Okay, listen up! If you’re looking for *that* perfect summer sip, something that just screams sunny days and relaxing evenings, you HAVE to try my Peach Basil Smash with Bourbon & Fresh Citrus. Seriously, this isn’t just a drink; it’s a whole mood in a glass! I started tinkering with fruit and bourbon smashes a few years back, and when peach season hits, this one is my absolute go-to. There’s something about the sweet peaches, the fragrant basil, and that warm hug from the bourbon that just works magic together. It’s bright, it’s fresh, and honestly, it’s way easier to make than it sounds. Forget complicated cocktails; this Peach Basil Smash with Bourbon & Fresh Citrus is all about simple, delicious ingredients coming together beautifully. Trust me on this one!

Why You’ll Love This Peach Basil Smash with Bourbon & Fresh Citrus

Okay, so why is this Peach Basil Smash with Bourbon & Fresh Citrus my absolute favorite when the weather gets warm? Let me tell you! It hits all the right notes:

It’s ridiculously refreshing. The citrus and fruit just brighten everything up.
Flavor explosion! You get the sweet peach, the herby basil, and the rich bourbon all playing together. It’s complex but totally approachable.
Super easy to whip up. No fancy techniques needed, just a little muddling and shaking.
Celebrates the season. It’s the perfect way to use those gorgeous, ripe summer peaches.
Fresh is best. Using fresh lemon juice makes a huge difference, trust me!

Honestly, it’s just a happy drink that makes you feel good.

Essential Ingredients for Your Peach Basil Smash with Bourbon & Fresh Citrus

Alright, let’s talk about what you need to make this magic happen. The beauty of the Peach Basil Smash with Bourbon & Fresh Citrus is that the ingredients are pretty straightforward, but picking good ones makes ALL the difference. You’ll need about 1.5 ounces of your favorite bourbon. Don’t go for the super top-shelf if you don’t want to, but something smooth is always nice.

Now, for the stars of the show: you’ll need about half a ripe peach. Ripe is key here! It should give a little when you gently squeeze it. Peel it and slice it up – we’re going to muddle it. Grab 3-4 fresh basil leaves. Like, *really* fresh, not wilty! You can smell the difference. You’ll also need about half an ounce of fresh lemon juice. Please, please, please squeeze it yourself; bottled stuff just isn’t the same. And finally, half an ounce of simple syrup. You can buy it, but it’s just equal parts sugar and water heated until dissolved. Easy peasy!

Equipment for Crafting a Perfect Peach Basil Smash with Bourbon & Fresh Citrus

Okay, you’ve got your delicious ingredients ready? Awesome! Now let’s talk about the tools you’ll need to bring this Peach Basil Smash with Bourbon & Fresh Citrus to life. You don’t need a professional bar setup, just a few key things. First up, a cocktail shaker. This is where all the chilling and mixing magic happens. You’ll also need a muddler. It’s basically a blunt tool you use to gently press the fruit and herbs to release their flavors – super important for this drink! And finally, a strainer. This keeps all those muddled bits and ice chips out of your beautiful finished drink. That’s pretty much it! Simple tools for a simply delicious cocktail.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Peach Basil Smash with Bourbon & Fresh Citrus

Alright, time to actually make this gorgeous drink! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a perfect Peach Basil Smash with Bourbon & Fresh Citrus in your hand in no time. Don’t rush it, enjoy the process! It’s pretty simple, but each step plays its part.

Here’s how you do it:

Grab your cocktail shaker and toss in those sliced peaches and fresh basil leaves.
Now, get your muddler ready. Gently press down on the peaches and basil. You’re not trying to annihilate them, just gently bruise the basil and break down the peaches a bit to release all those yummy juices and aromas.
Pour in your bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Everything goes in over the muddled fruit and herbs.
Fill the rest of your shaker with ice. Make sure there’s enough to really chill the drink down.
Put the lid on tight and shake, shake, shake! Shake it really well for about 15-20 seconds. You want the outside of the shaker to feel nice and frosty.
Get your glass ready – fill it with fresh ice.
Strain the mixture from the shaker into your ice-filled glass. You want to make sure you’re leaving those muddled bits behind.
If you like a little fizz, top it off with a splash of club soda or sparkling water. Totally optional, but it adds a nice touch!
Finally, garnish with a pretty peach slice and a fresh sprig of basil. Makes it look extra fancy!

And there you have it! Your very own Peach Basil Smash with Bourbon & Fresh Citrus, ready to enjoy.

Mastering the Muddle for Your Peach Basil Smash with Bourbon & Fresh Citrus

Muddling is key here! When you’re muddling the peaches and basil for your Peach Basil Smash with Bourbon & Fresh Citrus, think gentle pressure. You’re not trying to turn it into a paste. Just press and twist a few times until the peaches release their juice and you can really smell that fresh basil. This releases all the essential oils and flavors without making the drink cloudy or bitter.

