Spring Sips: Refreshing Bourbon Cocktails to Mix This Season

As the days grow longer and the chill of winter fades away, it’s time to swap out those heavy, cold-weather drinks for something a bit brighter—but if you're a bourbon lover, that doesn't mean saying goodbye to your favorite spirit. Spring is actually a perfect time to get creative with bourbon cocktails. Its warmth and depth pair beautifully with fresh fruits, herbs, and a little sparkle.

Here are a few of our favorite spring-ready bourbon drinks to shake (or stir) up as the flowers bloom:

Blackberry Bourbon Smash

Juicy blackberries and mint give this drink a garden-fresh twist. It’s sweet, a little tart, and ridiculously easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon

• 3-4 fresh blackberries

• 4-5 mint leaves

• ½ oz simple syrup

• ½ oz lemon juice

• Club soda

Directions: Muddle the blackberries, mint, and simple syrup in a shaker. Add bourbon and lemon juice with ice, shake, then strain into a glass with fresh ice. Top with club soda and garnish with mint or a lemon wheel.

Michigan Buck

Think of this as bourbon's take on a Moscow Mule, with a strawberry-lemon-ginger flair that feels perfect for patio weather.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon

• ¾ oz lemon juice

• ½ oz simple syrup

• 1-2 strawberries

• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters

• Ginger beer

Directions: Muddle the strawberry and simple syrup in a shaker. Add bourbon, lemon juice, bitters, and ice. Shake and strain into a highball glass with fresh ice, then top with ginger beer. Garnish with a strawberry or lemon slice.

Honey Basil Bourbon Lemonade

Basil in a cocktail? Trust us—it’s bright, aromatic, and balances bourbon beautifully. This one’s basically spring in a glass.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon

• ¾ oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and hot water)

• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice

• 2-3 basil leaves

Directions: Lightly muddle basil in a shaker with honey syrup and lemon juice. Add bourbon and ice, shake well, and strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a basil sprig or lemon twist.

Peach Bourbon Iced Tea

Nothing says Southern spring like sweet tea and peaches. This one’s dangerously sippable—perfect for front porch lounging.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon

• 2 oz peach nectar or puree

• 4 oz unsweetened iced tea

• Lemon wedge and mint, for garnish

Directions:

Shake bourbon and peach nectar with ice. Pour over fresh ice in a tall glass, top with iced tea, and give it a gentle stir. Garnish and enjoy.

Final Sip

Spring is all about fresh starts and brighter flavors—and these bourbon cocktails deliver both in style. Whether you’re planning a backyard brunch, sunset happy hour, or just treating yourself to something seasonal, there’s a perfect bourbon mix waiting to bloom in your glass.

Cheers to sipping into spring, one delicious drink at a time!