Looking for a fresh cocktail with seasonal ingredients? Try this peach and basil bourbon smash with a sweet and herbal flavor profile. Easy to make at home with a few simple ingredients.
There’s nothing better than a fresh cocktail made with real ingredients like seasonal fruits and herbs from the garden. At the end of summer and beginning of fall, peaches are ready to be picked in New York and fresh basil is still growing in my garden. This sweet and herbal flavor combination is perfect for a fresh and delicious bourbon cocktail to make at home.
Basil is a lovely herb to pair with fruit and it really adds something different to this cocktail. If you love fresh cocktails then I highly recommend growing some fresh basil at home and adding it to different cocktails.
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What is a Smash cocktail?
There’s no real wrong or right way to make a smash cocktail but it usually involves muddling fruit and herbs with a spirit. It’s one of the best ways to get creative with cocktails and fresh ingredients.
Bar tools you will need
For this cocktail you will need a muddler but if you don’t have one you could use the bottom of a wooden spoon. You will also need a cocktail shaker (can substitute mason jar or metal coffee mug), something to measure with (jigger, small measuring cup or shot glass) and a knife to cut the fruit. I really love using my bar knife for cocktails.
How to muddle
When muddling herbs and fruit in a cocktail be gentle, there’s no need to actually smash the ingredients. You want to release the oils and juices not create a puree. Try gently muddling with a twisting motion with a large muddler like this one from Viski.
🍹 Home Bar Supplies You Might Need: 🍹
Before you start whipping out the ingredients to make this drink, make sure you have these essential bar tools in your kitchen first (or shop for them here):
What Bourbon to use
The great thing about a smash is the ability to get creative. Use your favorite bourbon or whiskey or even try another spirit like vodka or gin. If you want to make it a mocktail you can even use a non alcoholic spirit instead for a zero proof drink.
How to make a honey syrup
Honey syrup is very easy to make at home. I prefer to use honey syrup over simple in cocktails like this one. It pairs very well with bourbon and adds much more flavor. To make a honey syrup at home, just add one part honey and one part water to a microwave safe measuring cup and microwave for 1-2 minutes. Stir until the honey dissolves and allow to cool before using.
Peach and Basil Bourbon Smash Recipe
Peach and Basil Bourbon Smash
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz honey syrup
- 5 peach sliced
- 4 basil leaves
Instructions
- Muddle the peaches and basil in the bottom of a cocktail shaker.
- Add bourbon, honey syrup, lemon juice and ice.
- Shake and strain over ice.
I love the cocktail picks in the photo. Where can I purchase them? I couldnt find them on your Amazon link.
Unfortunately I don’t have a link for them, I purchased them from Etsy several years ago.