Ginger Peach Smash Recipes

GINGER-PEACH SODA

Steps:

• To make the syrup, in a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and ginger over medium-low heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat, cover, and steep at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Pour the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the ginger, pressing all the flavor out of the ginger with the back of a spoon against the sieve. Transfer to a jar or other storage container, cover, and refrigerate until well chilled.
• Evenly distribute the peach slices among the glasses. Carefully smash the peaches with the end of a wooden spoon to release their juice. Pour about 2 tablespoons chilled syrup over the peaches in each glass. (The remaining syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.) Add ice cubes and then top off each glass with soda water. Mix each drink with a straw or spoon to distribute the syrup, peach juices, and peach bits evenly. Float a few mint leaves on each serving, then serve immediately (especially on really hot days).

GINGER-PEACH JAM

Steps:

• Bring peaches, ginger, and pectin to a boil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the sugar and butter; cook and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Return to a boil, stirring constantly for 1 minute more. Remove from heat, and skim off any foam with a spoon.
• Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the peach jam into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then carefully lower the jars into the pot using a holder. Leave a 2 inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary until the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a full boil, cover the pot, and process for 10 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.

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.

WHISKEY PEACH SMASH

Steps:

• Muddle all ingredients except whiskey in a bar glass.
• Add whiskey and shake with ice.
• Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass and garnish with a sprig of mint and a peach slice.

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.