Description
These peach syrup cocktails use homemade peach syrup for a light and refreshing summer cocktail!
Ingredients
FOR THE PEACH SYRUP:
- 1 large peach, sliced
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
FOR THE COCKTAILS:
- 2 ounces (1/4 cup) peach syrup
- 4 ounces (1/2 cup) lemon juice
- 4 ounces (1/2 cup) bourbon whiskey
- 4 ounces (1/2 cup) club soda
- Optional garnishes: Extra peach slices, fresh basil or mint sprigs
Instructions
For the peach syrup:
- Reserve a few peach slices for garnishing your cocktails (optional), then stir remaining sliced peaches, sugar, and water together in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring to a low simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until sugar has dissolved and peaches have softened. The syrup will turn a bright, pink-orange color and the peaches will darken in color a bit.
- Remove syrup from heat and let cool for 20-30 minutes, then strain to remove the peach slices (Pro tip: save the leftover peaches for smoothies!)
- Use cooled syrup immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Note: This recipe makes enough syrup for several cocktails; use what you need for this recipe and keep the rest in the fridge for later!
For the cocktails:
- Add peach syrup, lemon juice, and bourbon to a large cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and shake to chill, then strain cocktails into individual glasses filled with ice.
- Garnish drinks with fresh peach slices and a sprig of basil or mint (optional). Serve immediately.
Notes
No cocktail shaker? Use a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid to shake these drinks together. You can also add the ingredients to a large measuring cup or mixing bowl, add the ice, stir with a spoon, and strain into glasses.
What kind of bourbon should I use? We like Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon: it’s well-balanced, affordable, and is great in cocktails. If you like a spicier, boozier cocktail, Rittenhouse Rye (or any rye!) is a good choice. Our best advice: Choose a whiskey you like to drink!
Additions and Substitutions. Swap the peaches for strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries. Use frozen peaches if fresh ones aren’t available (we do not recommend using canned peaches here). Use gin, vodka, or your favorite nonalcoholic spirit in place of the bourbon. Replace the club soda with tonic water or Prosecco.
To make this spritzer for a crowd, follow a 1:2:2:2 ratio (1 part peach syrup, 2 parts lemon juice, 2 parts bourbon, 2 parts club soda) and scale up as needed.
Make Ahead Tips. Make the syrup a few days ahead of time; store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Before your event, whisk all the cocktail ingredients together in a large pitcher without ice - it will keep for 3-4 hours in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, pour the drink mixture into individual glasses filled with ice, top with a splash of tonic water or club soda, and serve!
Please drink responsibly.
