Next Post
This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.
This Peach Thyme Smash is the perfect summery cocktail or mocktail. It’s mixed with sweet grilled peaches, peach preserves, warming bourbon, lemon, and bubbly ginger beer (to add a dash of sparkle). It’s the perfect drink for warm summer or early fall evenings. Mix one up, make a mocktail, or create a large batch to serve to family and friends.
Is there anything more summery than a peachy drink? I’ve had this recipe in the works for months. I knew I would make this the second the peaches arrived in late July, but I had to wait for the perfect peaches!
It’s finally the height of peach season, and you guys, I’ve been dying to share this! I usually only share cocktails on Saturdays. And we’ll probably start that back up sometime in September or October! But since it’s summer, I’m reserving drinks for special Fridays. It’s fun!!
Growing up in Ohio, the peaches were out of this world by the time mid-July rolled around. Just like the New York state apples, I’d eat the summer peaches by the buckets. I love them so much.
As a kid, we’d just buy the peaches and eat them. My mom was never into cooking or baking with fruits – always chocolate for her. And no one made homemade drinks.
So now, I LOVE letting my creativity run wild with summery fruits.
Let’s Talk Details
Step 1: grill the peaches
This first step is optional, but if you have the time, grilling the peaches definitely adds flavor to this drink.
Slice the peach, then lightly grill the slices until you see light grill marks. Grilling the peaches makes them a bit sweeter and even more delicious!
Step 2: muddle the drink
Next, muddle the peach slices with fresh thyme and lemon juice. Gently smash the peaches down to release their yummy juices.
If you don’t love the flavor of thyme, use fresh basil. Both are great!
Step 3: add to your mixer + shake
At this point, you can either add the bourbon or make a mocktail using apple cider mixed with the tiniest amount of vanilla.
Of course, bourbon (or whiskey) is the classic smash alcohol, but if you prefer to mix a mocktail, I LOVE using apple cider. It’s totally delicious. Shake this all up to get your smash well mixed.
Step 4: top it off
Pour this over ice, then top each drink off with ginger beer. You can also use seltzer, but ginger beer creates the most delicious and refreshing summer drink. I somehow find ways to add it to most of my cocktails!
SIMPLE but SO GOOD!
If you want to make this smash even more special, add garnishes. I love using a dahlia flower, basil leaf, or thyme sprig. Very pretty and elegant.
Looking for other easy cocktails?? Here are my favorites:
Lastly, if you make this Peach Thyme Smash, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, donโt forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Peach Thyme Smash
Servings: 1 drink
Calories Per Serving: 226 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh peach slices
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1-2 tablespoons peach jam/preserves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 ounces bourbon
- ginger beer, for topping
- basil, for serving
Instructions
- 1. Optional: heat a grill or grill pan to high and grill the peach slices for 2-3 minutes per side.2. Fill a rocks glass with ice. 3. In a cocktail shaker or glass jar, muddle the peach slices, thyme, and lemon juice, squishing everything to release the peach juices. Add the peach jam and bourbon and stir/shake to combine. 4. Pour/strain into your prepared glass. Top off with ginger beer, then gently stir to combine. Add thyme or basil. Enjoy!To Make a Mocktail:ย omit the bourbon and use 1/4 cup apple cider with 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract.ย
It’s really quite good but kind of a pain in the neck to make.
Thanks so much, Kathleen! Glad to hear this recipe turned out well for you! Have a great day:) Xx
Could i use juice instead of the fruit as i couldn’t find peach so got juice instead. How much would i put in it.
Hi Mandy,
Sure, I don’t see why not. I would use 1/4 cup. Please let me know if you have any other questions! Cheers! xT
Thank you i’m using mango juice as i cant find peach juice. Peaches are not ready in BC yet.
Easy to make and tasty. The ginger beer is a plus!
Hey Mary Ann,
Happy Sunday! I appreciate you making this recipe and your feedback, so glad to hear it turned out nicely for you! xx
I just made this and it was nearly impossible to strain into the glass. The peaches, although muddled, clog the strainer. I do not have the supplies, but it might work well to pour the mixture into a small strainer with a second cocktail shaker underneath, then muddle the peach/lemon/thyme mixture so that the juices flow through the strainer and into the 2nd cocktail shaker.
Hi Kate,
Thanks for trying this recipe and sharing your feedback! So sorry to hear you had some issues with straining the peaches. xT
Readers are not required to ask the author if you can substitute this or that. They can just try it and decide for themselves if it works.
Hi, so for moctail, 1/4 cup apple cider with 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, Is meant for 1 perslon? For 2, personnes I Just double,…?
It is for 1 drink:)
Sounds great just a quick question. I donโt like bourbon or whiskey. You suggest apple cider for a mock tail. Can I use hard cider for the alcohol?
Hey Beth,
Sure, I bet that would be yummy! Let me know if you give this recipe a try! Cheers! xT