A tantalizing Bourbon drink that is both refreshing and self-indulgent. This Basil and Fresh Peach Bourbon Cocktail begins with muddled fresh peaches and basil. It finishes with a stiff dose of bourbon.
Summertime is right around the corner …
And you know what that means? Warm summer evenings sitting on our backyard deck sipping a nice cold cocktail, having friends over for an after-work happy hour, taking long walks with our two Goldendoodles, Springtime flower planting, and the list goes on and on. The warmth of the sunshine on my face always makes me happy. Especially after the chilling winter that we’ve had here in the Midwest. And the freshness of this Basil and Peach Bourbon cocktail is another reason to be glad!
Why I love this Cocktail Recipe
Bourbon and peaches are a beautiful combination. The sweetness of a ripe peach adds an amazing dimension to the bourbon. When you factor these two lovely ingredients together, they are as perfect as peanut butter and chocolate, hugs and kisses, cookies and milk, sugar and spice (and everything nice). Need I go on? I think you get my drift.
Basil is the secret ingredient that intensifies this drink. Not only does it add freshness, but there’s such a rich quality to basil that enhances the flavors of both the peach and bourbon.
It’s a wonderful summertime drink. Friday evenings after a long hard week, sitting under an umbrella that shades me from the remaining sun of the day and sipping on this refreshing peach and bourbon cocktail. You guys, it just doesn’t get any better than that.
This is such a simple cocktail that can be either single-serve or a pitcher for a party. It takes about 5 minutes to pull this lovely libation together, a little more if you are making a larger batch.
Let the Muddling Begin
This bourbon cocktail starts with muddling fresh peach slices and basil together. An over-ripe peach is the best as it holds inside itself that sweet, rich flavor. Cube half a peach and combine with about 5 or 6 large basil leaves in the bottom of a rocks glass. Muddle these together with a wooden “muddler.”
I used a mortar and pestle because, for some reason, I feel empowered when I’m crushing and grinding with this ancient tool. The aroma created by these two simple ingredients is the temptation that entices me further into this sipping journey.
Basil and Fresh Peach Bourbon Cocktail – Smooth but Stout
Simple syrup (which is one part boiling water to one part sugar, then cooled) is what keeps the bourbon in check. Otherwise, it would overpower the drink. Simple syrup amplifies the sweetness of the peach and combines it perfectly with the bourbon.
The final product is smooth but stout which is personally, the way I like to have my cocktails. Not too sweet and not too alcohol forward. Easy drinking with a punch. And believe me, this punch will “get you” if you enjoy a few too many.
Chunks of Booze Soaked Peaches
An added bonus to this bourbon cocktail is the booze-soaked fruit. You don’t want to muddle to a mushy mess because the chunks of peaches at the bottom of the glass are as delightful as the drink itself. What a brilliant idea! You get to eat your drink.
Cocktails are a way to wind down after a hard day, to relax and reflect on your week and to indulge in a little bit of enjoyment. Therefore, I’m gonna slow down long enough this evening to sip a Basil and Fresh Peach Bourbon Cocktail and remind myself that “life is good” and “I deserve this.”
If you haven’t had a chance to check out some other peach recipes of mine, click on the links below.
Peach Upside-Down Cake
Fresh Peach Arugula Salad
Fruit-Stuffed Pork Roast with Peach Glaze
Peach Preserves with Cherries and Pecans
Please consider following me on Pinterest – Lingeralittle
PrintBasil and Fresh Peach Bourbon Cocktail
A tantalizing Bourbon drink that is both refreshing and self-indulgent. This Basil and Fresh Peach Bourbon Cocktail begins with muddled fresh peaches and basil. It finishes with a stiff dose of bourbon.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 Cocktail 1x
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/2 large Ripe Peach, peeled and cut in cubes
- 5 to 6 large Basil Leaves
- Juice from 1/2 large Lemon
- 1 to 1 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (sweetness preference)
- 2 – 3 oz Bourbon (stout preference)
- Basil leaves for garnishment
- Peach Slices for garnishment
Instructions
- Muddle the peach and basil in a rocks glass.
- Add the fresh lemon juice and simple syrup.
- Add bourbon and stir together.
- Add crushed ice to fill the glass. Garnish with peach slices and basil leaves.
Notes
- Simple syrup is “simply” one cup of sugar (I use xylosweet for a substitute) dissolved into 1 cup boiling water and cooled. Store simple syrup in the refrigerator up to one month.
- An over-ripe peach for muddling is the best because it is extra sweet with a rich peach flavor.
- An added bonus to this bourbon cocktail is the booze-soaked fruit. You don’t want to muddle to a mushy mess because the chunks of peaches at the bottom of the glass are as delightful as the drink itself.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Cocktail
- Calories: 253
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 4 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: bourbon cocktail, bourbon cocktail recipes, bourbon cocktails summer, drinks with bourbon
I can’t believe it’s September already, and like you, I’ll be sad to see peach season go. This cocktail is absolutely gorgeous and I wish I had one to help me celebrate the weekend. Good thing there’s still a bit of time for me to try your recipe. 🙂
Thanks so much Jean for stopping by. Hope your weekend has been great and you were able to enjoy a good cocktail, or two.
I tried this recipe last summer and I’m so happy peach season is upon us again to revisit it.
★★★★★
Hi Erin. I so very much agree! Thanks so much for coming back.
Those bourbon-infused peaches sound fantastic! I’m planning a trip over into SC soon to pick peaches, and I think I know how I’ll use a couple of ’em! I’m a sucker for anything with bourbon, and this sounds like my kinda cocktail!
★★★★★