Made with the juiciest, sweetest summer peaches, this Sweet Bourbon Peach Smash is the best Bourbon Peach Cocktail. It’s also only 5 ingredients and requires zero fancy bar tools!
This cocktail was inspired by peaches my grandparents gave me from their peach tree in their backyard. It’s currently exploding with the ripest, juiciest peaches. We can’t eat them fast enough which I know is a GOOD problem to have.
The funny thing is I really don’t remember them having this peach tree and was shocked to see it last time I went over to their house. I am not sure how I missed it for the last almost 26 years of my life as this is NOT a new tree. It is in the back of the yard so I’ll give myself that, but it is not a small tree. I always thought attention to detail was one of my strong suits, but now I am not so sure…
bourbon vs. whiskey
Now, fresh peaches is a big component of this cocktail, but bourbon is the second most prominent ingredient. And because I questioned the difference between bourbon and whiskey, I figure you might wonder the same thing! If you’re a bourbon aficionado, just skip right past this.
Taste of Home did a really awesome article on this topic where they go into a ton of detail. If you’re interested, feel free to check it out: Bourbon vs. Whiskey: What’s the Difference?
But the reader’s digest version is all bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is bourbon. Meaning bourbon is a specific type of whiskey. It’s generally thought to be a bit smoother than whiskey and have lovely hints of sweetness and oak. And did you know almost all bourbon is produced in Kentucky? Have any of you been?
Finally, most bourbons are vegan. I actually have not come across one that is not, but if you’re ever curious if your alcohol is vegan, check Barnivore! It’s the largest extensive resource that will tell you if your alcohol is or is not vegan. Very helpful and insightful!
In a pinch, you can substitute whiskey for the bourbon in this recipe, but if you have bourbon or get the chance to pick some up, give it a try! It really does pair so nicely with the sweetness of the peach.
ginger beer
Another key ingredient in this recipe is ginger beer! If you’ve never had it before, please do not get it confused with ginger ale. The two are not one in the same. Ginger ale is essentially carbonated soda and really does not taste like ginger at all. Ginger beer, on the other hand, does have a spicy ginger bite! Or, at least it should. I have tried ginger beer in other cocktails and did not love it, but it really works well here by balancing out the sweetness.
There are also many different brands of ginger beer out there and each one vary in taste. I found this article, 11 Best Ginger Beers by Love and Olive Oil to be really informative! It goes into detail on 11 different types of ginger beers and what they would be good for. If you’ve never tried ginger beer before or hesitant about the spice factor, you may be interested in going for a milder option or even carbonated seltzer.
Besides this bourbon peach smash being incredibly refreshing and delicious, it’s also VERY easy. Muddle your peaches, add in the lemon juice, bourbon, grenadine and ice. Give it a shake. Strain it into your drinking glass and top with ginger beer. Garnish with a peach slice, if desired.
That simple!
If you give this recipe a try, please share it with me on social media! You can find me on Facebook and Instagram. I love connecting with you and seeing what recipes you’re enjoying!
More summer cocktails you may be interested in:
Sweet Bourbon Peach Smash
Ingredients
- 1 large yellow peach plus more for garnish
- 2 ounces Bourbon can substitute whiskey
- 1 ounce grenadine can substitute maple syrup
- ½ ounce lemon juice
- ginger beer for topping (can substitute seltzer water, but I recommend the ginger beer)
- Ice
Instructions
- In a 16 ounce glass or jar with a lid (or cocktail shaker), muddle the peach well to release all the juices.
- Add in the bourbon, grenadine, lemon juice and ice. Add the lid and shake well to combine.
- Strain peach bourbon mixture over ice into your drinking glass.
- Top off glass with ginger beer. Garnish with peach slice if desired.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Be sure to muddle the peach really well and get out as much juice as possible. Best results if peach is very very ripe and soft.
I love this refershing drink.