Do you want an easy summertime cocktail? A Peach Bourbon Thyme Smash is the perfect addition for your Friday night sippin’! Keep on reading to find out how to turn your next cocktail night into a smashin’ good time!!
What is a Smash Cocktail?
Smahes are rather simple actually! A Peach Bourbon Thyme Smash is even simpler!
A Smash cocktail is a type of cocktail that typically features fresh fruits, herbs, sugar, and alcohol, usually in the form of whiskey or gin. The term “smash” refers to the action of muddling or gently crushing the ingredients together to release their flavors and aromas.
The basic components of a Smash cocktail include a base spirit, such as bourbon, rye whiskey, or gin, along with fresh fruit, herbs, sweetener, and sometimes a splash of citrus juice. Common fruits used in a Smash cocktail include berries, citrus fruits like lemon or lime, or stone fruits like peaches or cherries. Popular herbs include mint, basil, or sage.
To make a Smash cocktail, the ingredients are usually muddled in the bottom of a glass or cocktail shaker to release their flavors. Then, ice is added, followed by the base spirit and any additional ingredients like simple syrup or citrus juice. The mixture is typically stirred or shaken and then strained into a serving glass filled with fresh ice. It is often garnished with a sprig of the herb used in the cocktail or a slice of the fruit.
Smash cocktails are known for their refreshing and vibrant flavors, with the muddled ingredients adding depth and complexity to the drink. They are often served in the warmer months or as a way to showcase seasonal fruits and herbs. The versatility of the Smash cocktail allows for a wide range of flavor combinations and variations based on personal preferences and available ingredients. Smash Cocktail Ideas
Peach & Thyme
Let’s first break down the flavors of our peach bourbon thyme smash!
Peaches are typically in season during the summer months, depending on the specific region and climate. The peak season for peaches can vary slightly, but it generally falls between May and September in the Northern Hemisphere. The exact timing of the peach season can also be influenced by factors such as the variety of peach and the specific location where they are grown.
In the United States, for example, peaches are harvested from late spring to early fall, with different states having slightly different harvest times. In California, peaches are usually available from May to September, while in Georgia, known as the “Peach State,” the peak season is typically from June to August.
It’s important to note that the availability of peaches may vary depending on your location and local growing conditions. To enjoy the best-tasting and most flavorful peaches, it is recommended to look for locally grown and freshly harvested peaches during their peak season in your specific region.
Thyme is an aromatic herb that offers a distinct and versatile flavor profile. It has a warm, earthy, and slightly floral taste with subtle hints of mint, citrus, and pine. The flavor of thyme can vary depending on the specific variety, growing conditions, and how it is used in cooking. Here are some key flavor characteristics associated with thyme:
- Earthy: Thyme has a distinct earthiness, which adds depth and richness to dishes. It imparts a warm and grounded flavor, often described as slightly woody or grassy.
- Herbaceous: Thyme belongs to the mint family, and it carries a herbal essence. The herbaceous notes contribute a fresh and aromatic quality to the flavor profile.
- Subtle Mintiness: Thyme shares some similarities with mint, offering a delicate minty undertone. However, thyme’s mintiness is not as strong or cooling as that of spearmint or peppermint.
- Citrusy: Thyme can have subtle citrus notes, especially when the leaves are fresh. It adds a touch of brightness and tanginess to dishes, reminiscent of lemon or orange.
- Piney: Thyme contains a hint of pine flavor, which gives it a slightly resinous or evergreen taste. This characteristic is more pronounced in certain thyme varieties, such as lemon thyme.
- Bitterness: Thyme can have a mild bitterness, especially in its fresh form. This bitterness is typically balanced out by other flavors when used in cooking.
It’s Smashin’ Darling!
A Peach Bourbon Thyme Smash is a delightful combination of flavors that balances the sweetness of peaches with the warmth of bourbon and the herbal notes of thyme. Here’s a breakdown of the flavors you can expect in this cocktail:
- Peach: The main star of the drink, peaches bring a luscious and sweet flavor to the smash cocktail. Ripe peaches offer a juicy and slightly tangy taste with hints of tropical and stone fruit sweetness.
- Bourbon: As the base spirit, bourbon brings its distinct flavors to the cocktail. It adds rich, caramel-like sweetness, along with notes of vanilla, oak, and sometimes a subtle smokiness. The bourbon provides a warm and robust backdrop for the other ingredients.
- Thyme: Thyme contributes an earthy, herbal component to the cocktail. It adds a layer of complexity with its slightly minty, floral, and aromatic flavors. The thyme complements the sweetness of the peaches and the warmth of the bourbon, providing a fresh and savory undertone.
- Sweetness: Depending on the recipe and personal preferences, a sweetener like simple syrup or honey may be added to balance the flavors and enhance the overall sweetness of the cocktail. This sweetness helps to enhance the fruity and herbal notes and create a harmonious taste profile.
- Smoke! Finally, let’s smoke this cocktail with some Thyme smoke dust to really amp up those smoky thyme flavors! The herbaceousness pairs SO well with the peach! This will make the Peach Bourbon Thyme Smash shine even brighter!
Together, these flavors create a Peach Bourbon Thyme Smash that is both refreshing and sophisticated. The sweetness of the peaches, the depth of the bourbon, and the herbal touch of thyme come together to form a well-rounded and balanced cocktail. The combination of fruity, warm, and herbaceous elements makes it an enjoyable drink, particularly during the summer months or when you want to showcase the flavors of fresh peaches.
Thyme Simple Syrup
Combine 1 cup of water with 1 cup of sugar and 4-6 thyme sprigs! Stir over medium-high heat and wait until fully combined and fragrant! Transfer to a heat-safe container that seals! It is a must-have for the Peach Bourbon Thyme Smash!
Peach Bourbon Thyme Smash
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail Shaker
- 1 Cocktail Muddler
- 1 Smokeshow Cocktail Smoker
- 1 pot for simple syrup
Ingredients
Cocktail
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz thyme simple syrup
- 1/2 peach-peeled and muddled
- 2-3 sprigs of thyme, leaves removed
Garnish & Smoke
- 2 Thyme sprigs
- 1 peach slice
Instructions
Cocktail
- Place peach half and thyme leaves in a cocktail shaker. Muddle.1/2 peach-peeled and muddled, 2-3 sprigs of thyme, leaves removed
- Add all remaining ingredients over ice. Shake!2 oz bourbon, 1 oz lemon juice, 1 oz thyme simple syrup
- Strain over ice in a cocktail glass! Smoke and garnish!2 Thyme sprigs, 1 peach slice
