Get ready to fall head over heels for the Peach Bourbon Smash—a sunset-hued cocktail that brings together the sweetness of ripe peaches, a kick of bourbon, and fizzy sparkle all in one irresistible glass. This refreshingly vibrant drink is the perfect bridge between sultry summer evenings and the comfort of classic cocktails, making it a favorite for both beginner mixers and seasoned bourbon aficionados.

Peach Bourbon Smash Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for a Peach Bourbon Smash couldn’t be simpler, but each one plays a starring role in this delightful drink. From the sun-kissed juiciness of peaches to the deep, warming flavors of bourbon, every element matters to create that perfect balance of fruity, boozy, and bubbly.

Fresh Peaches: Use 2 perfectly ripe peaches, sliced thinly—the heart and soul of the cocktail, providing sweetness and a summery aroma.
Bourbon: 4 ounces of your favorite bourbon; we love Witherspoon’s for its smooth, slightly caramel notes that mellow the fruit.
Sparkling Water: 4 ounces for topping—brings effervescence, lifting the flavors and keeping things crisp and refreshing.
Vanilla Syrup: 2 teaspoons is just enough to add a hint of creamy vanilla that complements both peach and bourbon beautifully.
Ice: Essential for chilling and slightly diluting the drink to perfection.

How to Make Peach Bourbon Smash

Step 1: Muddle and Mix

Begin by adding your sliced peaches to a cocktail shaker. Using a sturdy muddler or the end of a wooden spoon, gently press the peaches until they release their fragrant juices. Next, add ice cubes to the shaker, followed by the vanilla syrup and bourbon. Give it a vigorous shake—this chills and blends your Peach Bourbon Smash base, melding that punchy bourbon with juicy peach and sweet vanilla.

Step 2: Pour and Top

Strain the contents of your shaker into a glass filled with fresh ice, ensuring that every last drop of peachy goodness goes in. Top off your drink with sparkling water, which adds that lively fizz and brings a refreshing finish, making your Peach Bourbon Smash light and oh-so-sippable.

How to Serve Peach Bourbon Smash

Garnishes

The right garnish isn’t just pretty—it lets your guests know what’s in their glass. For a Peach Bourbon Smash, adorning each drink with an extra peach slice or a sprig of fresh mint creates a pop of color and an inviting aroma. If you want to go all-out, a twist of lemon zest adds a bright zing that plays wonderfully against the bourbon.

Side Dishes

Pairing your Peach Bourbon Smash with something savory can really make your happy hour shine. Try salty prosciutto-wrapped melon, a tangy cheese board, or spicy roasted nuts. The fruitiness of the cocktail is a perfect match for creamy or sharp cheeses, and the bourbon backbone stands up well to bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving Peach Bourbon Smash at a party? Turn it into a showstopper by presenting it in mason jars for country-chic flair, or pour into fancy coupe glasses for a retro cocktail vibe. Large-batch pitchers with floating peach slices and mint look stunning and let your guests help themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any Peach Bourbon Smash leftover, simply cover the mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The flavors will mellow together, but the vibrant peach aroma will still shine. Be sure to add your sparkling water just before serving, so the fizz doesn’t fade.

Freezing

For a boozy twist, freeze leftover Peach Bourbon Smash in ice cube trays. These cocktail cubes make a fantastic addition to iced tea or lemonade, or you can blend them for a grown-up slushy—perfect for cooling off on steamy afternoons.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t necessary for this cocktail—Peach Bourbon Smash is meant to be served chilled. If your pre-made mix has lost its chill, simply pour over fresh ice before topping with sparkling water, and you’re back in business.

FAQs

Can I use canned or frozen peaches if fresh aren’t available?

Absolutely! While nothing beats the flavor of fresh, ripe peaches, high-quality canned or thawed frozen peaches can step in during the off-season. Just drain and pat them dry before muddling.

What’s the best bourbon to use for Peach Bourbon Smash?

Choose a bourbon you enjoy sipping on its own—smooth, medium-bodied bourbons work best. Witherspoon’s is a favorite for its vanilla and caramel notes, but feel free to experiment with others to find your match.

Is this cocktail very sweet?

Not at all! The beauty of Peach Bourbon Smash is that it balances fruit, spirit, and fizz. If you prefer it sweeter, add an extra splash of vanilla syrup. For a drier version, skip the syrup or add more sparkling water.

Can this be made as a non-alcoholic mocktail?

Definitely! Simply omit the bourbon and replace it with more sparkling water, a splash of peach nectar, or even brewed iced tea for a family-friendly, equally refreshing Peach Bourbon Smash vibe.

How can I batch this for a crowd?

Double, triple, or even quadruple the base (muddled peaches, bourbon, vanilla syrup), then keep chilled until your guests arrive. Add sparkling water and ice just before serving for a crowd-pleasing pitcher of Peach Bourbon Smash.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up a Peach Bourbon Smash is truly one of life’s simple joys—easy, flexible, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re sharing it at your next gathering or just winding down on a warm night, give this recipe a try and let it become a beloved favorite in your cocktail rotation!