Whiskey Peach Smash Cocktail Recipe

The Whiskey Peach Smash is a cocktail credited with being created by Del the Gruff in the late 1980s. At a time when fresh ingredients in cocktails were not as popular as they are today, the drink quickly attracted the attention of people thanks to the use of seasonal ingredients, becoming a modern classic drink.

Whiskey Peach Smash is a cocktail often prevalent in the summer when fresh fruits are fresh and diverse. This refreshing, fruity, mint-flavored cocktail is perfect for backyard parties, barbecues, or any summer gathering.

Whiskey Peach Smash

Whiskey Peach Smash Cocktail Recipe

Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 4 minutes
Course Drinks

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Double old-fashioned glass
  • Muddler
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Fine mesh strainer

Ingredients
  

  • 2 oz Bourbon Bourbon can be substituted with another type of whiskey.
  • 1 oz Dry Curacao Dry Curacao can be replaced by Triple Sec.
  • 1 Lemon
  • 1 Peach around 40 grams or two large slices
  • A handful of mint leaves Fresh mint can be replaced with mint syrup or basil for a twist.

Instructions
 

  • Cut one lemon lengthwise and make 3-4 pieces of that half. Cut your peach to yield about 40 grams, roughly two large slices.
    1 Lemon, 1 Peach
  • Place the lemon pieces and peach slices into the cocktail shaker. Use a muddler to extract the juice and oils from the fruits.
  • Add 2 oz of bourbon and 1 oz of dry Curacao to the shaker. Put a handful of mint leaves (spank them first to release oils) into the shaker.
    2 oz Bourbon, 1 oz Dry Curacao
  • Fill the shaker with ice and shake well for about 10 seconds.
  • Strain the mixture into a double old-fashioned glass filled with ice. This may take a while due to the fruit and herbs; patience is key.
  • Add a couple of peach slices and a fresh mint bouquet.
    A handful of mint leaves

Video

Notes

Pro Tips for Success:

  • The quality of your peach will make or break this cocktail. Make sure they're ripe, juicy, and in season.
  • Spanking the mint leaves before adding them releases their natural oils, elevating the drink's flavor.
  • Take your time to fine strain the drink to remove all bits of fruit and mint. This results in a cleaner, more enjoyable cocktail.

Nutrition:

  • Calories: Approx 250
  • Sugar: Approx 15g
  • Carbs: Approx 20g
Keyword Whiskey Peach Smash Cocktail Recipe

What does smash mean in a cocktail?

In the cocktail world, the term “smash” denotes a group of drinks that includes spirits, some form of sweetener (sugar, syrup), herbs (usually mint), and fruit according to season. These ingredients are “smashed” or mixed together to release flavors and oils, hence the name.

Smash can be served with crushed ice or regular ice cubes and is often considered part of the Julep family. They’re a remarkably versatile group of cocktails, adaptable to whatever fruits and herbs are in season. This is why you’ll find variations like the Whiskey Peach Smash during the peach season or perhaps the Berry Mint Smash during the summer months when berries are abundant.

The bang can be as straightforward or complex as you like, but the key to a delicious bang is the freshness of the ingredients. The wine blending process extracts essential flavors from herbs and fruits, blending them with the chosen wine to create a balanced, refreshing drink.

What is the difference between Whisky Sour and Whisky Smash?

The Whiskey Sour and Whiskey Smash are classic cocktails featuring whiskey as the primary spirit. Still, there are several key differences between the two:

  • Fruit and Herbs: The Whiskey Smash usually involves muddled fruit and herbs, most commonly mint, and seasonal fruits like lemon or berries. The Whiskey Sour traditionally uses only lemon juice without additional muddled fruits or herbs.
  • Preparation: A Whiskey Smash is typically made by muddling or “smashing” the ingredients together to release their flavors. At the same time, a Whiskey Sour is generally shaken but has yet to be muddled.
  • Sweetener: Both drinks use a form of sweetener, but the Whiskey Smash often allows for more flexibility, accommodating the sweetness of the muddled fruit. The Whiskey Sour traditionally uses simple syrup or sugar.
  • Presentation: Whiskey Smashes are often more decorative, garnished with sprigs of herbs and slices of fruit. Whiskey Sours are usually more straightforward, often garnished simply with a cherry or a slice of lemon.
  • Ice: Smashes are usually served over crushed ice, making them colder and more refreshing. Sours are typically served either neat or over larger ice cubes.
  • Complexity of Flavors: Due to the muddled fruits and herbs, a Whiskey Smash will typically have a more complex flavor profile compared to the cleaner, more straightforward tartness of a Whiskey Sour.
  • Occasion: The Whiskey Smash is often considered a more seasonal drink, its ingredients varying based on fresh and available ingredients. The Whiskey Sour is a classic that can be enjoyed year-round.