Bourbon Peach Smash Recipe

Ingredients for a Bourbon Peach Smash

Let’s talk about what makes our bourbon peach smash recipe so irresistible. Each ingredient brings something unique, creating a refreshing and flavorful cocktail we absolutely love.

Fresh Peaches

Fresh peaches add natural sweetness and a vibrant, fruity flavor that makes every sip feel like summer.

When picking peaches, we look for ones that feel slightly soft when pressed, as they’re perfect for muddling and bursting with flavor. If fresh peaches aren’t available, nectarines or apricots are great substitutes. Even frozen or canned peaches work well and still taste delicious.

Bourbon

Bourbon, with its rich caramel and oak flavors, complements the sweetness of the peaches perfectly.

We often use Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace because they are affordable and versatile. For a more luxurious option, Knob Creek adds an extra layer of depth. If bourbon isn’t on hand, regular whiskey works too. Just note that rye whiskey adds a spicier twist to the drink.

Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice gives the cocktail a zesty brightness and balances the sweetness perfectly.

We always stick to freshly squeezed lemon juice because the flavor is unmatched. If the peaches are extra sweet, lemon juice becomes even more essential to keep the drink balanced.

Simple Syrup

Simple syrup ensures the cocktail is smooth and perfectly sweet. It’s also an opportunity to get creative with flavors.

For extra depth, we like brown sugar syrup for a molasses touch or honey thyme syrup for a subtle herbal twist. Classic simple syrup, though, lets the peach flavor shine. It’s easy to make: just combine equal parts sugar and water, heat until dissolved, and let it cool. It keeps well in the fridge for future cocktails.

Ginger Beer

Ginger beer adds fizz and a spicy kick that make this drink truly refreshing.

We love Fever-Tree and Bundaberg for their bold ginger flavors, which stand up well to the bourbon and peaches. If you prefer a milder option, ginger ale works beautifully, or you can swap it out for seltzer water or club soda for a lighter touch.

How to Make a Bourbon Peach Smash Cocktail

Ready to mix up a bourbon peach smash? This refreshing summer cocktail is easy to make and always a hit with friends.

We start by muddling fresh peaches, mint, and simple syrup. This step brings out the juicy sweetness of the peaches and blends it with the bright, herbal notes of mint.

Next, we pour in the bourbon, followed by a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to balance the flavors. Add some ice and give everything a good shake to combine.

Now comes the fun part. We strain this delicious mix into a glass filled with fresh ice and top it off with a splash of ginger beer or seltzer for a fizzy finish.

For the final touch, we garnish with a sprig of mint, a peach slice, or a lemon wedge. And that’s it.

Curious to give this a try? Scroll down for our full recipe card with exact measurements and simple instructions to follow.

Pro tip: The bourbon you choose can really change the drink’s flavor. Try out a few brands to find the one you like best.

Variations on the Bourbon Peach Smash

We’re always experimenting with our bourbon peach smash, finding new ways to put a twist on this refreshing classic. It’s a fun way to keep things interesting and explore fresh flavors.

For a non-alcoholic option, we swap the bourbon for peach juice or iced tea. It makes a fantastic mocktail that everyone can enjoy, whether you’re hosting a party or just want something light and fruity.

We also love switching up the herbs. Basil or thyme are great alternatives to mint, bringing a fresh and unexpected flavor to the drink.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping the peaches for other fruits. Blackberries, cherries, or plums are all amazing choices, each adding its own unique sweetness and character.

For a touch of sparkle, we sometimes trade the ginger beer for prosecco. It gives the cocktail a celebratory feel that’s perfect for special occasions or when we want to make things a little more festive.

Don’t be afraid to play around and make this recipe your own. The best part is discovering new combinations that you’ll love. Happy mixing!

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For even more inspiration, check out these 2-ingredient bourbon cocktails for simple yet delicious ideas!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a smash cocktail?

A smash is a mix of muddled fruit, herbs, sugar, and booze over ice. It's a flexible drink that changes with the seasons. Bartenders love smashes because they can use whatever fresh ingredients are on hand.

We often see smashes made with berries, mint, or citrus. The Mint Julep is a famous cousin of the smash family. These drinks are perfect for hot summer days.

What's the origin of the Bourbon Peach Smash cocktail?

Smash cocktails have been around since the 1800s. They were a hit because of their use of fresh, seasonal fruits. The Bourbon Peach Smash likely came about as bartenders got creative with local ingredients.

In the South, where peaches and bourbon are plentiful, this drink was a natural fit. It's become a go-to summer sipper for many bourbon fans.

What's the best bourbon for this cocktail?

We like to use a bourbon with hints of vanilla or caramel. These flavors play well with the peaches and ginger beer. Maker's Mark, Buffalo Trace, or Knob Creek are solid choices.

You don't need to break the bank on fancy bourbon for this drink. A mid-range bottle will do just fine. If you're out of bourbon, rye or whiskey can work too.

Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use canned or frozen peaches when fresh ones aren't in season. If using canned, drain and rinse them first to get rid of extra syrup.

For frozen peaches, let them thaw completely before muddling. You might need less simple syrup if your canned peaches are very sweet. This swap lets you enjoy Peach Smashes all year round!

How strong is a Bourbon Peach Smash?

A typical Bourbon Peach Smash has about 15% alcohol by volume. That's based on using 2 ounces of bourbon in the recipe. It's similar in strength to a Mint Julep.

Want it stronger? Add more bourbon or use less mixer. For a lighter version, cut back on the bourbon or add extra ginger beer. You can even make it alcohol-free for a tasty mocktail.

Bourbon Peach Smash Recipe

The bourbon peach smash is the perfect summer cocktail, combining the sweetness of ripe peaches with the freshness of mint and the warmth of bourbon. This refreshing drink is simple to make and full of bright, balanced flavors. It’s a must-try for warm evenings or gatherings with friends.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 1

Equipment

• Muddler
• Cocktail shaker
• Strainer
• Jigger or measuring cup
• Bar Spoon
• Rocks glass or mason jar

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 large peach about 1/2 cup, diced
• 3-5 fresh mint leaves
• 1 oz simple syrup honey thyme or brown sugar
• 2 oz bourbon
• 1-1.5 oz fresh lemon juice optional
• Splash of ginger beer or seltzer water chilled
• Fresh mint sprigs, peach slices, or lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions

 

• Add diced peaches and mint leaves to your shaker and gently muddle to release their flavors.
• Pour in the simple syrup, bourbon, and optional lemon juice, then fill the shaker with ice and shake well for 10 to 15 seconds.
• Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice and top with a splash of ginger beer or seltzer for fizz.
• Garnish with mint sprigs, peach slices, or a lemon wedge, give it a gentle stir, and enjoy your bourbon peach smash!

Notes

• Muddle the peaches well, but go easy on the mint. Over-muddling mint can make the drink taste bitter.
• Use crushed ice for a more summery, slushy vibe. If you prefer a slower melt, stick to large cubes.
• Want a flavor boost? Infuse your bourbon with peaches a few days ahead of time.
• Try different herbs like basil or thyme for an extra layer of flavor.

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