Bourbon Lemonade

Refresh your summer with an easy-to-make Bourbon Lemonade. Our recipe uses high-quality ingredients and has lots of variations so you can customize it to suit your tastes. Get creative and make the perfect summer bourbon cocktail!

There’s nothing quite like a refreshing drink on a sweltering summer day, and bourbon lemonade hits all the right notes. It’s tangy yet sweet, refreshing yet boozy. If you’re anything like us, you’re always on the hunt for the perfect summer bourbon cocktail, and we’ve got you covered. In this post, we’ll share our recipe and tips for making the best bourbon lemonade you’ve ever tasted. 

Ingredients for Bourbon and Lemonade

The first step in making the best bourbon lemonade is to gather your ingredients. 

• Lemonade – You can make a homemade lemonade or a store-bought lemonade. Either way for the best taste we recommend using high-quality ingredients. 
• Bourbon – A 90 to 100-proof bourbon is best for a Bourbon Lemonade. We recommend Buffalo Trace, Weller Special Reserve, or your favorite! 
• For garnish: Mint, Lemon Slice. 

A Bourbon Lemonade Cocktail is also called a Kentucky Lemonade.

How to Make a Bourbon Lemonade Cocktail

As mentioned above you can make your own lemonade or use store-bought. If you using a store-bought lemonade we recommend the Simply Lemonade brand found in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. 

To make the Bourbon Lemonade Cocktail start with 2 ounces of bourbon and 4 ounces of prepared Lemonade. There are 2 ways to make the cocktail.

1. In an ice-filled glass add bourbon and lemonade and stir; garnish and serve. 
2. Add ice, bourbon, and lemonade to a cocktail shaker. Shake until chilled. Strain into an ice-filled glass; garnish and serve. 

To make a pitcher of Bourbon Lemonade. You will want to use the ratio 2:4. 2 parts bourbon to 4 parts Lemonade. For example: For a pitcher you will add 2 cups bourbon and 4 cups Lemonade. 

Cocktail Variations

Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe for a delicious bourbon lemonade, it’s time to get creative and customize it to suit your tastes. There are endless possibilities when it comes to mixing up this classic cocktail, so don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things.

• One easy way to customize your bourbon lemonade is to switch up the type of lemonade you use. Try using a pink lemonade or flavored lemonade like raspberry or strawberry for a fun twist on the original. Or muddle fresh fruit like blueberries and blackberries for a Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade! 
• Another way to customize your cocktail is to experiment with different types of bourbon. Each brand has its own unique mash bill, so trying out different options can be a fun and tasty way to mix things up.
• You can also play around with the ratios of bourbon to lemonade to find your perfect balance. If you prefer a stronger, more boozy drink, you can add a bit more bourbon. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a lighter, more refreshing cocktail, you can adjust the ratio to include more lemonade.
• Make it fizzy or sparkling by adding ginger beer, ginger ale, or club soda to your Bourbon & Lemonade. This will also help if you made your lemonade and bourbon too strong. 
• Mix your bourbon lemonade with iced tea for an Arnold Palmer Bourbon Cocktail. 
• Don’t forget about the garnishes! Adding a slice of fresh fruit like strawberry or peach can add a pop of color and flavor to your drink, while herbs like mint or basil can add a refreshing twist. You could even rim the glass with sugar for an added touch of sweetness. 
• Swap out the vodka for bourbon in this Strawberry Basil Lemonade Cocktail for a refreshing Bourbon Summer Cocktail. 

With so many options for customization, the possibilities for your bourbon lemonade are truly endless. So grab your ingredients and get creative – the perfect cocktail is just a few tweaks away

How to Serve

Now, sit back, relax, and sip on your custom-made Kentucky lemonade. The sweet, tangy flavors of lemonade mixed with the rich, smoky taste of bourbon go really well together. Enjoy it on a hot summer day, while lounging by the pool or at a backyard BBQ with friends.

Serve your bourbon lemonade in a classic mason jar, Yeti-style cups, or a stylish cocktail glass, and don’t forget to add some extra garnishes for that perfect finishing touch.

Making the best bourbon lemonade is easier than you think. Remember to experiment with different variations to find your ultimate combination. As summer heats up, there’s no better time to sip on a cold and bold bourbon lemonade. 

More Bourbon Cocktails

Don’t let the seasons pass you by without a delicious bourbon cocktail in hand. Browse our extensive list of all of the Best Bourbon Cocktails. We have everything from the classics to mouthwatering riffs.

Here is our recipe for Bourbon Lemonade