The Bourbon Lover's Guide to Summer
When June arrives in East Tennessee, the humidity starts to rise, and the afternoons get long and beautifully warm. For dedicated whiskey enthusiasts, this seasonal shift often presents a bit of a dilemma. The heavy, high-proof bourbons that kept you warm all winter can feel a little too intense when the thermometer hits eighty degrees. However, you do not have to abandon your favorite spirit just because the weather turned hot.
At Wine & Spirits Cellar in Maryville, we believe bourbon is a year-round drink. You simply need to adjust how you serve it. By introducing ice, bright citrus, and effervescent mixers, you can transform your favorite bourbon into the ultimate summer refresher. Here is how to keep enjoying America’s native spirit all summer long.
Embrace the Art of the Mint Julep
While the Mint Julep is famously tied to early May, it remains one of the absolute best cocktails for a scorching June afternoon. This drink is designed specifically to combat intense heat. The combination of crushed ice and fresh mint creates an incredibly cooling sensory experience.
To make a proper one at home, gently muddle eight to ten fresh mint leaves with a half-ounce of simple syrup right in the bottom of your glass. Fill the glass to the brim with finely crushed ice, then pour in two ounces of a high-quality, front-loaded bourbon. Stir the mixture vigorously until the outside of the glass completely frosts over. Garnish with a massive sprig of fresh mint, and enjoy a true Southern classic.
Discover the Bourbon Highball
If you want something incredibly simple, refreshing, and low-maintenance, the Bourbon Highball is your perfect match. Popularized in Japan, this cocktail relies on high-quality ingredients and precise technique rather than complex syrups or juices.
Simply fill a tall, slender glass completely with large, solid ice cubes. Pour in two ounces of a smooth bourbon, then slowly top the glass with four ounces of ice-cold, highly carbonated club soda. Stir gently just once to lift the whiskey without popping the bubbles. The carbonation cuts through the natural sweetness of the corn, lifting the oak and vanilla notes into a bright, crisp finish.
Shake Up a Classic Whiskey Sour
When the afternoon calls for something sweet and tangy, a fresh Whiskey Sour is tough to beat. Avoid the neon-green, chemically sugary mixers from the grocery store. Instead, use real ingredients to give your premium bourbon the respect it deserves.
Combine two ounces of bourbon, three-quarters of an ounce of fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and three-quarters of an ounce of simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice. Shake the liquid vigorously for fifteen seconds, then strain it into a glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish your creation with a dark, high-end cocktail cherry and an orange wheel. The bright acidity of the lemon perfectly balances the rich caramel notes of the whiskey.
Upgrade Your Summer Liquor Cabinet
You do not have to put your whiskey bottles away just because the Tennessee summer is in full swing. With a few simple ingredients, you can keep enjoying your favorite pours in a completely new, refreshing way.
Before you fire up the grill this weekend, stop by Wine & Spirits Cellar here in Maryville. We boast a massive selection of premium Tennessee whiskeys, Kentucky bourbons, and artisan cocktail mixers. Our passionate staff is always ready to share a favorite recipe or help you select the perfect bottle for your summer bar. Come visit us today, and let’s toast to a fantastic summer ahead!