Strawberry Bourbon Cocktail for Summer
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Bourbon is often thought of as a cold weather spirit, but there are lots of way to lighten it up and make it a delicious summer sip. This Strawberry Bourbon Cocktail uses sweet homemade strawberry syrup, bright, fresh lemon, orange bitters and a splash of bubbly ginger beer to create a refreshing summer bourbon cocktail.
If you’re like us and typically tuck away the bourbon during the summer months in favor of lighter spirits, this recipe might change your routine. Inspired by a batch of fresh Michigan strawberry syrup, this cocktail was born out of a desire to keep bourbon in the rotation year-round.
Strawberries and bourbon may not be a classic duo, but they’re surprisingly delicious together. The earthy richness of the bourbon blends seamlessly with the sweet, bright flavor of strawberries, creating a cocktail that’s unique and memorable.
What Kind of Bourbon to Choose
If you have a favorite bourbon, that’s what you should use in your cocktail. But if you don’t have one, or are new to bourbon, choose a mid-priced Kentucky bourbon like Four Roses or Buffalo Trace for this cocktail. We’re mixing the bourbon with lots of other flavors, so there’s no need to get into single barrel batches and higher priced bottles. Save those for when you’re making an Old Fashioned or want to sip bourbon straight.
How to Make a Strawberry Summer Bourbon Cocktail
Combine all ingredients – except the ginger beer – into a cocktail shaker half filled with ice. Shake well.
Strain the mixture into a coupe or martini glass and top with ginger beer. Garnish with a strawberry. Sip and enjoy!
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Strawberry Bourbon Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1.5 oz strawberry syrup
- 0.5 oz lemon juice, fresh squeezed
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- 2 oz ginger beer
- 1 fresh strawberry, garnish, optional
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker half filled with ice cubes, combine bourbon, strawberry syrup, lemon juice and orange bitters.2 oz bourbon, 1.5 oz strawberry syrup, 0.5 oz lemon juice, 2 dashes orange bitters
- Cover and shake well for 10-15 seconds.
- Strain into a coupe glass.
- Top with ginger beer.2 oz ginger beer
- Garnish with a slice of strawberry.1 fresh strawberry
- Sip and enjoy!
Make Your Own Strawberry Syrup
It only takes three ingredients and about 10 minutes to make your own strawberry syrup. And when you make your own, the red color in the syrup comes from the berries, not some crazy dye! Get my recipe and all the instructions over on my strawberry simple syrup page.
What to Serve with This Bourbon Cocktail
This summer bourbon cocktail shines as a pre-dinner drink or happy hour cocktail. Pair it with fresh appetizers like honey, goat cheese, walnut bites, bruschetta al pomodoro, blueberry and goat cheese dip, or my smoked salmon with cream cheese dip.
Don’t Miss These Summer Bourbon Cocktails
Looking for more summer bourbon drinks? Try a classic Mint Julep, my Peach Old Fashioned with homemade peach syrup, a Bourbon Ginger Cocktail with ginger liqueur, a Bourbon Smash with either fresh citrus or fresh berries, or a Spiked Arnold Palmer with homemade lemonade.
