When I really started adulting in my mid (okay, late) 20s, my view on the cocktail changed dramatically. A cocktail used to be booze plus a thing. Or sometimes just booze. Depends on what was in the fridge right? This Peach Cocktail Syrup is a great seasonal upgrade to your cocktail game!
Now though, a cocktail is something I completely savor. I usually will just have one because it turns out being hungover with kids isn’t fun. But, I want that one to be really good. Enter this peach cocktail syrup!
Simple syrup is a must if you want to make many good cocktails. No. You cannot just stir sugar into the drink. It doesn’t work.
This time of year though, with fresh peaches at their absolute best, this is a must-make if you are a cocktail fan. I’ve kept a little jug of it in my fridge during peach season and I mix it with everything from bourbon to gin to just club soda for a nice fizzy treat.
For three ingredients, it’s pretty hard to beat!
How to pick ripe peaches
This time of year your best bet for good peaches is going to be a farmer’s market or even a roadside stand. They are fleeting so get them while they are good!
Did you know? Colorado grows some of the best peaches in the country? Yes. Better than Georgia and I will die on that hill!
Picking ripe peaches is fairly easy. A good peach will yield a bit to some pressure but not be completely mushy. Be careful handling ripe peaches as they will bruise easily.
Making the Peach Cocktail Syrup
You only need one peach for this syrup so pick a good one. It should give a little to pressure, but not be soggy at all. Rinse it off and slice it into big wedges. You can leave the skin on for now!
Add the wedges to a medium pot with the water and sugar. Put this over medium-low heat until the sugar is dissolved. No need to bring it to a boil or anything. By the time it’s hot, the sugar should be dissolved.
Once the mixture is hot, you should be able to just pick out the peach skins which you definitely don’t want in the syrup. They should come right off!
The key to making this syrup really nice is to pulse it well in a blender. This emulsifies the peaches and makes a really smooth syrup.
Be sure to let the syrup cool off a bit before blending it!
Once the mixture is blended and cool, you can store it in the fridge for up to two weeks. It might separate a bit in the fridge, but just give it a shake before pouring it and it’ll be great.
How to use this peach cocktail syrup
You can use this easy peach cocktail syrup in SO many drinks.
For starters:
- 2-3 oz. bourbon + 1 oz. peach syrup + dash of orange bitters + club soda
- 2-3 oz. gin + 1 oz. peach syrup + tonic
- 2 oz. tequila + 1 oz. peach syrup + 1/2 lime + 2 oz. lemonade + salted rim
- 2 oz. peach syrup + 8 oz. club soda or sparkling water
You get the idea. It’s incredibly versatile!
Personally, I love the bourbon drink!
Cheers!
Alternative Fruit Ideas
You can make a syrup out of lots of different fruits. Here are a few other ideas!
- Any stone fruit will make good cocktail syrup. Try apricots or cherries.
- Fresh berries work well. Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries will make a delicious syrup.
- While it a bit trickier to make, watermelon actually makes a delicious syrup. Check out my Watermelon Bourbon Cocktail for details.
Easy Peach Cocktail Syrup
Equipment
- 1 blender
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 ripe peach
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Cut peach into slices and place in a medium pot with water, sugar, and a small pinch of salt. Heat over medium-low heat until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool. Remove peel from peaches.
- Once mixture is mostly cool, add to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Use 1 oz. of peach syrup in cocktails with bourbon or gin + a splash of club soda for a great late season cocktail!
- Peach cocktail syrup will keep great in the fridge for up to two weeks.
cindy
Palisade peaches are even better this year, may use some for this yummy looking idea, thanks!
Nick
That’s what I used for mine also Cindy! So good!
Mary
This is a really refreshing drink!
Marlene
This is definitely a keeper. So glad I found this site! I too am a avid home cook who just loves to make people smile by baking or cooking up something special.
Wonderful wonderful drink especially at time going into September
Thank for this – I especially love it with bourbon
Lance Robinson
I added some fresh squeezed lemon juice to the bourbon drink and i feel like it added a lot. Thanks for the ideas!