Raise a glass to the only U.S. indigenous liquor, bourbon, on National Bourbon Day. Transform some of Kentucky’s finest into refreshing summer bourbon cocktails to mark the celebration.
June 14 celebrates National Bourbon Day. While some people don’t need an excuse to sip on Kentucky’s finest, the bourbon celebration is a good reason to enjoy a bourbon cocktail or two. Since the celebration comes during summer, refreshing summer bourbon cocktails are a great way to mark the occasion.
Bourbon has experienced a resurgence in popularity. Congress has declared the liquor “America’s Official Native Spirit.” The uniquely American liquor has a long storied history. Most people associate bourbon with Kentucky.
refreshing summer bourbon cocktails, Manhattan, photo by Cristine Struble
Although somewhat debated, the name bourbon came from Bourbon County in Kentucky. Some historians report that an early distiller, Elijah Craig, first created the bourbon people have come to sip. Trying to purify the white oak barrels, Craig charred the inside. As it sat during travel, the bourbon flavor became more smooth and slightly smoky oaked. People began to ask for the new liquor from the special barrels marked Bourbon County. The liquor became known as bourbon.
Today, the majority of bourbons hail from Kentucky. The liquor has particular regulations to be called bourbon. Two of specific regulations include the use of new, white oak barrels and distilled from at least 51% corn. Also, the bourbon must be aged a minimum of two years. But, most bourbons are aged longer, usually four to eight years.
From the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to bourbon dinners at various restaurants, bourbon is everywhere. Luckily, this versatile liquor can be enjoyed all year round. For warmer, summer months, refreshing summer bourbon cocktails. On June 14, National Bourbon Day is a perfect excuse to mix a perfect bourbon cocktail.
Summer bourbon cocktails, blueberry lemonade summer smash, photo by Cristine Struble
Lemonade is a popular summer drink. As a companion to summer favorites like, hamburgers, hot dogs and almost anything grilled, lemonade can quench a thirst. Poured over a big cup of ice, lemonade can make the hottest day seem more bearable.
Using lemonade in a refreshing bourbon cocktail is a wonderful pairing. The tart lemonade can balance the smoky, oak notes in a bourbon. But, a good cocktail needs a liquor, sour and sweet.
Another summer favorite is blueberries. Adding a few blueberries to the lemonade bourbon mix makes for an excellent combination. The resulting cocktail has all three elements for a balanced beverage.
This blueberry lemonade bourbon sipper was our Memorial Day barbecue cocktail of choice. A few modifications can be made to the basic recipe. First, if you like savory elements, basil is a good herb to add. A few pieces of ripped basil can make a lovely addition.
Also, a floater can add some bubbles to the bourbon cocktail. Personally, I like a ginger beer for the spicy notes. A sparkling water or club soda would work, too.
Blueberry lemonade bourbon sipper by Cristine Struble
Ingredients:
1 ½ oz bourbon
3 oz lemonade
10 blueberries, fresh or bourbon soaked
Dash of lemon bitters
Ginger beer, optional
Directions:
In the bottom of a highball glass, muddle 7 blueberries.
Pour bourbon, lemonade and bitters into the glass and stir
Top with ice and a splash of ginger beer, if desired
Garnish with remaining blueberries
Summer bourbon cocktails, grapefruit and thyme bourbon smash cocktail, recipe and photo by Giraffes Can Bake, used with permission, http://www.giraffescanbake.com/bourbon-smash-cocktail/
Citrus flavors are quite refreshing during warm weather. The tart, brightness can make you feel more refreshed. While grapefruit may not be in season, grapefruit flavors are delish for summer. Grapefruit juice is usually readily available at most stores.
Giraffes Can Bake author, Michelle, created a delightful bourbon smash cocktail. Combining citrus with thyme is a classic flavor profile. With a hint of sugar to offset the tartness, this cocktail is both delicious and pretty. Anyone would be impressed with the bright colors and flavors. Cheers!
Grapefruit and Thyme Bourbon Smash, by Giraffes Can Bake
"Grapefruit and Thyme Bourbon Smash Author Michelle – Giraffes Can Bake Yield 2 Cocktails Ingredients 10 sprigs fresh thyme 1 lime wedge 1/2 tbsp white sugar 10 ice cubes 3.5 oz bourbon 2/3 cup fresh grapefruit juice (approx 1 grapefruit) 4 dashes angostura aromatic bitters Ice to serve 2 grapefruit slices to serve 2 lime wedges to serve 2 sprigs fresh thyme to serve Instructions 1. Remove the thyme leaves from the sprigs (don’t worry if you get some stalks) and add to a cocktail shaker with the lime wedge and sugar. Muddle to release the juice from the lime and flavour from the thyme, muddle for at least 60 seconds. 2. Add 10 ice cubes, the bourbon, grapefruit juice and bitters to the shaker. And stir for 20 seconds. 3. Fill your chilled rocks glasses with ice, and strain the cocktail between the two glasses 4. Garnish each glass with a grapefruit slice, a lime wedge and a sprig of thyme 5. Serve immediately"
Summer bourbon cocktails, Wild Flip at Cantina Laredo, photo provided by Edible Ink PR
Wild Flip at Cantina Laredo
Bourbon can pair with any type of food. No longer your father’s liquor, bourbon cocktails can be sipped with a big, juicy steak or a delicate seared scallop. Like a good wine, a good bourbon cocktail can play off any dish or cuisine quite easily.
Currently, Cantina Laredo is celebrating summer with a series of flip cocktails. These cocktails feature a half lime, flipped inside out. The flipped lime holds a shot of liquor. Wild Flip features bourbon.
According to Edible PR, the Wild Flip contains “Wild Turkey bourbon, Monin blood orange syrup, fresh lemon and simple syrup. It is topped with a Wild Turkey, orange zest, mint leaf and Luxardo cherry line boat.”
This bourbon cocktail is a fantastic change from the typical margarita with Mexican food. The smoky bourbon and the bitter blood orange play off a guacamole quite well. The flavors cut through the richness of the guacamole.
Also, the slight sweetness to the Wild Flip can balance the spiciness of tacos and enchiladas. Not to mention, this bourbon cocktail would be terrific with a bright, fresh ceviche.
The Wild Flip, and the other new flip cocktails, are available in the bar, the second floor lounge and main dining room. The cocktails are $12.75 each.
Refreshing summer bourbon cocktails, Watermelon and bourbon, photo by The Cocktail Couple
Summer and watermelon go together. How many summer barbecues serve some type of watermelon dish? A summer gathering isn’t complete without watermelon.
Combining watermelon and bourbon into a summer cocktail makes sense. Our friends, The Cocktail Couple, were inspired by watermelon for some summer cocktails. They wanted a daytime drink that they could sip poolside. Who wouldn’t want a cocktail by the pool?
Luckily, The Cocktail Couple is a big fan of bourbon. They shook up a watermelon and bourbon cocktail that is delightful by the pool, in the backyard or just because. Skip the over-used boozy watermelon slices and shake up this refreshing cocktail this summer.
Watermelon and bourbon cocktail from The Cocktail Couple
"Watermelon and bourbon cocktail from The Cocktail Couple Ingredients – 4 oz watermelon juice (puree seedless watermelon in a food processer) – 4-5 oz bourbon – 8 thinly sliced lemon – splash of club soda Directions: Put the lemons in a martini shaker. Add bourbon and let sit for a few minutes. Add watermelon juice. Shake. Pour into a highball filled with ice. Top with a splash of club soda. Garnish with a lemon and watermelon slice. The Cocktail Couple modified a recipe originally published on Yummly.com"
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