Bourbon Peach Smash

Such a perfect summertime cocktail, Bourbon Peach Smash. Using fresh juicy summer peaches which mix oh so well with smooth bourbon, this one is absolutely a crowd pleaser!

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Peach Bourbon Smash

During the middle of summer it is usually common place to have a huge bowl of peaches on the counter at all times. My family gobbles the peaches up. But if you leave a fresh piece of fruit in front of me long enough I am going to want to make a cocktail with it.

Thus the Bourbon Peach Smash was born.

What is a ‘Smash’ Cocktail?

A smash cocktail is a beverage without a true definition. A smash is an opened ended drink that usually varies seasonally. In a smash you will find a smashed/muddled fruit, sugar, and spirit served over ice.

So pretty much a smash is what you make it!

Equipment

When mixing cocktails there are a couple tools that make it a lot easier, BUT even if you don’t have them there are other things in your kitchen that you can use instead:

• Cocktail Shaker: This piece of equipment is made to do exactly as it is titled, you will mix the drink together in the shaker and then shake it over ice to chill it. If you don’t have one yet you can grab one like this Stainless Steel Cocktail Shaker off of Amazon OR you can just use something as simple with a jar with a lid like a mason jar from your kitchen.
• Muddler: A muddler is tool specifically made for you guessed it, muddling things. Usually its nothing more than a sturdy trowel with a end cap used for breaking down whatever you are muddling. Grab one off of Amazon (like this one) or like I have done many times just use a wooden spoon or end of a rolling pin!
• Jigger: (AKA double sided shot glass) When making cocktails it is handy to have one of these because it makes it so easy to measure out the ounces, they are super inexpensive and are a handy tool to have around when making drinks, if you don’t have one a regular shot glass can be used! Or even more handy 2 tablespoon equal 1 ounce! (This one on Amazon has great ratings!)
• Hawthorne Strainer – Hawthorne strainer is the technical term but you will just recognize it as the typical bar strainer that comes in kits. The hawthorne strainer has a handle with a large paddle like end that usually has a few holes, attached to the end part is wire coil that goes around most of the end. Placing this coil into the shaker and then straining will help keep the pulp in the strainer and not in the drink. If you have a fine mesh strainer it will also do just as good of a job to strain out the pulp. If you want to get real fancy and you don’t care for the pulp you can double strain the drink with a hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer.

If you don’t have any of these items yet keep a look out for a full bar set, a lot of stores will sell kits with all of these things included! (Like this popular one on Amazon)

ingredients

• Peach – A fresh juicy peach! You will need about 1/2 of a peach for the two drinks. Plus you will want a bit more to make slices for garnishing the glass!
• Basil Leaves – loved the addition of basil in this cocktail, it isn’t overpowering but it also keeps the drink from getting overly sweet tasting. If you don’t have basil or aren’t a big fan you can just leave it out or feel free to substitute with a different herb like fresh mint.
• Brown Sugar Simple Syrup  – I opted to make a quick brown sugar simple syrup to help give it a bit of molasses-y sweetness that brown sugar has. I think it pairs well with the bourbon especially since so many bourbons have notes of vanilla or brown sugar in them. If you don’t want to use brown sugar you can use Honey Syrup, honey tastes amazing with the peaches in this easy to make simple syrup.
• Lemon – Just a little lemon to help round out the acidity and flavor of the beverage.
• Bourbon – Bourbon is perfect for this drink because of the spirit’s slight sweetness, it really pairs well with the peaches. When in doubt use your favorite bourbon. I typically will use Maker’s Mark for a smash drink like this!

instructions

Add peach slices to the shaker. Smash the peaches well with a muddle tool to release the juices. Add the basil leaves and muddle gently to release the flavors. 

Add the brown suger simple syrup, lemon juice, and bourbon to the shaker along with a handful of ice. Cover and shake well until the shaker and drink is well chilled.

Fill two glasses with ice. Strain evenly between the two glasses. (Optionally double strain if you want less peach pulp in your beverage.) Garnish with more peach slices and basil leaves.

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