There’s something bittersweet about the end of summer. The long evenings start to shorten, the air turns a little crisper, and suddenly peaches — those sun-soaked jewels of the season — are at their peak. Pair them with the richness of bourbon, and you have the Peach Bourbon Smash, a cocktail that bridges the warmth of summer with the cozy depth of fall.
The “smash” is one of the oldest styles of cocktail, dating back to the 19th century. Originally, it was a simple mixture of spirit, sugar, mint, and seasonal fruit, designed to be refreshing and endlessly adaptable. Think of it as the cousin of the julep — less formal, more playful, and perfectly suited for improvisation with whatever fruit is fresh from the market.
Peaches make an especially good partner for bourbon. Their sweetness and soft flesh meld seamlessly with the whiskey’s caramel, vanilla, and oak notes, while a sprig of mint and a dash of lemon brighten the glass. It’s a drink that tells a story: one foot still in the golden haze of summer, the other stepping into the amber tones of autumn.
Here is the recipe!
Peach Bourbon Smash
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- ½ ripe peach, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 4-6 mint eaves
- splash of soda
Instructions
- In a shaker or sturdy glass, muddle the peach slices with mint, lemon juice, and simple syrup until juicy and fragrant.
- Add bourbon and fill with ice.
- Shake briefly, then strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice (or pour everything in, rustic-style)
- Garnish with a mint sprig and peach slice.
Nutrition
Raise your glass as the sun dips below the horizon — the Peach Bourbon Smash is more than a cocktail. It’s a farewell to summer and a welcome to the season ahead.