Summer Cocktail - Peach Bourbon Smash

It's that time of year again! We have been bombarded by nature's bounty in my mom and dad's peach tree. Not sure exactly what happened, but their tree was absolutely overloaded with Frost Peaches that all got ripe at the same time.  YIKES!

Frost Peaches are a kind of peach that was developed at Washington State University that actually does really well in the Pacific Northwest.  Survives in rainy, cold weather and its disease resistant - perfect for our side of the mountains. Consequently, once every few years, their peach tree absolutely explodes with excess fruit - this year was one of those years.

So after 2 extra large peach cobblers (one with fresh blackberries!), 2 batches of peach jam, sliced on yogurt, sliced on ice cream - Tom and I thought we had better come up with an August themed cocktail as one more way to use up all of the super ripe fruit that are crowding my kitchen. 

Voila' The Peach Bourbon Smash! 

Here's what you need:

• 2 oz. Bourbon
• 1/2 oz. Simple Syrup
• 1/2 Fresh Lemon - Squeezed 
• 1 cup Peeled and Chopped Peaches
• 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
• Mint Leaves for Garnish
• Crushed Ice

Muddle the peaches, squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup and cinnamon in a shaker. Once they are all mixed well and the peaches are "smashed", add the bourbon to the shaker. Give it a shake and then pour your cocktail into prepared chilled rocks or double old fashioned glasses filled with crushed ice.  Garnish with fresh mint leaves. 

A "Smash" whisky cocktail was created in the nineteenth century as a boozy, refreshing drink to make with whatever fruit you have in season. A few summer ago, we used our wild blackberries to make a Blackberry Smash Cocktail - also super yummy!

Go crazy and try your hand at your own concoction - would love to hear what you come up with!  Need cool glasses? We have exactly what you need to complete your beach bar!