Peach Bourbon Smash

This Peach Bourbon Smash gets its deep, rich flavor from fresh peaches that are seared before being muddled to create caramelized natural sugars of the fruit. Combined with the warmth of bourbon, a touch of maple syrup, and a bright squeeze of fresh lemon juice, this cocktail is beautifully balanced and incredibly smooth.

If you think a Bourbon Smash can’t get any better, I’ve got a delicious surprise for you. The key to unlocking incredible flavor in this peach-infused version is one simple trick: searing the peaches.

This quick blast of heat doesn’t cook the fruit, but rather caramelizes the surface, deepening its sweetness and releasing a torrent of juice. When muddled with bourbon, rich maple syrup, and a balancing splash of lemon juice, the result is a sophisticated and exceptionally smooth cocktail that tastes like golden hour in a glass.

• 4 oz bourbon
• 1 large ripe peach
• 1.5 oz maple syrup
• 1.5 oz lemon juice