Woodford Reserve Summer Cocktails

It's finally summer and living is not just easy, it's smooth.

Thanks to Woodford Reserve, a Kentucky-born bourbon that boasts rich and complex flavors, this summer is simply superb.

Composed of 200 flavor notes, Woodford Reserve is crafted from a unique grain recipe of corn (72%), rye (18%), and malted barley (10%) and is filtered by natural limestone deposits before enduring one of the industries longest fermentation process followed by a thoughtful aging technique, which takes place in charred white oak barrels stored within heat-cycled warehouses.

OK — but w hat does this mean for your summer drinking plans? Well, everything.

Woodford Reserve has released accessible recipes for delectable and refreshing beverages because great cocktails start with great bourbon. Woodford Reserve's summer cocktails are timeless and suitable for any occasions, persuasions, and Detroit locations, all you have to do is enjoy, and do so responsibly.

Cheers to Summer. https://www.woodfordreserve.com/summercocktails/

Woodford Bourbon + Soda + Orange

A light and refreshing drink, great for any summer occasion.

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 oz. Straight Bourbon Whiskey

3/4 oz. Lemon Juice

1/2 oz. Honey

6 oz. Peach Tea

INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1: Combine ingredients into a tall glass and stir.

STEP 2: Garnish with a slice of peach or lemon wheel.

Woodford Bourbon + Ginger + Lime

Deemed Detroit's first urban state park, William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor (1900 Atwater St., Detroit; 313-396-0217; www2.dnr.state.mi.us) is a green oasis and offers the perfect views for enjoying your brews. Located blocks from the downtown action of Hart Plaza and the Renaissance Center, the park also anchors the renowned Detroit Riverwalk which spans three miles connecting Joe Louis Arena and Belle Isle. Watch people, freighters, wildlife (the harbor is home to preserved wetlands), and all the action of summer in the city at your leisure.

Located in southwest Detroit, Clark Park (1130 Clark St., Detroit; 313-841-8534; clarkparkdetroit.com) serves as an unofficial town square to this culturally rich, diverse, truly delicious area of the Motor City. Surrounded by residential neighborhoods and Vernor Highway which is a bustling shopping/dining destination, Clark Park provides action and respite. If lounging isn't your vibe, Clark Park regularly hosts concerts, festivals, and special events and is home to tennis courts, playscapes, and year-long activity programs for folks of all ages.

There is no better place to soak in some serene scenes than Detroit's Palmer Park, a majestic 296-acre wooded public park entrenched in history. Not only can you partake in a picnic at one of the park's many scenic spots, but Palmer Park (910 Merrill Plaisance St., Detroit; peopleforpalmerpark.org) is also home to public golf and tennis courts, hiking/biking trails, water features, a 140-year-old log cabin, and a lighthouse overlooking a large pond referred to as Lake Frances.

If you're looking for one of the more unique outdoor adventures in the heart of the city, look no further than the Dequindre Cut (1776 Woodbridge St., Detroit; detroitriverfront.org/riverfront/dequindre-cut), a two-mile greenway connecting the East Detroit Riverfront, Eastern Market, and various residential areas. The below-street level pedestrian greenway is prime for biking and has bike lanes, as well as street art, murals, and provides a moment of zen in the hustle-bustle of the city. You can also rent a bike, visit the Freight Yard (a series of shipping container beer garten), or take advantage of your DIY sensibilities and perch up along the greenway to enjoy a summer of your own making.

This ain't your typical park. Located in the heart of Downtown Detroit, Beacon Park (1903 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-566-8250; empoweringmichigan.com/beacon-park) offers the best of both worlds, especially during summer. Featuring a large, open green space for relaxation or play, Beacon Park also hosts events year-round, including art installations, concerts, fitness classes, dance parties, family fun days, and pop-up night markets.