Ginger-Peach Smash – Cocktail of the Week

It's peach season at the Jersey Shore, and the pickings are pretty good!

Why not use a ripe, juicy peach to flavor a yummy cocktail?

I suppose you could substitute canned peach puree for this, but fresh really is best here!

This Ginger-Peach Smash is perfectly summery, and fairly easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz bourbon
• .5 oz. ginger liqueur (like Domaine de Canton)
• 1 Tbl. fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
• 1 small (or 1/2 large) fresh peach, sliced
• ginger ale (optional)
• simple syrup (optional)

In a rocks glass, muddle the peach slices with the lemon juice until the fruit is broken down into a puree. (If you don't want the pulp in your drink, you could strain the mixture into a different glass but ugh, more work.) Depending on the sweetness of the peach, you may want to add a bit of simple syrup. Add a few ice cubes, along with the bourbon, ginger liqueur, and stir. If you want a little fizz (and extra sweetness) top with a little ginger ale.

Switch it up:

Try a different liquor: Irish or Canadian whisk(e)y, vodka, or rum would work.
Add a little fresh ginger to the peach when you muddle it.

*Please drink responsibly.*