Backyard Barbecue Cocktails
Summer weekends have a special kind of energy—long afternoons that stretch out a little further than you planned, someone hovering near the grill, and drinks that shouldn’t require a whole production to make.
That’s the vibe with these three whiskey cocktails: nothing fussy, nothing that turns into a project. These are easy, relaxed sips that still feel a little elevated. Like, you put in the effort, even if you absolutely didn’t. Think fresh, bright, and built for repeat rounds. They’re also easily batched for larger crowds; just make sure you’re tasting as you go and diluting adequately with ice.
More importantly, they’re thirst-quenchers. The kind you want when you’re sitting in a lawn chair, drifting between the patio and the cooler, with sunscreen on your hands and music playing in the background. And honestly, they’re grill-friendly by design. Stir one together while you’re flipping burgers or smoking ribs, no complicated bar set-up required. Just quick builds, big flavor, and back to what matters: good food, good company, and not overthinking it.
Cheers to the weekend!
The Aviary
Unexpected and approachable, the pineapple gives you tropical sweetness and acidity that’s perfectly balanced by the structure of the whiskey. Pairs especially well with charred burgers, ribs, and anything with caramelization.
Ingredients:
1 oz Brother Justus American Whiskey
¾ oz Campari or similar red bitter liqueur
2 oz pineapple juice
½ oz simple syrup
¼ oz fresh lime juice
Fresh mint sprig to garnish
Shake all ingredients with ice to combine, then strain into a chilled Collins glass over ice. Garnish with fresh mint and serve.
Rhubarb Kentucky Mule
Hardy rhubarb is one of the first crops of the year, typically used in baked goods when its stalks are cooked, chopped, and sweetened. Rhubarb bitters lend their heavily concentrated tang to this drink, its sour flavor evoking hot summer days and pies at the picnic.
Ingredients
1 ½ oz Brother Justus American Whiskey
2 dashes rhubarb bitters (Fee Brothers or similar)
Ginger Beer (Reed’s or similar, with natural ginger and no artificial sweetener)
Lime wedge and mint (optional) to garnish
Add whiskey and bitters to copper mug or glass over ice. Mix together, top with ginger beer to your liking, and garnish.
Single Malt Spritz
The ultimate crushable on this list, this one pairs well with lighter, spiced barbecue fare. And, if there happens to a be pool nearby, this is the drink you want to sip in your unicorn floatie.
Ingredients
1 ½ oz Brother Justus American Whiskey
1 oz watermelon juice
¾ oz fresh lime juice
¼ oz agave syrup
Tonic or soda water
Lime wedge to garnish
Shake whiskey, watermelon juice, lime juice, and agave syrup together in a shaking tin until well combined. Pour into a glass over ice and top with tonic or soda water, depending on your taste preference. Garnish with a lime wedge, sit back, relax, and enjoy.
Find Brother Justus American Whiskey in stores near you, online, or at our Bottle Shop (open Thursday and Friday, 2-6pm).
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