By now, you’re probably gleefully entangled in the glorious spoils of summer: long afternoons spent basking on the balcony, chilled-out cottage weekends, and intimate dinners that stretch into the balmy hours of the night. One accoutrement that has the potential to take your summer to the next level? A signature cocktail – bursting with freshness and expertly crafted by you.

It’s in those epic summer moments that Johnnie Walker Black Label really steals the show. Created using only whiskies aged for a minimum of 12 years, Johnnie Walker Black Label is a smooth and beautifully balanced whisky with a distinctive smoky flavour. With flavours of rich fruits, vanilla and smoke, this spice-forward spirit is a perfect pairing for soda, but also totally transforms classic summer cocktails in a snap.

Enter the Lemon Highball: a super-sippable cocktail made for dock days, backyard gatherings and all the good times in between. Best of all, this simple-to-prepare recipe hardly requires a bartender background. Start with a highball glass that’s generously filled with fresh ice. Pour 50 mL of Johnnie Walker Black Label, and top it with 150 mL of homemade lemonade – because there’s no denying that fresh is best. (Our easy recipe? One part lemon juice, one part sugar syrup and four parts soda water.) Give the bevvy a quick stir to combine, and garnish with a lemon peel. If you’re feeling fancy, add a fragrant verbena leaf for extra presentation points.

Lemon Highball

• 50 mL Johnnie Walker Black Label
• 150 mL homemade lemonade (25 mL lemon juice, 25 mL 1:1 sugar syrup, 100 mL soda water)

Build over fresh cubed ice, briefly stir and garnish with a lemon peel and a verbena leaf.

Creating an elevated entertaining experience at home or whipping up a solo afternoon cocktail is easy thanks to Johnnie Walker Black Label. Here are two more sumptuous highball recipes to help you really savour the summertime.

Elderflower Highball

• 50 mL Johnnie Walker Black Label
• 20 mL elderflower cordial
• 20 mL lemon juice
• 10 mL bergamot liqueur
• 100 mL chilled soda

Build over fresh cubed ice, briefly stir and garnish with an elderflower and a lavender sprig.

Peach Highball

• 50 mL Johnnie Walker Black Label
• 125 mL homemade peach iced tea
• 10 mL lemon juice
• 10 mL crème de pêche

Build over fresh cubed ice, briefly stir and garnish with a peach fan and a thyme sprig.

We are now ready to celebrate summer- Cheers!