It seems like all around us are signs of summer’s end. The kids are back in school, Halloween candies are on the shelves, and football games have kicked off. Yet the heat remains. 

For those of us still holding onto that lingering summer feeling of long days and warm nights, here are three cocktails to drink until summer’s closing time.

Blackland Distillery

Fort Worth native Markus Kypreos is the visionary founder behind Blackland Distillery, a meteoric craft distillery located in the heart of Fort Worth. Once recognized on Fort Worth Magazine’s Top Attorneys list five times and named a Texas Super Lawyers Rising Star, Markus traded serving justice at the bar for crafting spirits for the other bar. And in doing so, he established a distillery brand that has quickly risen to national acclaim. Blackland Distillery has earned several accolades such as being named one of USA Today’s 10 Best New Craft Distilleries in the U.S. in 2021 and won Gold medals at the 2023 Texas Whiskey Festival for their Rye Whiskey and signature Texas Pecan Brown Sugar Bourbon. Now, this Texas-based spirit has officially expanded nationwide, just six years after its launch, with its award-winning spirits available in all 50 states.

Leveraging a knack for regulations and an affinity for tech, this forward-thinking distiller with a culinary degree and sommelier certification has crafted a batch of special whiskeys that embody the rich history and flavors of Texas. The Texas Pecan Brown Sugar Bourbon artfully balances the woody, brown pecan notes with sweet, molasses-flavored sugar and subtle hints of vanilla and oak from the bourbon, all naturally infused to create a perfectly balanced flavored whiskey that is neither too sweet nor too strong, but just right. The Texpresso Whiskey is another echo of Texas pride, combining smooth whiskey with the bold flavors of coffee, pecans, and artisanal brown sugar. Add a splash or two to a steaming cup of coffee or serve it chilled with a shot of espresso to create a simple yet perfect espresso martini. Or indulge in my personal favorite, the Blackland Prairie Gold. This elegantly smooth indulgence raises a glass to Texas farmers, aging 100% Texas grains from local farmers for a minimum of three years in new American oak barrels. Sip neat and relish in the pride of Texas.

Dreamsicle Fizz

Ingredients

–        2 oz Blackland Bourbon Whiskey

–        3 dashes aromatic bitters

–        3-4 oz vanilla cream soda (highly recommended to use Texas’s own Dublin Vanilla Cream Soda)

–        Frozen orange juice ice spheres

Directions

Squeeze fresh orange juice into ice cube bowls or trays and freeze overnight. Pour Blackland’s Bourbon into a rocks glass or lowball glass with vanilla cream soda. Note that Markus and his team have experimented with all variations of the vanilla cream soda and, after a small road trip, concluded that Dublin Vanilla Cream Soda is by far the best to use. Dash with bitters, and as the orange juice ice balls melt, the acidity balances the sweetness, revealing a full-bodied, sweet, and tangy refreshment. Garnish with a dried orange slice. Follow on Instagram to keep up with where Blackland is poured and sold.

GRAN MAIZAL

When Gonzalo de la Pezuela, a veteran spirits industry executive, and Cesar Ayala, former CEO of Management Forum Mexico, founded GRAN MAIZAL, they combined the cherished tradition of corn whiskey with the beloved generational ingredients of Mesoamerican culture. The result is a smooth and unique balance of cured vanilla beans, pure cacao, and toasted corn. The latter, however, gives it a distinctly rare flavor that cannot be found anywhere in the US. That’s because GRAN MAIZAL’s corn ingredient is one of the world’s oldest corn varieties, Nal T’eel, which brings a firm heirloom earthiness that sets this spirit apart from others.

Made entirely in Destileria La Vibora in Yucatan, Mexico, GRAN MAIZAL recently launched exclusively in Texas, where trend-setting establishments throughout Dallas (Ayahuasca, El Carlos Elegante, Jose on Lovers), Austin (Bulevar, Comedor, Garage), San Antonio (Carriqui, Double Standard, Mezquite), and Houston (Caracol, Credence, Ninfa’s, Casa Nomad) serve up new—or ancient—takes on whiskey classics.

MAIZAL Gold Rush

Ingredients

–        2 oz GRAN MAIZAL whisky

–        3/4 oz lemon juice

–        3/4 oz honey

–        Lemon twist

Directions

Combine GRAN MAIZAL with lemon juice and honey. Be sure to shake well to dissolve honey and dilute. Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice. Garnish with a lemon twist. Visit www.granmaizal.com for more information and follow on Instagram.

Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey 

Rediscovered by mere chance, or fate, by brothers Andy and Charlie Nelson, descendants of the distillery’s founder, Nelson’s Whiskey is an award-winning tribute to the rich heritage of Tennessee distilling. A Tennessee whiskey OG that predated and once outsold the all-too-common Jack Daniels, Nelson’s Distillery is a premium whiskey housed in an incredible establishment offering historic tours, tastings, and a world-class kitchen and bar program. 

Using a storied and time-honored recipe that has remained unchanged since 1860, this whiskey delivers a smooth, robust flavor profile aged to perfection in charred oak barrels, balancing notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice. This complex flavor profile makes Nelson’s your ideal whiskey choice, whether served straight or in a cocktail, regardless of the season. As we wrap up the summer season, author and Nelson’s AGM Mike Wolf has kindly shared a recipe to refresh and enjoy until autumn arrives.

Blackberry Whiskey Smash

Ingredients

–        2 oz Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey

–        4 blackberries

–        One half of a lemon, quartered

–        1/2 oz of honey syrup (mix one part honey to one-part warm water and stir to combine until incorporated)

–        2 dashes Angostura bitters

–        Mint and extra blackberries for garnish 

Directions

In a mixing tin, add blackberries, quartered lemon, honey syrup, and bitters. Muddle everything, then add the whiskey and a cup of ice. Shake well and double strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with blackberries and mint.

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Cover photo courtesy Blackland Distillery. 

Martin Ramirez is a brisket-eating, Shiner-loving, road-tripping enthusiast of all things Texas. This Dallas-born writer / adventurer is ready to take his ‘78 El Camino to find the best in food, fun, and fitness throughout the Lone Star State.