Spring is here, and there’s no better time to take your bourbon beyond the bar and into the great outdoors. Whether you’re planning a laid-back picnic, an adventurous hike, or a cozy backyard gathering, bourbon can be the perfect companion for your springtime activities. Here’s how to enjoy your favorite pour in the fresh air!
Outdoor Bourbon Activities
1. Bourbon & Picnic Pairings – Pack a basket with artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, dark chocolate, and fresh fruits to complement your bourbon. Lighter, fruit-forward bourbons pair well with soft cheeses, while bold, spicy bourbons shine with smoked meats and spicy cheeses.
Bring a few sips in small bottles to discover the best pairings with a group, and make sure you’ve got water to hydrate and cleanse the palate if you have spicy foods for your charcuterie! If you’ve got room for real glassware in your basket, bring small rocks or glencairns for the best tasting experience.
2. Bourbon & Bonfires – Gather around a fire pit with friends and sip on a smoky bourbon like High West or Corsair’s Rye-mageddon. Pair them with toasted marshmallows or s’mores for a cozy evening under the stars.
You can upscale your s’mores and whiskey pairings but expanding to different flavors to make it extra. Think orange chocolate and marshmallows between gingersnap cookies or a raspberry filled truffle between chocolate wafers covered in fluff.
3. Hiking & Sipping – For an adventurous day out, bring a small flask of bourbon and enjoy a celebratory sip at the summit. Stick to lower-proof bourbons to keep things easygoing and always drink responsibly in nature. A heads up that consuming alcohol in parklands is illegal in some areas, check before you consume to stay safe. As always, sips at the end of a hike are safer than on a climb or a descent, and we always want you to get home safe.
However, pictures of bottles in nature are always lovely, and that bottle acts as resistance on the way up and down the climb.
4. Bourbon Cocktails for a Patio Party – Batch a refreshing bourbon cocktail like a Mint Julep or a Bourbon Smash for a spring get-together. Serve in mason jars for a rustic touch!
Make a bourbon sangria by adding 1-2 cups of bourbon to your favorite sangria recipe along with a half cup of demerara sugar simple syrup, one half cup of pineapple juice, sliced oranges and strawberries.
Perfect Bourbon Picnic Pairings
- Classic Bourbon + Aged Cheddar & Smoked Almonds – The nuttiness enhances caramel and vanilla notes.
- Wheated Bourbon + Fresh Berries & Dark Chocolate – The soft sweetness complements fruit-forward flavors.
- High-Rye Bourbon + Spicy Cured Meats & Pickles – The spice and tang make for a bold contrast.
Spring is the perfect season to savor bourbon outside. Whether it’s a scenic picnic, a fireside sip, or a casual backyard happy hour, there’s a perfect way to enjoy your pour. So grab your favorite bottle, step outside, and let the fresh air elevate your bourbon experience.