The Summer Edit: Bright, Fresh Finds for Effortless Summer Entertaining
Inspired by bourbon, built for the season — this is summer entertaining, refined.
The Summer Edit, our curated collection of bright, fresh finds for effortless summer entertaining, is inspired by our summer memories and built to enjoy the season. It’s all about slowing down, embracing simplicity, finding moments of joy, embracing the natural surroundings, and elevating the everyday moments.
Summer conjures up images of bright sunshine beaming off of water, glistening days spent at the beach, children chasing fireflies, sunsets that dip into the horizon, and lingering conversations that begin at cocktail hour and continue over a summer bonfire. Summer is represented by the colors of bright summer sun, vibrant citrus, sparkling blue water, and blooming greenery.
Summer is a season brimming with nostalgia. Lemonade stands, bike rides, and those blistering hot days spent at the beach, the lake, or the pool, with melting popsicles, card games, and the chorus of “can we stay a little longer” that rang out amongst sun-soaked children. Certain memories, events, moments, and, of course, specific foods and drinks, can transport us right back to those long, lingering days—the ones that just feel like summer.
To us, those memories are from our summers spent in Michigan. Where the only invitation you need to gather is a front porch, and where you find out where everyone is by the presence of a pile of bikes, the unmistakable aroma of a roaring BBQ, or the laughter wafting from the backyard. Where casual isn’t a bad thing, and a suggestion to jump in the lake isn’t an insult. Where kids have the freedom to wander freely, and happy hour, while a constant, is never a formal occasion. Our entertaining philosophy in general can be almost entirely attributed to our summertime sentiment.
We adopted the mindset early that entertaining wasn’t meant to be stressful. Perhaps because the only real rule we followed was that everyone was welcome, and the only goal was simply to enjoy. Following a long line of hostesses in our great-grandmother Nana Van Winkle, our grandmother Katie Van Winkle, and our mom Sissy Van Winkle, who made it look effortless, their only secret being that they genuinely delight in it. Natural hostesses, they create a sense of welcome and somehow make each guest feel like the guest of honor.
Entertaining just means time spent together. Food needs to feed a crowd with simple preparation and fresh ingredients, and happy hour is an open invitation.
We still feel that way - impromptu gatherings are often the most fun, so to make the most of summer, we keep it simple. Recipes should be uncomplicated, fresh, and flavorful, and easy to whip up on a moment’s notice. We incorporate the light, crisp, citrus, and refreshing flavors of summer, often turning to our garden for inspiration for both taste and decor. We rely on recipes that call for fresh ingredients, as well as those we have on hand. Naturally, that means lots of Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel-Aged Flavor that can take even the most basic of recipes from ordinary to delicious with just a dash.
Some classic summer cocktails effortlessly represent the essence of summer. You know how there are certain smells, like sunscreen or coconut or juicy citrus, that can instantly transport you, if not physically, then at least mentally, to a summer kind of feeling. These recipes capture those feelings and flavors of summer.
A summer bar, buffet, or even dinner party al fresco can be assembled in a snap, as long as you have the proper tools and mindset to accommodate them. Our summer edit features the flavors and essentials for effortless and enjoyable summer entertaining.
The tools: Elegant and elevated bar tools that are as aesthetically pleasing as they are practical. Craft cocktails are a breeze with our Julian Jigger and Big Van Shaker, crafted in sleek bronze; they are an inviting element to whipping up craft cocktails for Pappy Hour sipping. Our Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel Stave Muddler, paired with a selection of bright summer fruits, creates a stunning and simple cocktail accoutrement. Fresh plucked summer basil, bright and juicy raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries make a beautifully appealing bar menu. Bonus points - with a bar this beautiful, you don’t need any extra decor.
Offer a mix of glassware, from elegant and retro options in a Signature Pappy & Company Keys Coupe or a classic Signature Keys Nick and Nora Cocktail Glass, to our Pappy Hour Shatterproof Glasses for fuss-free summer sipping or porch hopping.
Mix-it-up with mixers. Instead of having every option under the sun, focus on a few key ingredients to make refreshing and delicious cocktails. Our Pappy Van Winkle Kentucky Sour Mixer delivers subtly sweet and smoky summer citrus, while our Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned Mixer is an all season favorite.
Flavor finds - Pair your freshly grown summer garden flavor, bright and juicy summer citrus, with layers of signature sweet, spicy, and caramelized flavors of our Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel-Aged gourmet favorites.
Enjoy our summer edit, featuring easy-to-prepare, easy-to-share, and, of course, easy-to-enjoy recipes for bright, citrusy cocktails and delicious, easy summer appetizers that combine summer citrus and fresh herbs for simple and stunning summer celebrations.
Pappy & Company Summer Inspired Cocktails
Julian Van Winkle's Famous BBQ Sauce
Pappy Van Winkle Spicy Maple Dill Dipping Sauce
Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel Pepper Sauce Pimento Cheese
Pappy Van Winkle Maple Grilled Pineapple
