If you tend to shy away from brown boozes in summer, opting for “lighter” alcoholic beverages made with vodka, gin, tequila or rum, have we got some news for you!
Bourbon is marvelous in a multitude of summer cocktails.
Now, you’re not going to want to use your $2,500 bottle of Pappy Van Winkle for such mixtures, obviously, but you do still want the foundation of your drinks to be a smooth and flavorful bourbon.
The following cocktails are made with Four Roses Bourbon with a hit of effervescence and sweetness from Bermuda’s favorite ginger beer, Barrit’s.
We hope you find them as smooth and refreshing as we did.
The Berry Refreshing
A little bit sweet, a little bit zippyy. The Berry Refreshing goes down easy. Maybe too easy.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 ½ Four Roses Small Batch
- ¾ fl. oz. Lemon Juice
- 5 Raspberries
- ½ fl. oz. Agave Syrup
- 3 fl. oz. Barritt’s Ginger Beer
- 1 Mint sprig
DIRECTIONS
In a glass, muddle raspberries with agave syrup. Add the rest of the ingredients and ice, stir. Top with ginger beer and stir briefly to incorporate. Garnish with mint.
The Kentucky Mule
Who doesn’t love a good mule?
INGREDIENTS
- 2 fl. oz. Four Roses Bourbon
- 4 fl. oz. Barrit’s Ginger Beer
- 2 Lime Wedges
DIRECTIONS
Squeeze one lime wedge and pour Bourbon into a Mule mug or Collins glass. Fill with ice and top with ginger beer. Garnish with second lime wedge.
The Tropical Sunset
When you’re in the mood for something with a little more kick than a mule, reach for the Habañero peppers!
NGREDIENTS
- 1 ½ fl. oz. Four Roses Small Batch
- 6 dice-size chunks Pineapple
- 1 – 2 slices Habanero (remove seeds for less spice)
- ½ fl. oz. Lime Juice
- 3 fl. oz Barritt’s Ginger Beer
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
SPICE LEVEL: 2/3
DIRECTIONS
In a shaker, muddle the pineapple and habanero. Add the Bourbon, lime juice, and ice and shake briefly (about 4 seconds). Open the shaker and add 2 oz ginger beer to the cocktail in the shaker. Strain all contents into a glass with ice. Top with 1 oz ginger beer. Float 2 dashes of Angostura over the drink and garnish with a lime wedge.
The Southern Heat
Want some with some real heat? We’ve got you covered!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 ½ fl. oz. Four Roses Small Batch
- ½ fl. oz. Lemon Juice
- 2 slices Peach
- ¼ fl. oz. Honey
- 2 – 5 slices Red Hatch Chilies
- 3 fl. oz. Barritt’s Ginger Beer
SPICE LEVEL: 3/3
DIRECTIONS
In a shaker, combine peach slices, honey, and 2-5 red hatch chilies (depending on spice level) muddle together. Add Bourbon, lemon juice, and ice and shake briefly (about 4 seconds). Open the shaker and add 2 oz ginger beer and stir. Strain over fresh ice into a Collins glass. Top with 1 oz ginger beer, garnish with lemon twist, and shaved peppers.
The Bee Sting
Our favorite of all was this lovely cocktail that brings the subtle warmth and bite of black pepper to the party.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 ½ fl. Oz. Four Roses Small Batch
- ½ fl. Oz. Lemon Juice
- ½ fl. Oz. Honey
- 3 fl. Oz. Barritt’s Ginger Beer
- 4 Blackberries (at max ripeness, more if not ripe)
- 2 pinches Black Pepper
SPICE LEVEL: 1/3
DIRECTIONS
Combine honey, blackberries and black pepper in a glass, muddle. Add the lemon juice, bourbon and ice to the glass. Top with ginger beer and give a short stir. Garnish with a lemon wedge, three blackberries on a cocktail pick, and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Want more summer cocktail ideas?
