Bourbon whiskey in the winter just feels right. Rich and tasty, it has the ability to warm you up amidst a snowstorm and is served best in a cozy Speakeasy. However, bourbon is actually a very multifaceted character in the world of booze in that it seamlessly adapts to the summer season as well. When met with a dash of citrus or mint, bourbon goes from dignified to boldly youthful. It compliments a boating trip or a neighborly summer BBQ. Embracing the attitude of summer, we’ve created a list of some of our favorite summer whiskey cocktails. If you’re used to bourbon neat, these exuberant flavors will introduce you to the refreshing side of whiskey that you may not have met. It’s a handshake that often slips into a full-blown summer romance.

Whiskey Smash

We’ll start with this simple cocktail that includes a modest list of ingredients. When snuggling with each other in a glass, the results are simply smashing! Sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves. If you don’t fancy yourself a cocktail expert, this is the perfect starter drink. Think of it like a lemony mint julep. Easy breezy, like summertime.

Ingredients

• 2 oz. Harlem Standard Straight Bourbon Whiskey Four Grain
• 4 Sprigs of spearmint
• ¼ Lemon cut into a few pieces
• 1 oz. Simple syrup

Start by mixing the mint and lemon in a whiskey glass. Mix it well so the flavors are able to seep seamlessly into your drink. Then, add the syrup, whiskey, and ice. Shake and enjoy!

Strawberry Lemonade Whiskey Sour

Who didn’t love strawberry lemonade on a hot summer’s day as a kid? Now that you’re all grown up, it’s time to kick it up a notch. This drink is the perfect addition to a sunbathing session. It’s refreshing, tart, and full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 3 oz. Harlem Standard Straight Bourbon Whiskey Four Grain
• 4 Strawberries
• 1 oz. Lemon juice
• 1 oz. Simple syrup

How to Prepare It

The first thing you’ll want to do is chop up your strawberries. Then, combine the strawberries, lemon juice, and syrup into a container to soak for 30 mins. Next, pour it into a blender with your whiskey and blend. Pour it over ice and enjoy!

Keeneland Breeze

If you’re in the mood for something strong, this is the cocktail for you. It’s a sweet combination of bourbon whiskey and orange, which is usually an odd pair. However, in this cocktail, they work together seamlessly. Topped with ginger, this drink packs a punch.

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ oz. Harlem Standard Straight Bourbon Whiskey Four Grain
• 1 dash Orange liqueur
• Ginger ale
• Orange wedge for garnish

How to Prepare It

Fill a glass ⅔of the way with ice. Then, pour in your whiskey and a dash of orange liqueur. The amount of liqueur you add is completely up to you. Mix it up and add a touch of ginger ale. Garnish with an orange peel and you’re good to go!

The Bourbon Bloody

The other cocktails on this list are sweet, but we know that some people like to get a little spicy once the sun comes out. That’s why we love a bourbon bloody mary (with hot sauce). The ingredients in a bloody are pretty extensive and can vary from person to person based on preference. Here’s our favorite recipe…

Ingredients

• 2 oz. Harlem Standard Straight Bourbon Whiskey Four Grain
• 2 oz. Pickle juice
• 4 oz. Tomato juice
• 1 tbsp. Horseradish
• Hot sauce
• Several dashes of Worcestershire sauce
• Garnishes of your choice

How to Prepare It

You’ll want to add all of your ingredients into a shaker with ice, except the garnishes of course. Shake very well and strain into a glass with no ice. Garnish as you wish! We suggest celery, olives, and pickles!