Peach Thyme Smash
Some drinks just taste like summer, don’t they? The Peach Thyme Smash is one of those cocktails that feels like sunshine in a glass—refreshing, fruity, and just a little bit fancy without trying too hard. Imagine the sweetness of ripe peaches mingling with earthy thyme, a splash of bourbon for warmth, and the fizzy lift of ginger beer to top it off. It’s the kind of drink you’ll want to sip on the porch as the sun sets, or serve at a dinner party when you want to impress without breaking a sweat. Trust me, this one is a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Seasonal Freshness: Juicy peaches are at their peak in summer, and this cocktail is the perfect way to show them off. It tastes like you plucked the fruit straight from the orchard.
Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of peach jam and fresh peaches pairs beautifully with the herbal notes of thyme and the subtle spice of ginger beer.
Effortlessly Elegant: It looks gorgeous in the glass, especially garnished with basil or thyme sprigs, but it’s super simple to make.
Customizable: Love it sweeter? Add extra peach preserves. Want it stronger? Go heavier on the bourbon. Prefer it lighter? Top it with sparkling water instead of ginger beer.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s refreshing and flavorful enough to win over bourbon lovers and cocktail skeptics alike.
Recipe Origin
The “smash” cocktail has been around since the 19th century, traditionally made by muddling fruit, herbs, sugar, and spirits together for a refreshing sip. This Peach Thyme Smash gives the classic a summery twist by highlighting fresh peaches and the aromatic touch of thyme.
Peach Thyme Smash
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The Peach Thyme Smash is a refreshing, fruity cocktail that blends sweet peaches, herbal thyme, and bold bourbon with a splash of ginger beer. Perfect for summer evenings or as a signature drink for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh peach slices
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1–2 tablespoons peach jam or preserves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 ounces bourbon
- Ginger beer, for topping
- Fresh basil, for serving
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the peach slices and thyme sprigs together to release their flavors.
- Add the peach jam, lemon juice, and bourbon to the shaker.
- Fill with ice and shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with ginger beer and gently stir.
- Garnish with fresh basil and an extra peach slice if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the peach jam to your sweetness preference.
- For a lighter version, reduce the bourbon to 1 ounce.
- You can swap ginger beer for club soda if you prefer less sweetness.
- Chill the glass before serving for an extra refreshing cocktail.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: peach thyme smash, bourbon cocktail, summer drink, peach cocktail, ginger beer cocktail
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Cocktail shaker or mason jar with lid
- Muddler (or the back of a spoon)
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Strainer
- Rocks glass
Ingredients in Peach Thyme Smash
Here’s the magic lineup for this refreshing cocktail. (Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Fresh Peach Slices: Sweet, juicy, and the star of the show. Fresh peaches give this drink its summery flavor.
Thyme: Herbal and earthy, thyme adds a sophisticated twist to the sweetness of the fruit.
Peach Jam/Preserves: A touch of jam enhances the peach flavor and adds body to the cocktail.
Lemon Juice: Bright and zesty, it balances the sweetness with a little tartness.
Bourbon: Smooth, oaky bourbon brings depth and warmth, making this drink more complex.
Ginger Beer: Fizzy, slightly spicy, and the perfect topper that makes this cocktail so refreshing.
Basil (for Serving): Fresh and fragrant, basil adds a final pop of color and aroma.
Instructions
Let’s shake things up!
Muddle the Base: In a cocktail shaker, combine peach slices, thyme sprigs, and peach jam. Use a muddler or spoon to mash everything together, releasing the juices and oils.
Add the Spirits: Pour in the lemon juice and bourbon. Fill the shaker with ice, cover, and shake well until chilled.
Strain into a Glass: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
Top with Fizz: Pour ginger beer over the top to fill the glass, giving it that refreshing sparkle.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a sprig of thyme or fresh basil, and maybe even a peach slice on the rim. Sip and enjoy your peachy, summery smash!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Calories per serving: ~190–210 (approx.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
How to Serve Peach Thyme Smash
- Serve it in a rocks glass with large ice cubes to keep it cool without diluting too quickly.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and a peach slice for a show-stopping presentation.
- Pair it with light summer fare like grilled chicken, fresh salads, or cheese boards.
- For parties, batch the muddled peach-thyme base ahead of time and let guests top their glasses with ginger beer.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Muddle peaches, thyme, jam, and lemon juice in advance and keep refrigerated for a few hours. Just shake with bourbon and top with ginger beer when ready to serve.
- Avoid making the full cocktail ahead—ginger beer will lose its fizz.
Variations to Try
- Swap bourbon for vodka or gin if you prefer a lighter flavor.
- Add a splash of sparkling wine instead of ginger beer for a bubbly twist.
- Try rosemary or mint in place of thyme for a different herbal note.
- Use apricots or nectarines if peaches aren’t in season.
Additional Tips
- Always use ripe peaches for the best flavor.
- If you don’t have peach preserves, honey or simple syrup works as a sweetener.
- Chill your glass beforehand to keep the drink extra refreshing.
- Make it non-alcoholic by skipping the bourbon and adding more ginger beer or sparkling water.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this cocktail without alcohol?
A1: Yes! Simply skip the bourbon and add extra ginger beer or sparkling water. It’s still delicious.
Q2: Can I use canned peaches?
A2: Fresh peaches are best, but canned (in juice, not syrup) can work in a pinch.
Q3: What if I don’t like thyme?
A3: Swap it for mint, basil, or rosemary depending on your preference.
Q4: Can I batch this for a crowd?
A4: Definitely! Muddle the peaches, thyme, jam, and lemon juice in a pitcher. Add bourbon when ready, then let guests top their drinks with ginger beer.
Q5: Do I need a cocktail shaker?
A5: Nope! A mason jar with a tight lid works just as well.
Q6: Can I make it sweeter?
A6: Add extra peach jam or a splash of simple syrup to adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Q7: How strong is this cocktail?
A7: It’s light-to-medium strength, depending on how much bourbon you use. Perfect for sipping without being overwhelming.
Q8: Can I substitute the bourbon with whiskey?
A8: Yes, whiskey works beautifully and adds a slightly different depth of flavor.
Q9: What’s the best ginger beer to use?
A9: Go for a ginger beer with a nice spicy kick—it balances the sweetness of the peaches.
Q10: Can I serve this in another glass?
A10: Of course! A stemless wine glass or mason jar also works for a casual vibe.
Conclusion
The Peach Thyme Smash is everything you want in a summer cocktail: refreshing, fruity, a little fizzy, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, having a lazy afternoon on the porch, or looking for a fun new drink to share with friends, this cocktail delivers. It’s proof that with a few simple ingredients, you can create something truly special. So grab those peaches, muddle away, and raise a glass to sunshine in a sip!
