This Peach Basil Old Fashioned is made with a homemade peach basil simple syrup, bourbon, and a splash of sweet balsamic vinegar instead of bitters, it's a fresh seasonal twist on the classic Old Fashioned.
The peaches bring natural sweetness, the basil adds a bright herbal note, and the balsamic ties everything together with just the right amount of tangy richness. Finished with frozen peaches and an optional drizzle of basil olive oil, it's the perfect sweet-meets-savory bourbon cocktail for peach season. Looking for another recipe for this peach basil syrup, try this peach carajilo!
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Why You'll Love This Peach Basil Old Fashioned
- A fresh twist on a classic. Sweet peaches, basil, and balsamic vinegar create a surprisingly delicious summer Old Fashioned.
- Perfectly balanced. Rich bourbon meets bright fruit and savory notes without overpowering the whiskey.
- Easy to customize. Adjust the amount of peach syrup depending on how sweet you like your cocktails.
Key Ingredients
- Peach Basil Simple Syrup: Fresh peaches, basil, brown sugar, and water are simmered together to create a bright, fruity syrup that's perfect for summer cocktails.
- Bourbon: Choose a good-quality bourbon with vanilla and caramel notes that complement the peaches. Four Roses Small Batch is one of my favorites.
- Sweet Balsamic Vinegar: Instead of traditional bitters, a dash or two of sweet balsamic vinegar adds depth, brightness, and a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with bourbon.
- Basil Olive Oil (Optional): Just a small drizzle adds an unexpected savory finish and enhances the fresh basil flavor.
- Frozen Peaches (Optional): Use frozen peaches as a garnish to keep the cocktail cold while adding a fun, edible finish.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make this recipe:
- Step 1: Make the Peach Basil Syrup. Simmer the peaches, brown sugar, basil, and water until the peaches are soft.
- Step 2: Let cool completely, then strain.
- Step 3: Build the Cocktail: Add the bourbon, peach basil simple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and basil olive oil to a mixing glass filled with ice, or build it directly in a rocks glass filled with ice. Stir until chilled.
- Step 4: Garnish with frozen peaches and enjoy immediately.
Top Tip
- Use a sweet, aged balsamic vinegar. A good-quality balsamic makes all the difference and replaces bitters beautifully.
- Adjust the syrup to your taste. Use ½ ounce for a more bourbon-forward cocktail or 1 ounce if you prefer it sweeter.
- Don't skip the basil olive oil. It's optional, but it adds an incredible savory finish that makes this cocktail unique.
Peach Basil Old Fashioned
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: american
- Method: stirred
- Cuisine: american
Description
This Peach Basil Old Fashioned is made with a homemade peach basil simple syrup, bourbon, and a splash of sweet balsamic vinegar instead of bitters, it's a fresh seasonal twist on the classic Old Fashioned.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Peach Basil Simple Syrup
- 1 pound peaches (about 3 peaches), chopped
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 15 large basil leaves
Peach Basil Old Fashioned
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1 ounce Peach Basil Simple Syrup (or ½ ounce if you prefer a less sweet cocktail)
- 1 to 2 dashes sweet balsamic vinegar
- ½ bar spoon basil olive oil (optional)
- Frozen peaches, for garnish
Instructions
Peach Basil Simple Syrup
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes until the peaches are softened.
- Cool completely.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve and refrigerate until ready to use.
Peach Basil Old Fashioned
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1 ounce Peach Basil Simple Syrup (or ½ ounce if you prefer a less sweet cocktail)
- 1 to 2 dashes sweet balsamic vinegar
- ½ bar spoon basil olive oil (optional)
- Frozen peaches, for garnish
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