Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 oz Bourbon: Choose a good-quality bourbon, as it will be the base of the cocktail. A smooth and mellow bourbon works best to complement the fruity flavors.; 1/2 Peach (fresh, sliced): Ripe peaches are essential for the sweetness and juicy texture they provide to the drink. You can use frozen peaches if fresh ones aren’t in season.; 1/4 cup Mixed Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.): Fresh or frozen mixed berries will add a tangy, tart balance to the sweetness of the peach.; 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice: The lemon juice adds a burst of acidity that brings all the flavors together and helps cut through the sweetness of the fruit.; 1/2 oz Simple Syrup: Simple syrup sweetens the cocktail without adding any extra texture or grittiness from sugar granules. You can adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.; 6-8 Fresh Mint Leaves: The mint adds a refreshing and aromatic quality to the drink, enhancing the overall flavor profile.; Club Soda or Sparkling Water: A splash of club soda or sparkling water is optional but adds a fizzy element that lightens up the drink and makes it more refreshing.; Ice: Crushed ice or ice cubes help chill the drink and dilute it slightly for a smoother sip.

The Peach Berry Bourbon Smash is a refreshing and vibrant cocktail that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of ripe peaches and berries with the bold kick of bourbon. This drink is perfect for summer gatherings, BBQs, or any time you’re looking to impress your guests with a unique and flavorful beverage. The combination of fresh fruits, bourbon, and a hint of mint creates a well-balanced cocktail that is both sweet and slightly tart, with a hint of smokiness from the bourbon. Whether you’re a bourbon lover or new to this classic spirit, the Peach Berry Bourbon Smash is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients:

To make the Peach Berry Bourbon Smash, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 oz Bourbon: Choose a good-quality bourbon, as it will be the base of the cocktail. A smooth and mellow bourbon works best to complement the fruity flavors.
1/2 Peach (fresh, sliced): Ripe peaches are essential for the sweetness and juicy texture they provide to the drink. You can use frozen peaches if fresh ones aren’t in season.
1/4 cup Mixed Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.): Fresh or frozen mixed berries will add a tangy, tart balance to the sweetness of the peach.
1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice: The lemon juice adds a burst of acidity that brings all the flavors together and helps cut through the sweetness of the fruit.
1/2 oz Simple Syrup: Simple syrup sweetens the cocktail without adding any extra texture or grittiness from sugar granules. You can adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.
6-8 Fresh Mint Leaves: The mint adds a refreshing and aromatic quality to the drink, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Club Soda or Sparkling Water: A splash of club soda or sparkling water is optional but adds a fizzy element that lightens up the drink and makes it more refreshing.
Ice: Crushed ice or ice cubes help chill the drink and dilute it slightly for a smoother sip.

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Start by washing the berries thoroughly. If you’re using fresh peaches, slice half of the peach into wedges or cubes. If you’re using frozen peaches, let them thaw slightly. For the mixed berries, you can use a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, or any berry of your choice.

Step 2: Muddle the Fruits and Mint

In a cocktail shaker or glass, place the sliced peaches and mixed berries. Add the fresh mint leaves on top. Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, gently mash the fruit and mint together. The goal is to release the juices from the fruit and the oils from the mint leaves without completely pulverizing them.

Step 3: Add Bourbon and Lemon Juice

Pour in the bourbon and the fresh lemon juice. Lemon juice brightens the flavors and balances the sweetness of the peach and berries. Stir the mixture gently to combine all the ingredients.

Step 4: Add Simple Syrup

Pour in the simple syrup. Taste the mixture and add more simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink. Stir the cocktail to ensure the syrup dissolves evenly with the rest of the ingredients.

Step 5: Add Ice and Shake

Fill the shaker or glass with ice and shake well for about 10-15 seconds to chill the drink. If you’re using a cocktail shaker, strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice. If you’re making the drink in a glass, you can serve it directly over the muddled fruit mixture and ice.

Variations:

While the Peach Berry Bourbon Smash is delicious as it is, you can easily experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make the cocktail your own.

Spicy Peach Berry Bourbon Smash: Add a few slices of jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the muddling process to bring a spicy kick to your cocktail.
Herbal Twist: Swap the mint for basil or thyme for a different herbal note.
Ginger Peach Berry Bourbon Smash: Add a splash of ginger beer or ginger syrup for a spicy, fizzy version of the cocktail.
Frozen Peach Berry Bourbon Smash: For a slushier, frozen version, blend the peaches, berries, bourbon, and ice together until smooth, and serve in a chilled glass.

Cooking Note:

When making the Peach Berry Bourbon Smash, be sure to use ripe fruit to get the most flavor out of your ingredients. If you prefer a less sweet drink, you can reduce the amount of simple syrup or use a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup. If you’re making this cocktail for a crowd, consider making a large batch by multiplying the ingredients and serving it in a pitcher for easy access.

Serving Suggestions:

The Peach Berry Bourbon Smash is perfect for summer evenings, outdoor BBQs, or as a refreshing drink during brunch. Serve it in tall glasses or old-fashioned glasses to showcase the vibrant fruit colors. You can garnish with a sprig of mint, a slice of peach, or a few extra berries for added decoration.

Pair it with light appetizers such as:

Grilled shrimp skewers
Soft cheese and crackers
Caprese salad
Fresh fruit salad
Charcuterie board with cured meats and olives

Tips:

Adjust the sweetness: Depending on the ripeness of your fruit, you may want to adjust the amount of simple syrup. Start with a little and taste as you go to ensure it’s not too sweet.
Use fresh mint: Fresh mint makes a huge difference in the overall flavor profile. Avoid using dried mint as it doesn’t release the same aromatic oils.
Chill your glass: For an extra touch of refreshment, chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving the drink.
Try different fruits: Experiment with other fruits, such as raspberries, blackberries, or even watermelon, for a unique twist on this cocktail.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: None (No cooking involved)

Total Time: 10 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 200 kcal
Protein: 0 g
Sodium: 5 mg
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Sugar: 22 g
Fiber: 2 g
Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Note: The nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on the specific ingredients and amounts used.

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different spirit instead of bourbon?

Yes! You can substitute bourbon with whiskey, rum, or even vodka. However, the flavor of the drink will change depending on the spirit you choose.

2. Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the muddled fruit and bourbon mixture in advance and refrigerate it. Just add the ice and club soda or sparkling water when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I use frozen fruit for the Peach Berry Bourbon Smash?

Yes, frozen fruit can work just as well as fresh fruit, especially for the berries. Just make sure to thaw the frozen peaches slightly before using them.

4. Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this drink?

Absolutely! You can omit the bourbon and use sparkling water or a non-alcoholic bourbon substitute for a delicious mocktail version of the Peach Berry Bourbon Smash.

Conclusion:

The Peach Berry Bourbon Smash is a delightful and refreshing cocktail that brings together the best of summer’s flavors in a glass. The combination of fresh peaches, mixed berries, and bourbon creates a harmonious balance of sweetness, tartness, and depth. Whether you’re sipping it on a warm summer evening or serving it at your next gathering, this cocktail is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its versatility and easy preparation, the Peach Berry Bourbon Smash is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their cocktail game. Cheers to good times and great drinks!

Author: Imili Johnson
Total Time: 10 minutes

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