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Bourbon Peach Smash - A Bright, Refreshing Summer Cocktail

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Ripe peaches: 1 medium peach, pitted and sliced (or 4–5 frozen slices, thawed)
  • Fresh mint: About 8–10 mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
  • Bourbon: 2 ounces per cocktail; choose a smooth, mid-range bourbon
  • Lemon juice: 3/4 ounce fresh-squeezed (about 1 1/2 tablespoons)
  • Simple syrup: 1/2 to 3/4 ounce, to taste (equal parts sugar and water)
  • Fresh ginger (optional but great): 2–3 thin slices or a 1/4 teaspoon grated
  • Crushed ice: For texture and dilution
  • Sparkling water (optional): A splash for lift
  • Garnish: Peach slice and a mint sprig

Method
 

  1. Prep your glass: Use a rocks glass or a sturdy short tumbler. Fill it with crushed ice and set it aside to chill.
  2. Muddle the base: In a cocktail shaker, add the peach slices, mint leaves, and ginger. Pour in the simple syrup. Use a muddler to press and twist gently until the peaches are juicy and the mint is fragrant. You want to bruise the mint, not shred it.
  3. Add citrus and bourbon: Pour in the lemon juice and bourbon. Fill the shaker with ice.
  4. Shake it: Shake vigorously for about 12–15 seconds, until the shaker feels chilled and frosty.
  5. Strain and serve: Dump the ice from your glass. Add fresh crushed ice. Strain the cocktail over the ice. For a smoother drink, use a fine-mesh strainer to catch mint bits and peach pulp.
  6. Finish with fizz (optional): Add a small splash of sparkling water if you like a lighter, spritzier finish.
  7. Garnish: Tuck in a mint sprig and a fresh peach slice. Give the mint a gentle slap between your palms first to release its aroma.