Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you have to put your bourbon away. There are plenty of ways to turn it into a refreshing summer cocktail. Here are a few of my favorites:
1. Have you tried the new Kentucky Slush [4] from Evan Williams? I had it recently when I visited The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience [5] and it was amazing. The good news is that you can get this premade at a liquor store!
2. Mint Juleps are popular at Derby time because it’s a refreshing and cold way to sip your bourbon. While it is difficult (but not impossible) to find a Mint Julep outside of the Derby season, you can always get one at The Derby Café [6] at the Kentucky Derby Museum.
3. The Flea Off Market [7] has a great bar with a variety of $5 cocktails. I recently had a bourbon ginger julep there that was lovely and refreshing. They may not always have this specific cocktail, but they are sure to always have a refreshing bourbon drink on the menu.
4. It doesn’t get more Kentucky than bourbon and Ale-8-1 [8]. This drink marries two of Kentucky’s native beverages in a mix that is crisp and refreshing. Ale-8-1 celebrated its 88th birthday on July 13, 2014!
5. A good Manhattan is never out of season, and I like to get mine at Match Cigar Bar [9] or Decca [10]. Down One [11] also offers $5 Manhattans on Mondays!
6. The Emperor’s Independence [12] was created by Louisville Mixologist Stephen Dennison. The mix of French cognac and bourbon are a special Independence Day salute to the partnership between France and the United States that secured our independence. It’s simple, symbolic and refreshing.
7. The cocktail menu at The Silver Dollar [13], like the food menu, changes seasonally. One of my favorites is the Kentucky Mule, which is a refreshing blend of Wild Turkey 101, house-made ginger syrup, and lime.
8. The Village Anchor [14] offers a cocktail called a brown sugar Old Fashioned. Um, yum!
Summertime is a great time to get out and check out some new places. Do you have a favorite summertime bourbon cocktail? Tweet me @LouGirl502 [15]- I’d love to hear about it!
Photos Courtesy of Ale-8-1, The Flea Off Market, and Maggie Kimberl