The peachy bourbon smash is made for relaxed Friday evenings
There are very few things in life as satisfying as a cold cocktail made with perfectly ripe peaches, honey syrup and fresh mint.
The word “smash” has been used in cocktail making for well over a century, usually for drinks made with spirits, sugar, fresh herbs, fruit and crushed or muddled ice. Think of the Peach Smash as the julep’s fruitier cousin. A classic julep is prepared by gently stirring or pressing mint to release its oils without bruising the leaves. In contrast, a smash typically involves aggressively mashing both the herbs and the fruit to extract their juices and flavours.
Bourbon works well in this cocktail recipe because it brings warmth and depth. Its notes of vanilla, oak and caramel sit beautifully with peach, which is why the pairing feels so natural. Honey syrup adds soft sweetness without making the drink sticky, while fresh lemon juice cuts through the fruit. Soda water finishes it with a gentle fizz.
You can also play with the recipe. Swap the bourbon for gin if you want something crisp. Use white rum for a softer, more tropical version, or try a light golden rum for a little extra warmth. A few basil leaves muddled with the peach will give the drink a lovely savoury edge, while raspberries or strawberries will turn it a blush pink. If you don’t have fresh peaches, nectarines work well, too.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe peach, sliced (plus an extra slice for garnish)
- 60ml bourbon
- 20ml honey syrup (equal parts honey and warm water, stirred together)
- 20ml fresh lemon juice
- Soda water, to top
- Fresh mint, to garnish
- Ice, to serve
Method
- Add the peach slices to the base of a sturdy tumbler glass and muddle firmly until the fruit releases its juice.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Pour over the bourbon, honey syrup and fresh lemon juice.
- Stir well to combine everything.
- Top up with chilled soda water.
