11 Summer Whiskey Cocktails to Cool You Off

Updated on Jan. 09, 2023

Just because its hot outside doesn’t mean you have to put your whiskey or bourbon on the back bar. These easy and fun cocktails are the perfect drink to enjoy poolside, at a picnic or summer bbq.

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Nutty Hawaiian

Total Time 5 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When you think of tropical drinks, rum is probably the first spirit that comes to mind but this island-inspired drink took a side trip through the South. Southern Comfort combines with coconut rum to create a truly unique summer cocktail.
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 299 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.

Also check out these modern Hawaiian cookbooks we love.

Strawberry Whiskey Lemonade

When summer hits and strawberries are at their freshest is the best time to make this refreshing sipper from Jessie Johnson, founder of Life As A Strawberry. You’ll be amazed at how well strawberries and whiskey go together.

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Bourbon Slush

Total Time 10 min
Servings 24 servings (6 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator: Bourbon slush doesn’t have to be reserved just for the holidays. This icy drink is perfect for cooling down on those hot summer afternoons. Plus, you can have them already made and stored in the freezer so you don’t have to be mixing drinks when guests arrive.
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 196 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 15mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.

If you like this, don’t forget to try our best bourbon cocktails.

Rosemary and Honey Whiskey Cocktail

Who doesn’t love a good Old Fashioned cocktail? Erik, from Dude That Cookz took a classic and reimagined it using fresh rosemary and honey that certainly blew us away. One sip and this may be the only way you have an Old Fashioned from now on.

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Kentucky Lemonade

Total Time 10 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Mint and bourbon give this drink a bit of a Kentucky kick. Ginger ale turns it a fizzy party punch but swap in ginger beer for an even stronger ginger kick.
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup (calculated without bourbon): 129 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 12mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.

Spiked Peach Sweet Tea

Except maybe for Dolly Parton, there’s probably nothing more Southern than whiskey, peaches and sweet tea. Blogger Julie Blanner combined all three into one exceptional summertime beverage.

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Belmont Breeze

Total Time 5 min
Servings 1 serving
From the Recipe Creator: Inspired by the iconic cocktail of horse racing’s Belmont Stakes, this summer sipper is juicy but not too sweet. You can bet this flavorful refresher is the perfect drink for whiskey lovers to sip on a hot day.
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 223 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 13mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
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Ginger Mint Julep

Total Time 20 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Mint juleps aren’t just for Kentucky Derby day! Enjoy one while gathering with friends for baby shower or luncheon but be warned, they do pack quite the punch so pace yourself!
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 238 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (44g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
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Manhattan

Total Time 5 min
Servings 1 serving
From the Recipe Creator: You can never go wrong with a classic. A Manhattan can be served straight up in a chilled cocktail glass, over ice in a rocks glass or even pureed in a blender with crushed ice.
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 151 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
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Gold Rush

Total Time 5 min
Servings 1 cocktail
From the Recipe Creator: While fresh lemon juice is the key to this classic cocktail, it’s not the only thing going on here. The subtle sweetness from honey liqueur rounds out this drink making it perfect for sweet and sour lovers alike.
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 220 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
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Mint Julep

Total Time 30 min
Servings 10 servings (2-1/2 cups syrup)
From the Recipe Creator: For some, the Kentucky Derby is the start of the summer entertaining season so why not include the classic Derby cocktail in your summer drinks. Simple, elegant and oh so refreshing, it’s a great way to use up all the mint from your garden!
Nutrition Facts: 1/3 cup: 197 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.