The Bourbon Peach Cocktail is the perfect summer libation, blending the warmth of bourbon with the sweetness of ripe peaches for truly refreshing sips! Featuring bourbon, fresh basil, ginger syrup, peach nectar, and lemon juice.

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Bourbon Peach Cocktail with Ginger and Basil

I’ve been on a major peach kick lately and have been experimenting with all sorts of peach cocktail recipes. This Bourbon Peach Cocktail is a standout among the ones I’ve tried. If you’re a bourbon lover, and want a twist, this fresh cocktail will quickly become one of your new favorite drinks. And if you’re familiar with the Bourbon Peach Smash, consider this its sophisticated cousin, perfect for any bourbon lover!

Simple ingredients like bourbon, peach nectar, and fresh lemon juice creates a delicious blend of flavors that’s both complex and well-balanced. Ginger syrup adds a hint of spice that harmonizes beautifully with the fruity notes of the peach nectar, while the basil leaves add a subtle herbal aroma. The Bourbon Peach Cocktails is one of the best ways to celebrate the flavors of summer and indulge in a little bit of peachy goodness. Cheers!

Ingredients for the Bourbon Peach Cocktail

• Fresh Basil Leaves: Adds a touch of herbal freshness to the peach bourbon cocktail.
• Ginger Syrup: Provides a subtle warmth and spice that complements the peach and bourbon beautifully. The Ginger People is a great option. 
• Bourbon or Whiskey: Choose your favorite bourbon or whiskey. I like Bulleit Bourbon for its smoothness and spice. You can also use a spicy bourbon like Buffalo Trace. Woodford Reserve or Maker’s Mark work well here too.
• Peach Nectar: For a sweet and juicy peach flavor that is a key ingredient in this whiskey cocktail. Kern’s Peach Nectar is a classic choice.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Balances the sweetness of the peach nectar and adds a hint of brightness. Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch.
• Peach Slices, Lemon Wheels, Basil Leaves, Edible Flowers: For a beautiful finishing touch! I used Gourmet Sweet Botanicals.

How to Make the Bourbon Peach Cocktail

Mixing up this simple cocktail takes just 5 minutes!

Start by gently muddling fresh basil leaves with ginger syrup in a cocktail shaker. Next, add the bourbon, peach nectar, lemon juice, and a generous handful of ice. Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosty cold. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass filled with fresh ice cubes.

Garnish with a peach slice, lemon wheel, edible flowers, and fresh basil!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of bourbon should I use for this cocktail?

Any bourbon or whiskey will work, but I recommend using a good quality bourbon whiskey like Bulleit for its smoothness and subtle spice. It’s considered one of the best bourbons for cocktails thanks to its balanced flavor profile. If you prefer a spicier whiskey, try using rye instead.

What’s the difference between a Bourbon Peach Cocktail and a Bourbon Smash?

While both cocktails feature bourbon and peaches, a Bourbon Peach Smash is a classic cocktail that typically involves muddling fresh peaches directly in the shaker, often with other ingredients like mint leaves or lemon. The Bourbon Peach Cocktail utilizes peach nectar for a smoother, more refined flavor profile.

What can I use as a substitute for ginger syrup?

If you don’t have ginger syrup, you can use simple syrup, brown sugar syrup or add ginger beer.

Is this cocktail sweet?

The sweetness of the peach nectar is balanced by the tartness of the lemon juice and the warmth of the bourbon, for the perfect balance of flavors. However, you can adjust the sweetness by using less peach nectar or a dash of bitters.

Can I use peach syrup as a substitute for peach nectar?

While peach syrup can be used, it’s often much sweeter than peach nectar. You may want to reduce the amount of syrup used and add a splash of water to compensate for the thicker consistency.

What’s a great way to customize the Bourbon Peach Cocktail?

Feel free to experiment with the cocktail ingredients to personalize this recipe! Try different varieties of basil, such as Thai basil or lemon basil, for a unique twist. You can also add a few dashes of bitters to enhance the complexity of the flavors.

More Bourbon Recipes to Enjoy

• Berry Peach Buzz
• Spring Forward Sangria
• Hot Honey Peach Mint Julep

If you make this recipe, make sure to tag me on Instagram! And let me know what you think in a comment below!

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