The Deb Peach Basil Bourbon Smash Cocktail Food

BOURBON SMASH

Steps:

• Put the simple syrup, mint leaves and lemon wedges into a cocktail shaker and muddle them until the lemons are broken down. Add the bourbon and fill the shaker with ice; using a long cocktail spoon, stir vigorously until very cold.
• Fill a rocks glass with ice and use a fine strainer to strain the drink into the glass. Put the mint sprig in the palm of one hand and gently smack it with the fingers of your other hand (this releases the oils and fragrance). Garnish the drink with the sprig and serve.

GINGER-PEACH SMASH

Steps:

• Muddle 5 to 8 mint leaves, depending on size, with peach nectar in a cocktail shaker until leaves are broken down, about 1 minute.
• Pour in bourbon and ginger liqueur and fill the shaker with ice. Close and shake until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass with a large whiskey ice cube.
• Lightly slap 2 sprigs of mint between your hands to release their scent, then garnish the drink with them.

STRAWBERRY BASIL BOURBON SMASH

Steps:

• Muddle strawberries, lemon juice, basil, and simple syrup together in a cocktail glass until smashed together and fragrant. Add bourbon and ice; stir to combine. Top with sparkling water.

GRILLED PEACH BOURBON SMASH

Steps:

• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate. When the grill is hot, close lid and allow to heat, 5 minutes.
• Place peach halves and lemon, cut-side down, in sugar until coated. Place on the grill; cook until fruits are soft, about 5 minutes. Cool on a cutting board, about 1 minute. Cut peach into slices with a knife; reserve 2 for garnish.
• Place remaining peach, mint leaves, and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker; juice lemon into the shaker. Gently muddle with a cocktail muddler. Pour in bourbon and ice, cover, and shake until the outside of the shaker has frosted. Strain into a chilled glass; top off with ginger ale, and garnish with grilled peach slices and lemon.

BOURBON PEACH SMASH

Steps:

• Bring the sugar, 1/2 cup water and ginger to a simmer in a small saucepan. Tear and add in 4 of the mint leaves. Once the sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes, turn of the heat. Strain and set aside to cool.
• Slice the peach into slices, reserving 2 for garnish. Add the peaches, the remaining mint, and the lime quarters to a cocktail shaker. Mash with a muddler until broken up and juicy. Add the bourbon and muddle again. Add 2 ounces of the simple syrup, fill the shaker with ice and shake.
• Strain into 2 cups filled with ice. Top off with ginger beer, garnish each with a peach slice, a lime slice and a sprig of mint.