Shaking and Straining Your Peach Basil Smash with Bourbon & Fresh Citrus

Once everything is in the shaker with ice, give it a good, vigorous shake! This does two things: it chills your Peach Basil Smash with Bourbon & Fresh Citrus down perfectly, and it helps dilute it just the right amount. When you’re straining, use a fine-mesh strainer if you have one, or just the one built into your shaker, to keep all those little bits of peach and basil out for a smooth sip. You want the liquid gold, not the pulp!

Tips for the Best Peach Basil Smash with Bourbon & Fresh Citrus

Okay, so you’ve got the steps down, but here are a few little secrets I’ve picked up to make your Peach Basil Smash with Bourbon & Fresh Citrus go from good to *OMG amazing*. First off, those peaches? They absolutely HAVE to be ripe. Seriously, if they’re hard, you won’t get that sweet, juicy goodness. Taste your peach before you muddle it! Also, don’t be afraid to play with the simple syrup. Start with the half ounce, but if your peaches aren’t super sweet or you just like things a bit sweeter, add a tiny splash more. And I know I said it before, but fresh basil is non-negotiable. It makes such a difference in the aroma and flavor.

My personal tip? After you strain it into the glass, give the basil garnish a little gentle clap between your hands before adding it. It releases the fragrance and makes the whole drink smell incredible!

Variations on the Peach Basil Smash with Bourbon & Fresh Citrus

The classic Peach Basil Smash with Bourbon & Fresh Citrus is fantastic, but sometimes it’s fun to mix things up a bit! The great thing about this recipe is how adaptable it is. If you don’t have peaches, try swapping them out for other stone fruits like nectarines or even plums when they’re in season. They’ll give you a slightly different flavor profile but still work beautifully with the basil and citrus.

Feel free to play with the herbs too! Mint is a super classic pairing with peaches and bourbon, so a Peach Mint Smash is a winner. Or maybe try a little rosemary if you’re feeling adventurous? It adds a cool, earthy note. And while bourbon is my favorite here, you can absolutely make a delicious version with vodka or gin if that’s more your style. Vodka keeps it clean and lets the fruit shine, while gin adds its own botanical complexity. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect smash!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Peach Basil Smash with Bourbon & Fresh Citrus

Okay, I know when you find a drink you love, you start asking questions! So let’s tackle a few common ones about this Peach Basil Smash with Bourbon & Fresh Citrus.

Can I make a big batch of this for a party? Absolutely! You can multiply the ingredients and muddle a larger quantity of peaches and basil in a pitcher. Then, add the bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir it really well! I recommend chilling this mixture in the fridge, but wait to add ice until just before serving individual drinks. Pour over ice in glasses and add a splash of club soda if you like.

What if fresh peaches aren’t in season? Can I use frozen or canned? Fresh, ripe peaches are definitely best for that vibrant flavor and easy muddling. Frozen peaches *can* work, let them thaw a bit first, but the texture might be a little different. Canned peaches are usually too soft and sweet, and often packed in syrup, which messes with the sugar balance. If fresh aren’t available, maybe try one of the fruit variations instead!

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh? Oh, please no! Dried herbs are totally different from fresh ones. Dried basil won’t give you that bright, fragrant, slightly peppery note that makes this smash so special. Fresh is essential here, trust me. If fresh basil is hard to find, maybe try a different herb variation like mint.

My drink isn’t sweet enough/too sweet. What happened? Peaches vary in sweetness, and everyone’s taste is different! Start with the recommended amount of simple syrup, taste after you’ve mixed everything (before adding ice to the serving glass), and add a tiny bit more simple syrup if needed. If it’s too sweet, a little extra squeeze of lemon juice can help balance it out.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just a quick note on the numbers! Based on the ingredients for one serving of this Peach Basil Smash with Bourbon & Fresh Citrus, here’s a rough idea of the nutritional breakdown. Remember, these are just estimates and can change depending on the specific brands you use and the exact size of your peach! You’re looking at about 250 calories, with around 20g of sugar, about 5mg of sodium, and pretty much zero fat, cholesterol, or protein. You’ll get a little bit of fiber and carbs from the fruit. Enjoy responsibly!

Enjoy Your Creation

Alright, you’ve done it! You’ve made yourself a gorgeous Peach Basil Smash with Bourbon & Fresh Citrus. Now, the best part: kick back, take a sip, and just savor it. It’s summer in a glass, right? I really hope you love it as much as I do. If you make it, please come back and tell me how it turned out in the comments below! Or even better, snap a pic and share it on social media – tag me so I can see your beautiful creation!

Peach Basil Smash with 250 Calories of Joy

Author: cocktailmixguide.com
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing bourbon cocktail featuring fresh peaches, basil, and citrus.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 oz bourbon
1/2 ripe peach, peeled and sliced
3–4 fresh basil leaves
1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
Ice
Club soda or sparkling water (optional)

Instructions

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the peach slices and basil leaves.
Add the bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
Top with club soda or sparkling water if desired.
Garnish with a peach slice and a basil sprig.

Notes

Adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Use ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor.
Fresh basil is essential for this recipe.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Drink
Method: Muddled
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cocktail
Calories: 250
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Peach, Basil, Bourbon, Cocktail, Citrus, Smash