Looking for the best bourbon to sip this summer? These five bottles shine whether you’re enjoying them over ice, mixing cocktails by the pool, or relaxing on the patio after a long day.

When summer rolls around, many whiskey drinkers instinctively reach for lighter spirits like tequila, rum, or gin. But bourbon deserves a place in your summer rotation too.

The key is choosing bottles that remain flavorful when served over ice, mixed into refreshing cocktails, or enjoyed during a warm evening outdoors.

While many whiskey drinkers automatically switch to lighter spirits during the summer, I’ve always found that the right bourbon can be just as refreshing. In fact, one of my favorite hot-weather pours is Old Grand-Dad 114 over a large ice cube. As the ice melts, the proof comes down and the flavors open up, creating a bourbon that’s perfect for sipping on the patio after mowing the lawn, grilling dinner, or spending the day outdoors.

Whether you’re mixing up a Bourbon Smash, enjoying an Old Fashioned, or sipping neat after a day in the sun, these are my picks for the best summertime bourbons.

1. Elijah Craig Small Batch

Proof: 94

Average Price: $35

It’s no secret that Elijah Craig holds a special place in my bourbon journey. It was one of the bottles that helped me truly appreciate bourbon, and it remains one of the most versatile pours on the market.

During the summer months, Elijah Craig Small Batch shines because it offers rich caramel, vanilla, and light oak flavors without becoming overly heavy. The 94-proof bottling has enough backbone to hold up over ice while still remaining approachable for casual sipping.

Why It Works in Summer

• Excellent over a large ice cube
• Makes a fantastic Old Fashioned
• Balanced proof for warm weather sipping
• Widely available and affordable

Best Summer Serve: Classic Old Fashioned

2. Wild Turkey 101

Proof: 101

Average Price: $28-$35

If you’re planning on making cocktails this summer, Wild Turkey 101 deserves a permanent spot on your shelf.

The higher proof ensures the bourbon’s flavors don’t disappear when mixed with citrus, mint, or ice. Notes of caramel, cinnamon, orange peel, and baking spice create a bold profile that remains recognizable in virtually any bourbon cocktail.

It’s one of the few bourbons that can handle just about anything summer throws at it.

Why It Works in Summer

• Stands up exceptionally well to ice
• Affordable enough for frequent cocktails
• Rich flavor profile without breaking the bank
• Excellent in Whiskey Sours and Bourbon Smashes

Best Summer Serve: Bourbon Smash with fresh mint and lemon

3. Russell’s Reserve 10 Year

Proof: 90

Average Price: $40

Few bourbons combine maturity and drinkability quite like Russell’s Reserve 10 Year.

The extra aging provides a layer of complexity while maintaining a bright, approachable profile. You’ll find notes of honey, vanilla, citrus, and oak that work beautifully during warmer months.

This is one of those bottles that feels equally at home around a campfire or on a lakeside deck at sunset.

Why It Works in Summer

• Mature flavor without excessive oak
• Easy sipping proof
• Wonderful neat or with a splash of water
• Great balance of sweetness and spice

Best Summer Serve: Neat on the porch at sunset

4. Old Forester 100 Proof

Proof: 100

Average Price: $25-$30

Old Forester 100 is one of the best values in bourbon today and perhaps the most underrated summer cocktail bourbon on this list.

The combination of brown sugar, banana, cherry, and spice creates a profile that mixes exceptionally well while remaining enjoyable neat. At 100 proof, it has enough punch to survive plenty of ice without becoming watered down.

If you’re hosting summer gatherings, this is a bottle that delivers tremendous value without sacrificing quality.

Why It Works in Summer

• Outstanding value
• Excellent cocktail bourbon
• Holds flavor over ice
• Readily available nationwide

Best Summer Serve: Kentucky Mule

5. Old Grand-Dad 114

Proof: 114

Average Price: $30-$35

Some bourbon enthusiasts might be surprised to see a 114-proof bourbon on a summer drinking list, but hear me out.

Old Grand-Dad 114 has become one of my personal go-to pours during the hotter months. While the proof may seem intimidating at first, a large ice cube transforms this bourbon into something special. As the ice slowly melts, the proof settles into a sweet spot while maintaining the rich flavor profile that makes this bottle such a fan favorite.

Built on Jim Beam’s high-rye recipe, Old Grand-Dad 114 delivers bold notes of caramel, roasted peanuts, cinnamon, and baking spices. The extra proof means it never tastes watered down, even after spending time over ice.

For me, this is the bourbon I reach for after mowing the lawn, grilling in the backyard, or simply relaxing on the patio after a long summer day.

Why It Works in Summer

• High proof stands up exceptionally well to ice
• Water dilution brings the bourbon into a perfect sipping range
• Rich flavor remains intact as it opens up
• One of the best values in high-proof bourbon

Best Summer Serve: Over a large ice cube on a hot afternoon

Honorable Mentions

A few additional bourbons that nearly made the list:

• Knob Creek 9 Year
• Buffalo Trace
• Maker’s Mark 46
• Woodford Reserve
• Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
• Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond

Final Thoughts

Summer bourbon drinking doesn’t have to mean putting away your favorite whiskey until fall.

The right bottle can be just as refreshing as any seasonal cocktail while still delivering the rich flavors that make bourbon special. Whether you prefer sipping neat, pouring over ice, or mixing cocktails, each of these bourbons offers something unique for warmer weather.

If I were stocking a summer bourbon shelf today, my top recommendation for cocktails would be Wild Turkey 101, while Russell’s Reserve 10 Year remains one of my favorite easy-sipping summer pours.

That said, if you’ve followed Bourbinsane for any length of time, you probably won’t be surprised that Old Grand-Dad 114 might be the bottle I reach for most often when temperatures start climbing. A big ice cube, a comfortable chair, and a warm summer evening are all it takes to remind me why this bottle remains one of bourbon’s best values.

Bourbinsane Summer Rankings

Best Cocktail Bourbon: Wild Turkey 101

Best Sipping Bourbon: Russell’s Reserve 10 Year

Best Value Bourbon: Old Forester 100

Most Versatile Bourbon: Elijah Craig Small Batch

Best Hot-Day Bourbon Over Ice: Old Grand-Dad 114

What’s your favorite bourbon to drink during the summer? Let me know in the comments below and be sure to follow Bourbinsane for more bourbon reviews, whiskey news, and honest recommendations.