Whether you believe it or not, the unofficial start of summer is here, which means it’s time to fire up your BBQ, break out the beach towels and say goodbye to our days of drinking warm winter beverages. Whatever you’re drinking this Memorial Day, Basil Hayden’s Bourbon, EFFEN Vodka and Knob Creek Bourbon want to make sure your libations are a treat and made for perfect pours everyone can enjoy.

Whether you’re enjoying a fresh and fruity punch by the pool, giving your backyard bourbon a beer bonus, or kicking back on the porch after a day in the sun,  these are the best summer cocktail drinks to get you through the heat and enjoy throughout your entire Memorial Day weekend.

Basil Hayden’s Lemon-Rosemary Punch ( above)
Recipe created by Matt Sharp (Houston, TX)

Serves: 17

INGREDIENTS:

1 bottle Basil Hayden’s Bourbon

10 parts Simple Syrup

10 parts Lemon Juice

2 lemons

30 dashes Aromatic Bitters

Sprig of Rosemary (for garnish)

METHOD:
Combine all ingredients into a large punch bowl with 4 cups of ice.
Slice lemons into wheels and add to bowl.
Stir to chill and ladle into Collins glass with a rosemary sprig.

Knob Creek Summer Shandy
Recipe created by John McCarthy (New York City)

INGREDIENTS:

2 parts Knob Creek Bourbon

3/4 parts freshly squeezed Lemon Juice

3/4 parts raw sugar syrup

3 dashes of Angostura bitters

2 parts Lager Beer

METHOD:
Combine all ingredients, except for lager beer, in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously.
Strain into a double rocks glass over fresh ice.
Top with 2 ounces of lager beer and briefly stir.
Garnish with a lemon wedge.

EFFEN Watermelon Rosé Cooler
INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2parts Effen Rosé Vodka

1 parts Watermelon juice (or muddled watermelon)

1/2 parts fresh lemon juice

1/4 parts agave syrup

METHOD:
Shake well
Build over ice
Garnish with watermelon