It's Peach Season—Here's How to Make a Whiskey Cocktail with the Stone Fruit

Yahoo

2 days ago

Celebrate peak peach season with a Palisade Peach Whiskey Smash that's made with ripe peach puree, mint syrup, and Colorado whiskey for a perfect summer sip.
It's the peak of peach season in many parts of the country, including in Colorado where I'm from. It's my favorite time of year to scoop up the stone fruit at farmers market and make peach everything—panzanella salads, cobbler, and marinades for pork chops.
But one of my favorite ways to incorporate juicy ripe peaches into recipes is with a cocktail.
If you've ever had a Palisade peach, you know they're something special. Grown on Colorado's Western Slope, which is where Colorado's wine country is located, these peaches are big, sweet, and incredibly juicy thanks to the warm days and cool nights in the region.
Stranahan's, a Colorado whiskey maker, has provided its go-to recipe for toasting to peach season. The peach whiskey smash is made with a peach puree from Colorado's Palisade peaches but any local to your area will do the trick. (Pro tip: To make a peach puree, just peel and pit a ripe peach, then blend it until smooth. If it's too thick, you can add a splash of water or lemon juice to get the consistency just right.)
I love these elegant rocks glasses for whiskey drinks, including smashes:
Here's how to make a peach whiskey smash, the perfect late-summer cocktail.
Stranahan's Palisade Peach Whiskey Smash Recipe
2 oz Stranahan's Blue Peak Single Malt Whiskey
1 oz peach puree
1 oz mint syrup*
0.5 oz lemon juice
2 dashes Peach Bitters
2 dashes Orange Bitters
Garnish: Mint sprig and dried peach wheel
Instructions:
1. Add ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake.
2. Strain over ice in the glass.
This cocktail pairs wonderfully with dishes that let summer ingredients shine. Think backyard happy hour or a sunset dinner on the patio.
Here are a few ideas:
Grilled pork chops or chicken with a peach glaze or herb marinade.
Prosciutto-wrapped peaches or melon
Panzanella salad loaded with heirloom tomatoes, peaches, and fresh basil, and mozzarella pearls.
A cheeseboard with creamy goat cheese, sharp cheddar, fresh fruit, and a drizzle of honey.
Peach cobbler or shortbread cookies if you're ending the night on a sweet note.
* A Quick Note on Mint Syrup
You can usually find mint syrup at well-stocked liquor stores or online, but it's also super easy to make at home—especially if you've got an overflowing mint plant in your garden!
To make a quick mint syrup:
Combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, and a big handful of fresh mint leaves in a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let it steep for about 10 to 15 minutes, then strain out the mint and let the syrup cool. Store it in the fridge for up to a week. It's great in everything from cocktails to iced tea and lemonades.