Cool Down This Summer with Refreshing Bourbon Cocktails

When the summer sun blazes down, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing cocktail to cool you off and lift your spirits. While Bourbon might be traditionally associated with cozy winter nights, its versatility shines through in the warmer months as well. In this blog, we’ll explore two recipes that’ll invigorate your taste buds with a delightful mix of fruity, zesty flavors paired with your favorite spirit.

Classic Biltmore Cocktail: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic

The Classic Biltmore Cocktail is a refreshing and classic concoction that has become a staple in Asheville, North Carolina, and for good reason. This drink is not just a cocktail; it’s an experience that perfectly captures the essence of summer relaxation. What truly sets The Lemon Bourbon Delight apart is its sweet twist—ripe strawberries and a hint of honey add layers of complexity and sweetness that beautifully balance out the tartness.

This delicious and fruity cocktail comes straight from Martha Stanford’s The Bartender’s Bourbon Cocktail Handbook: Foolproof Recipes for Mixing Up Tasty Whiskey Drinks for Any Occasion.  It’s the perfect guide for crafting your summer cocktails at home.

Preparation Time: 5-7 minutes, Serving Size: 1 Serving

Ingredients

• ¾ oz strawberry puree
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
• ¾ oz pure honey
• 2 oz Bourbon
• Honeycomb piece for garnish

Instructions

• Grab a cocktail shaker and pour in the Bourbon, lemon juice, strawberry puree, and honey.
• Put the lid on tightly and give it a good, hard shake to mix everything thoroughly.
• Get a nice wine glass and fill it with some ice.
• Strain the cocktail mixture from the shaker into the glass, right over the ice.
• To make it look extra fancy, top it off with a piece of honeycomb.
• Serve it up and enjoy your tasty creation

Special notes

• To enhance the flavor, add fresh strawberries to the shaker before adding the remaining ingredients. It will give your drink a refreshing, fruity boost.
• If you want to prepare a large quantity for a party, double the ingredients by the number of servings required. Combine all ingredients in a pitcher and refrigerate until ready to serve.

 

The Honey Derby

Meet the Honey Derby, originating from Hollywood’s iconic Brown Derby restaurant. This cocktail combines the smooth richness of Bourbon with a vibrant burst of citrus and honey. The Honey Derby is more than just a drink; it’s an experience—a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy notes that dance on your palate, offering an oasis of refreshment amidst sweltering temperatures.

This fruity cocktail is also featured in Martha Stanford’s The Bartender’s Bourbon Cocktail Handbook: Foolproof Recipes for Mixing Up Tasty Whiskey Drinks for Any Occasion.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes, Serving Size: 1 Serving

Ingredients

• ½ oz honey syrup
• 1 ½ oz Bourbon whiskey
• 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• Grapefruit twist for garnish

Instructions

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour the Bourbon, honey syrup, and freshly squeezed grapefruit juice.
• Put the lid on the shaker and shake it vigorously until the outside feels nice and cold, about 10-15 seconds.
• Place a fine mesh strainer over your cocktail glass and strain the drink into it.
• Hold a piece of grapefruit peel above the drink, skin side down. Give it a good squeeze to release the oils onto the surface of the cocktail.
• Drop the twist into the glass as a garnish. Serve and enjoy right away while it’s perfectly chilled.

Special Notes

• For the best flavor, always use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice; never use bottled juice. It makes a world of difference.
• If you like your cocktails on the sweeter side, add an extra splash of honey syrup. Want more pucker? Go heavy on the grapefruit. The beauty of this drink is that you can easily tweak it to your taste.

Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting a backyard barbecue, these delightful cocktails will be your go-to choice for impressing friends and staying refreshed all summer long.