cocktails and beautiful imagery. This honey thyme lemonade sounds so refreshing. I’m adding it to my shopping list now so I can whip it up for the pool this weekend. If you don’t have lemonade, you can always just squeeze fresh lemon juice and some simple syrup to make it work. Add in a good splash of water too.
Honey Thyme Lemonade Recipe
- Honey
- Lemonade
- Bourbon
- Thyme
Bourbon Peach Smash
I whipped this Georgia approved cocktail up a few months back after getting inspired by my Louisville trip. Peaches are in season right now and they’re just so beautiful! Paired with maple and mint, this is such a southern treat! And I love any sort of whiskey smash
Peach Bourbon Smash Recipe
- Peaches
- Fresh mint leaves
- Bourbon
- Maple syrup or honey syrup
- Soda water
Berry Mint Bourbon Popsicles
I saw these boozy popsicles and had to share them. Swap the strawberries for any berry your heart desires too! You could also make an orange version with beautiful blood oranges and orange juice. These are perfect for warmer weather get-togethers.
Berry Bourbon Popsicle Recipe
- Strawberries
- Bourbon
- Mint
- Lemon
Whiskey Sour
A whiskey sour is such a classic cocktail and when made right, is SO delicious. I like the classic recipe with the egg white. It’s frothy, tart and chilled to perfection. It’s really a great summer happy hour cocktail to enjoy.
Whiskey Sour
- Bourbon
- Egg White
- Lemon Juice
- Simple Syrup
Bourbon Ginger Fizz
Kristin and I explored Louisville together and both truly fell in love with this spirit. No list of spring cocktails with bourbon is complete without including some sort of ginger beer if you ask me. It’s got a bite and tang that you just can’t get from anything else. This cocktail is refreshing and beautiful!
Bourbon Ginger Fizz
- Bourbon
- Ginger Beer
- Lemon Juice
- Rosemary
Bourbon Sweet Tea
As someone who lives in the South I love the idea of a sweet tea cocktail. This is a super simple cocktail that can be as complicated or as simple as you like. Pre-made iced tea is great, or brew your own. I love that this has a good bit of lemon in it too for a nice tart kick. And hey, you can also make this into an Arnold Palmer too with some lemonade!
Bourbon Sweet Tea
- Bourbon
- Brewed Tea
- Lemon
- Mint Garnish
Bourbon Paloma
A Paloma is a classic tequila cocktail. But when you swap it with bourbon (or whiskey) it is 100 times better. I can’t believe we ever drank them with tequila. There’s something about the sweet notes of bourbon like caramel that just goes with the grapefruit. It’s delicious!
Bourbon Paloma
- Bourbon
- Grapefruit juice
- Lime
- Sugar
Kentucky 75
A Kentucky 75 is one of those super easy cocktails you can make that looks really elegant. It’s the bourbon spin on a French 75. I like to infuse my simple syrup with ginger for a little something different.
Kentucky 75
- Bourbon
- Lemon juice
- Simple syrup
- Bitters
- Prosecco
Blackberry Mint Julep
What do you get with blackberry bourbon and mint? A delicious refreshing summer cocktail. Instead of a classic mint julep, add in fresh berries. Whatever you have on hand works too.
Blackberry Mint Julep
- Bourbon
- Berries
- Sugar
- Fresh mint leaves
- Ice
No matter the season, a bourbon cocktail is always a good idea. Here are my favorite fall bourbon cocktails to try too if you’re ready for a little mixology!
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