The Lush Chef

When stone fruit is in season, I take full advantage of it by buying as many fresh peaches at the farmers' market that I can eat in a week.  I simply can't get enough of summer's sweet nectar, and of course, I can't resist adding peaches to cocktails.  This Bourbon Peach Smash from The Kitchn is a riff on barman Dale DeGroff's version from The Craft of the Cocktail, and it's simple, fresh, and a perfect libation to sip for dessert or during a hot summer night on the patio.  Just muddle in some fresh peach slices, a wedge of lemon, mint leaves, and add your favorite bourbon or whiskey—I opted for the yummy and smooth Four Roses Single Barrel.

Bourbon Peach Smash
Ingredients:

• 1/2 peach, cut into slices, plus a thin slice for a garnish
• 4 fresh mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
• 1 lemon wedge
• 1 oz water 
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 2 oz bourbon (I used Four Roses Single Barrel)

- In a mixing glass, muddle all of the ingredients, except for the bourbon
- Add the bourbon and ice, and shake.
- Strain into an ice-filled Old Fashioned glass.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and peach slice.