How to Enjoy and Store Your Whisky in the Summer Sun

May 15, 2026

As I write this week’s blog, something strange is going on in the UK. It’s now summertime, and amazingly, it isn’t raining. Not only is it not raining, but the sun is shining and we’re heading for our third reported heatwave of 2025. Now, when you read this, chances are it’ll be grey and overcast, but for now, we’re actually enjoying some proper summer sunshine.

If you’re wondering why I’m going on about the weather, instead of our favourite topic, which is of course whisky, there is a reason. Most people tend to think of whisky as more of an autumn and winter drink. Don’t get me wrong, you can enjoy a dram of whisky all year long, but typically, whisky is associated with cooler weather.

So, does that mean you can’t enjoy whisky in the summer? Of course you can, and today I’ll be talking to you about how to do precisely that. Here’s a look at how you can enjoy, and store, your whisky in the summer sun.

Look for Lighter Drams

Unless you stick exclusively to one specific brand of whisky, it’s best to look for lighter drams with more summery flavours, during spells of warm weather and hot sunshine.

Instead of heavily sherried whiskies, which tend to remind you of wintery, festive flavours, look for lighter and fruiter drams with stronger citrus notes. Mortlach 16yo Equinox for example, would be a good shout here, as it contains light floral notes with a subtle fruity finish with summer berries and citrus dominating the palate.

I’ve also found more than a few Japanese whiskies which have ticked all the boxes for summer sipping. Basically, look for lighter drams with floral, citrusy, fruity notes. If smoky tipples are your thing, don’t be afraid of a lightly peated dram either. The hint of smoke can be reminiscent of BBQ coals or the smouldering embers of a beach campfire.

Don’t Be an Ice Snob

I know I keep saying it, but there really is no place for snobbery in the wonderful world of whisky. We here at Great Drams want to make whisky an inclusive drink for all, and we’re certainly not alone in our sentiments.

Far too many people find themselves avoiding ice in their whisky, just because “you shouldn’t add ice to a single malt Scotch”. There are plenty of whiskies that go incredibly well over ice, and I’m not just talking about Bourbons either.

In Japan for example, there’s far less snobbery over adding ice to whisky as they have no qualms about chucking an ice cube into a glass of whisky, particularly when it’s hot.

Use Whisky Stones

Are whisky stones somewhat of a gimmick? Perhaps. Do they work? Absolutely. Have I used them myself in the past? Yes, I have.

Whisky stones have been somewhat controversial over the years, but if you want to keep your dram nice and cool, they really do work. While ice cubes work just as well, some whiskies do taste better if enjoyed neat. The problem with ice cubes is that they do melt, which can dilute down the taste of the whisky you’re drinking

If you want to keep your whisky cool, without diluting down the flavour with ice, a couple of whisky stones fresh out of the freezer will do the trick.

Embrace Summer Cocktails

Whisky-based cocktails are becoming increasingly popular as late, and I can see why. I’ve enjoyed some amazing takes on the classic Old Fashioned, both during the summer and the winter. If you want to enjoy a classic summer tipple that isn’t yet another variant of a G&T, whisky cocktails are ideal.

The classic Highball for example, is hugely popular in Japan, who themselves are not afraid to add ice to their whisky. Typically consisting of whisky, ice, soda, and a light garnish, it’s cooling, refreshing, and delicious. Nikka Days Japanese whisky works great with this cocktail, as it’s full of sweet and fruity notes, with a light floral undertone.

You could also use ginger ale as your mixer and go with a punchier dram, such as Talisker Skye.

Chill Your Whisky

While most whiskies, especially single malt Scotch whiskies, are best enjoyed at room temperature, there are plenty out there that are best enjoyed chilled.

Bourbon whiskies are often served over ice, so of course you can chill those in the fridge or freezer before serving, but there are also heaps of single malts you can chill slightly before heading out into the summer sun.

Whether served ice cold straight from the freezer, or lightly chilled out of the fridge, if it’s too warm, don’t be afraid to chill your whisky slightly.

Store Out of Direct Sunlight

I’ve spoken previously about how to store your whisky properly, but as it’s so pertinent to this piece, I’m going to reiterate what I said previously.

In order to help keep your whisky tasting fresh and the label looking its best, never store your whisky in direct sunlight, especially during the summer.

Storing whisky in direct sunlight during a heatwave is not a good idea. Not only will you have warm whisky, but the label will also fade, the cork stopper could deteriorate, and the whisky’s flavours will change, and likely be dulled down.

Like most things, whisky is best stored in a cool, dry, dark place out of direct sunlight. In simple terms, keep your whisky in a cupboard.

Experiment with Mixers

When the sun’s out, you can’t beat a bourbon and cola. While some bourbons and Tennessee whiskies are synonymous with mixers such as cola and lemonade, others may be considered more obscure.

When it comes to mixers and whisky/whiskey, don’t be afraid to experiment and try different combinations. Soda water goes great with Japanese whiskies and fruity Speyside expressions, whereas punchier, smokier drams tend to work best with ginger ale or ginger beer. The sweet and slightly spicy kick of the ginger works perfectly with the smoky, medicinal notes of a classic Islay. Islay’s Smokehead actually have a range of pre-mixed cans, made up of ginger ale and lime combined with peaty single malt Islay Scotch whisky. Sweet, spicy, fruity, and smoky. What’s not to like?

Whether you’re mixing with soda, lemonade, ginger beer, ginger ale, cola, fruit juices, or anything else, if you find a mixer that works well with your whisky of choice, get it down you and enjoy it!

If you’d like to learn more about your favourite whiskies, or simply treat yourself to a dram or two in the process, head on over to GreatDrams.com and take a look at what we have to offer.

With an impressive selection of limited-edition, rare, and award-winning whisky, as well as heaps of whisky info on our blog, it’s the perfect spot for any whisky lovers out there.

Photo Credit: Yulia Gapeenko of Vecteezy

Greg

My name is Greg, and I’m a brand strategy consultant, writer, speaker, host and judge specialising in premium spirits. My mission is to experience, share and inspire with everything great about whisky, whiskey, gin, beer and fine dining through my writing, my brand building and my whisky tastings.