This bourbon peach tea cocktail, also known as a peach bourbon smash, is the easy summer drink you'll want on repeat. It combines bourbon, homemade peach tea, fresh peaches, and basil for a cocktail that's sweet, a little spicy, and perfect for a backyard cookout.
This post is a complete guide to making a bourbon peach tea cocktail at home, also known as a peach bourbon smash. It's for anyone who wants an easy, crowd-pleasing summer cocktail that comes together in five minutes with just a few ingredients. The post covers how to make homemade peach tea, what a smash cocktail actually is, the exact recipe and ratios, and swaps for the tea, spirit, and herbs so you can make it your own.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission when you click on the links and make a purchase. I will never recommend a product that I don't support 100%.
You'll love this peach bourbon smash cocktail.
It's easy to make. Homemade peach tea comes together ahead of time, so you can pour this bourbon peach tea cocktail whenever the mood strikes.
It's so refreshing. It's the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and summery, and it drinks like something you'd order on a restaurant patio.
It's low effort, high reward. No fancy bar tools required. Just a shaker, a muddler, and a few minutes.
What Is a Smash Cocktail?
A smash is a type of julep. It combines a spirit, like bourbon, with sugar and a fresh herb, usually mint. This bourbon peach tea cocktail is a spin on the classic smash, using sweetened peach tea and basil instead of straight sugar and mint. You can swap in mint, rosemary, or thyme if you want a different herbal note.
Ingredients
Peach Tea. I make mine with loose-leaf peach tea, but you can use whatever you like. Store-bought peach tea works just as well if you want to skip a step.
Bourbon. I chose bourbon for this cocktail, but any whiskey or rye you enjoy will work.
Peaches. Fresh peaches add a little something extra. They soak up the bourbon and tea while they sit, so you get a boozy snack at the bottom of the glass.
Basil. I use basil as a garnish, but you can also muddle it right into the drink for a fresh, herby flavor.
Lemon. This one's optional. I don't add it, but a splash of lemon juice and a lemon wheel garnish turns this into a peach lemon tea cocktail.
Honey. I don't love overly sweet cocktails, and I already sweeten my peach tea with a little honey. Add more if you like your drinks on the sweeter side.
How to make this peach bourbon smash
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle fresh peaches and basil leaves together.
- Add 2 oz bourbon, 6 oz peach tea, and ice.
- Shake until the shaker is frosted, then strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass.
- Garnish with a peach slice and basil leaves. Enjoy.
Variations
Type of tea. Any fruity tea works here. Try raspberry, mango, or hibiscus if you want to switch things up.
Type of liquor. Not a bourbon fan? Vodka or tequila both work well in this recipe.
Herbs. Basil is my go-to, but mint, rosemary, or thyme all bring something a little different to the glass.
Garnish Ideas
- Peach slice
- Fresh basil leaves
- Lemon wheel
- Sprig of mint or rosemary
FAQs
What is a bourbon peach tea cocktail?
A bourbon peach tea cocktail, also called a peach bourbon smash, combines bourbon, sweetened peach tea, fresh peaches, and basil. It's shaken and served over ice in a rocks glass.
How do you muddle peaches?
Use a muddler to gently press and twist the peach pieces in the bottom of your shaker until the juices release. A few presses is all it takes, no need to pulverize the fruit.
What type of drink is a smash?
A smash is a cocktail template built on a spirit, fruit, sugar, and fresh herbs. It's a lighter, fruitier cousin of the julep.
Can you make this cocktail ahead of time?
Yes. Brew the peach tea in advance and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, muddle the peaches and basil fresh so the flavor stays bright.
Can you make a big batch for a party?
Yes. Multiply the peach tea and bourbon by the number of guests, mix in a pitcher, and add fresh peaches and basil right before serving so they don't get mushy..
Want some more summer cocktail recipes?
Peach Bourbon Smash
This peach bourbon smash is such a refreshing summer cocktail recipe! Plus, it is so easy to make homemade peach tea, and this makes for the perfect cocktail recipe for your backyard cookout.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon fresh peaches cubed
- 2-3 basil leaves
- 6 oz. Peach Tea
- 2 oz. Bourbon
- Peaches and basil to garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle together fresh peaches and basil leaves.
- Add in 2 oz of whiskey, peach tea, and ice.
- Shake until frosted and strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass.
- Garnish with a peach slice and basil leaves and enjoy!
Notes
What is a smash cocktail?
A smash cocktail is a type of julep. It combines a spirit (like bourbon), sugar, and mint (or other herbs.) This peach bourbon smash combines bourbon, sweetened peach tea, and basil. However, you can use other herbs like mint, rosemary, or thyme.
Homemade unsweetened peach iced tea
So, there truly is nothing to this homemade peach iced tea recipe. I have loose-leaf peach tea right now that I brew in this tea/cold brew maker I bought off Amazon.If I want to sweeten it a teeny tiny bit, I will dissolve about a spoonful of honey in hot water and pour it into my tea maker before steeping it.Seriously. Nothing crazy. Just some peach tea and a cold brew maker and I'm obsessed. Like, super obsessed.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
