Is it too hot for bourbon? Here are 5 other refreshing Kentucky spirits to try this summer

A Kentucky hug, even from a really good glass of bourbon, can be a bit too much in this kind of heat.

So now is as good of a time as any to reach to the other side of the liquor aisle and explore some of the Bluegrass State's other spirits.

Kentucky's vodka, rum, brandy, moonshine and agave often take a backseat to the commonwealth's booming bourbon industry, but they're no less impressive. Many of our distilleries are crafting tasty ways to put a Kentucky twist on mojitos, margaritas, and martinis.

Here are a few Kentucky spirits that can refresh your home bar and help you through this humidity.

Copper & Kings' DestillIarè Intense Pomegranate

1121 E Washington St., Louisville; copperandkings.com

How to drink it: This brandy liqueur works well in sangria or as a complement to tequila in a Paloma.

Copper & Kings Destillaré line is known for adding intense flavor punches to inventive cocktails. This pot stilled pomegranate brandy liqueur is no exception and is capable of bringing out new flavors in standard cocktails, such as a cosmopolitan. The nose is vivid red fruit of an earthy pomegranate alongside strawberry, cranberry, and blackberry accents and even floral spikes of lavender and jasmine. The spirit leaves a lingering velvet mouth feel on the palate.

COST: $29.99 at Total Wine and More

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Jeptha Creed Distillery's Blueberry Vodka

500 Gordon Lane in Shelbyville; jepthacreed.com/

How to drink it: This spirit makes an unbeatable and seasonally-fresh vodka lemonade.

This fruity, tangy 100% corn vodka is infused and macerated with locally sourced blueberries and a hint of orange peel. It has a striking plum color. While it's a true vodka, it is so mild on the palate it could be confused for a liqueur. It works well neat or in a summertime cocktail. Jeptha Creed also makes traditional vodka, honey vodka, coffee vodka, and garlic and pepper vodka.

COST: $24.99 at Total Wine and More

MB Roland Distillery's Kentucky Azul

137 Barkers Mill Road in Pembroke; mbroland.distilleryspirits.com

How to drink it: Kentucky Azul is smooth enough to sip on its own over ice, but it'll certainly take your house margarita or your favorite Paloma recipe to the next level, too.

Since this spirit is not made in Mexico, you can't truly call this tequila. Even so, this smooth 100% Blue Agave could stand up proudly next to a big name like Patron. This spirit is pot distilled, and it's finished in MB Rolland's own used bourbon barrels for two to 12 months.

MB Roland is a "grain to glass" distillery located on what was once an Amish dairy farm in rural Christian County.

COST: $45.95 at mbroland.distilleryspirits.com

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Neeley Family Distillery's Lemon Drop Moonshine

4360 Hwy 1130, Sparta; neeleyfamilydistillery.com/

How to drink it: Neeley Family Distillery's Lemon Drop Moonshine is smooth enough to be enjoyed over ice by itself. It also mixes well with citrus juices and white sodas.

The Neeley family originally hails from Eastern Kentucky and has been making moonshine illegally in the mountains for 11 generations. At the distillery, though, owner Royce Neeley uses his ancestors' recipes with all the proper paperwork. The Neeley Family Distillery knows its traditional moonshine and Lemon Drop moonshine is no exception. This spirit was inspired by Lemon Head candies. To grapple with that tart flavor, the Neeley family mixes its traditional moonshine with a natural lemon flavor, cane sugar, and pure limestone water. Sipping on this tastes like you dipped a lemon in sugar, then bit into it.

COST: $29.99, available for purchase at the distillery

New Riff's Kentucky Wild Gin

24 Distillery Way, Newport; newriffdistilling.com

How to drink it: Try it in a gin martini or with tonic for a refreshing summertime drink.

This 94-proof gin was copper pot distilled without chill filtration and features wild foraged Kentucky botanicals including Kentucky juniper and spicebush. The distillery also uses orris root, cinnamon, goldenrod, licorice, Persian lime, angelica, coriander, bitter orange peel, and lemon peel in its botanical blend. This combination of spicy-dry botanical notes is evident on the palate and it finishes with gripping citrus-spice notes with balanced juniper.

New Riff also offers a bourbon barrel-aged version of this gin, which leaves a subtle oak tannin that amplifies the dryness from angelica on the palate. The barrels also help the orange peel shine through.

COST: $29.99 at Total Wine and More

Features columnist Maggie Menderski writes about what makes Louisville, Southern Indiana and Kentucky unique, wonderful, and occasionally, a little weird. If you've got something in your family, your town or even your closet that fits that description — she wants to hear from you. Say hello at mmenderski@courier-journal.com or 502-582-4053. Follow along on Instagram and Twitter @MaggieMenderski.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: 5 Kentucky-made spirits other than bourbon to try this summer