A refreshing twist on the classic whiskey smash brings together juicy peaches, fragrant basil, and smooth bourbon in one glass. This easy-to-make cocktail needs just 5 minutes of prep time and combines fresh summer fruits with aromatic herbs for a perfect drink.
The sweet notes of ripe peaches blend with the bright, peppery taste of fresh basil leaves. A splash of lemon juice adds tang, while the bourbon gives warmth and depth to each sip.
This drink works great for backyard parties or relaxed evenings at home. The recipe makes one cocktail but can be doubled or tripled to serve more guests.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Muddler
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Rocks glass
- Ice crusher or Lewis bag (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 2 ripe peach slices
- 4-5 fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- Crushed ice
- Peach slice and basil sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Place peach slices and basil leaves in the cocktail shaker.
- Muddle gently until the peaches release their juice and the basil becomes fragrant.
- Add bourbon, simple syrup, and lemon juice to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake for 10-15 seconds.
- Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice.
- Double strain the mixture into the glass to remove any fruit pieces or basil fragments.
- Garnish with a fresh peach slice and basil sprig.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
The Peach Basil Whiskey Smash brings sweet and herbal notes together in perfect balance. Fresh peach juice adds natural sweetness while muddled basil provides an aromatic green element.
On the first sip, the whiskey’s warm oak and vanilla flavors come through clearly. The peach follows with its subtle sweetness and bright summer fruit taste.
Crushed basil leaves add an herbal freshness that cuts through the richness. The combination creates a drink that’s both refreshing and complex.
Key Flavor Components:
- Sweet peach
- Fresh basil
- Oak and vanilla from whiskey
- Light citrus notes
- Subtle honey undertones
The texture is smooth yet invigorating from the crushed ice. Each sip starts crisp and ends with a gentle warmth from the whiskey.
The aroma combines fresh herbs, ripe peach, and whiskey’s characteristic scent. These scents enhance the drinking experience.
This cocktail works best in warm weather when peaches are at their peak ripeness. The fresh ingredients make each glass taste bright and lively.
Substitute
You can swap ingredients in this cocktail to match what you have on hand. Instead of peaches, use nectarines, plums, or apricots. These stone fruits bring similar sweet and tangy notes to the drink.
For the whiskey base, try bourbon, rye, or Irish whiskey. Each type adds its own character – bourbon brings sweetness, rye adds spice, and Irish whiskey offers smooth grain notes.
No fresh basil? Mint makes an excellent stand-in. You’ll get a cool, refreshing flavor that works well with the fruit and whiskey. Other herbs like thyme or rosemary can work too.
Simple syrup alternatives:
- Honey syrup
- Agave nectar
- Maple syrup
Skip the citrus press and use bottled lemon juice if needed. While fresh-squeezed is best, bottled juice works in a pinch. Use 1/2 ounce of bottled juice to replace one lemon.
For a non-alcoholic version, replace the whiskey with strong-brewed black tea or ginger beer. Add an extra splash of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
