The best way to toast the height of summer? Around here we think it's with this twist on a classic Bourbon Smash Cocktail where we add in loads of fresh mint, not one but two types of citrus, and the ripest peaches you can find!
3mediumpeachespitted and roughly chopped (about 3 cups)
3/4cupunrefined granulated sugar
3/4cupred wine vinegar
For The Bourbon Smash
3slicescling-free ripe peachesplus a few more slices for garnish
1/2orangescut into two slices
1/6mediumlemon
6 to 8fresh mint leavesplus more for garnish
1ouncepeach shrubor orange liqueur such as Cointreau
Crushed ice
2ouncesgood-quality bourbon
Instructions
Make The Peach Shrub: Combine the peaches and sugar in a nonreactive bowl, then cover and refrigerate for at least 6 and up to 48 hours.Once the peaches have let off about 1 cup of liquid, strain the mixture, discard the fruit, stir in the vinegar, and stir until any accumulated sugar is dissolved.
Make The Bourbon Smash: Combine the peach slices, the lemon wedge, orange or mandarin, the mint leaves, and 1 ounce of the shrub (or the orange liqueur) in the bottom of a cocktail shaker and muddle until the citrus, peach, and mint leaves are well broken up.
Turn the mixture into a rocks glass. Top with crushed ice, add the bourbon, then add more crushed ice and stir to combine. Garnish with a few mint leaves, and slices of peach serve immediately.