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5 Refreshing Summer Cocktails
WORTH ORDERING THIS SEASON
THE COOLEST COCKTAILS YOU HAVEN’T TRIED YET
Bourbon might not be your first thought in summer — but it should be. With the right pour and the right cocktail, it’s a bold, refreshing alternative to the usual spritzes and seltzers. And nothing hits the spot quite like a summer drink made with the smooth character and handcrafted quality of Maker’s Mark®.
Whether you're cooling off on the patio of your favorite neighborhood bar or lingering over cocktails at a proper lounge, this collection was made to pair with good company and your go-to Maker’s Mark expression.
From simple, crowd-pleasing classics to more adventurous creations worth seeking out, here are our five favorite cocktails to ask your bartender for this summer.
BOURBON SOUR
WE’RE OBESSED
This one might catch you off guard, but there’s a reason the Bourbon Sour tops our list. It’s quietly one of the most refreshing, well-balanced cocktails around, especially when crafted by a bartender who knows how to hit that perfect citrus-to-bourbon ratio. Shaken to a silky finish and served over ice, it’s the summer sleeper hit you’ll wish you’d ordered sooner.
Want to explore fresh ways to enjoy it? Check out our seasonal Bourbon Sour feature for new garnishes, creative riffs, and perfect pairings.
MAKER’S® SOUR HIGHBALL
THE TWIST YOU DIDN’T SEE COMING
Crisp, citrusy, and easy to love, our Sour Highball is a low-effort, high-reward kind of drink. It’s elevated by the simplest of touches, like a thoughtfully crafted bourbon and a sparkling lemon soda with real citrus flavor. Light, refreshing, and far from basic, it’s the kind of cocktail that feels like a treat without being overly complex or heavy. Perfect for warm afternoons when you want something that’s easy to sip but still feels elevated.
BOURBON SPRITZ
BECAUSE IT’S PATIO SEASON
Looking for something refreshing with a little more depth? The Bourbon Spritz delivers light effervescence and a hint of oak, making it the perfect patio pour. It’s a fun twist on the traditionally gin-based spritz — ideal if you’re burnt out on the classic and ready for something a little bolder. Not on every menu, but in the hands of a good bartender, it’s a modern summer favorite worth seeking out.
PAPER PLANE
THE UNDERRATED ICON
A little bold, a little bright, and remarkably balanced, like an origami folded just right. The Paper Plane is the summer cocktail you didn’t know you needed. With bourbon at its base and a perfect mix of citrus, bitters, and a splash of seasonal favorite Aperol®, it’s a summer favorite that’s easy to fall for, even if it’s not always front and center on the menu. Veteran bartenders may even garnish it with a tiny paper plane, making it as fun to look at as it is to sip.
KENTUCKY BUCK
DON’T SLEEP ON
The Kentucky Buck is the ultimate fresh take on a Moscow Mule, just bursting with the juicy sweetness of ripe strawberries, the lively fizz of ginger beer and the smooth finish of Maker’s Mark bourbon. While it may not be a household name outside Kentucky, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser that deserves more spotlight, especially when fresh strawberries are muddled just right.
Next time you’re at brunch, go ahead and order one — we won’t judge. It’s the kind of cocktail that feels effortless, bright, and totally made for warm, sunny afternoons.
WHISKY CHERRY SNOW CONE
WHEN YOU NEED AN AT HOME PICK-ME-UP
OK, you caught us — you're not likely to find a bartender serving snow cones on demand. But this recipe’s so good, we couldn’t keep it to ourselves. The Whisky Cherry Snow Cone is exactly as advertised: sweet cherry syrup and Maker’s Mark bourbon poured over fluffy, freshly shaved ice, with a big ol’ side of nostalgia. It’s the flavor-forward treat that’ll take you back.
Know before you order
WHAT MAKES A GREAT SUMMER BOURBON COCKTAIL?
A great summer bourbon cocktail balances bold flavor with refreshing ingredients. Think: citrus, fresh herbs, subtle spice, or a splash of fizz: elements that lift bourbon’s warmth while keeping things light and sippable.
Maker’s Mark brings a smooth, approachable profile that plays well in everything from a simple highball to more inventive seasonal serves.
WHY DO BARTENDERS LOVE BOURBON IN WARM WEATHER?
Bourbon offers complexity you just can’t get from clear spirits, and that makes it a bartender favorite year-round. In summer, it pairs beautifully with bright ingredients like lemon, ginger, mint, and peach.
With Maker’s Mark, bartenders know they’re pouring a whisky that’s consistent, mellow, and easy to mix with just about anything on the back bar.
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOUR LOCAL BAR CAN MAKE THESE COCKTAILS?
Start by asking your bartender if they can make one of the classics, like a Mint Julep or a Penicillin. If they’re game to get creative, mention a few key ingredients from your chosen recipe and ask if they can whip one up or craft something similar.
Don’t forget to ask for Maker’s Mark by name — it’s a bourbon most bars have, and bartenders know how to make it shine.
DISCOVER OUR BOURBONS
Smooth, full-bodied flavor and a distinct hand-dipped red wax seal define our bourbon bottles.
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