Peach-Bourbon Smash with Lemon and Basil
A summery, herbaceous cocktail blending ripe peach, zesty lemon, and aromatic basil with smooth bourbon. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together bourbon, fresh peach puree, fresh lemon juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz fresh peach puree
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 6 leaves fresh basil leaves
- as needed crushed ice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing glass, muddle 6 fresh basil leaves with 1/2 oz simple syrup until fragrant, about 10 seconds.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz fresh peach puree, and 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice to the glass.
- Step 3: Fill the mixing glass halfway with crushed ice and stir gently for 20 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 4: Fill a rocks glass halfway with crushed ice and strain the cocktail into it.
- Step 5: Top off with more crushed ice to mound above the rim for a refreshing presentation.
- Step 6: Garnish with a small basil sprig and a thin slice of fresh peach resting on top of the ice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Peach-Bourbon Smash with Lemon and Basil take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Peach-Bourbon Smash with Lemon and Basil?
Refrigerate any leftover peach-bourbon smash with lemon and basil in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Peach-Bourbon Smash with Lemon and Basil?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Peach-Bourbon Smash with Lemon and Basil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Peach-Bourbon Smash with Lemon and Basil?
Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
