Take juicy fresh peaches, add some mint, smash them up with whiskey, and you’ve got a delicious and refreshing peach whiskey smash. This simple cocktail features Crown Royal peach whisky to further reinforce the peach flavor, which is perfect for summer!
What is a Peach Whiskey Smash?
A peach whiskey smash is a refreshing cocktail that combines whiskey with fresh peach, mint, and a touch of sweetness, usually from simple syrup or peach puree. Using Crown Royal peach is a great choice, since it makes the peach flavor even more prominent.
This drink is muddled to release the flavors of the fresh ingredients, resulting in a vibrant and fruity cocktail with a balanced sweetness and a hint of minty freshness. If you don’t have a muddler, though, don’t worry – you can use the end of the spoon instead!
It’s a perfect mixed drink for summertime, as it is typically served over ice and garnished with peach slices and mint leaves.
Katie’s tip
If you’re not a peach fan, make sure to check out my Blackberry Smash and Strawberry Tequila Smash for other great summer flavor options! When fall and winter roll around, a Chocolate Orange Smash is a wonderful choice!
Quick + Easy Recipes
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Peach Whiskey Smash Ingredients
- 2 ounces Crown Royal peach whisky
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup (regular or peach)
- 2-3 mint leaves (depending on size)
- 2-3 peach slices (depending on size)
- Ice cubes (crushed ice is best)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can use another peach whiskey or bourbon of choice. Alternatively, use plain whiskey or bourbon, and add ½ ounce of peach schnapps instead for flavor
- The simple syrup can be swapped for a natural sweetener like honey or agave. If your peaches are very sweet and ripe, you may not need extra sweetener at all (so adjust to taste)
- While fresh lemon juice really tastes best here, you can sub the bottled kind, or even use prepared sour mix in a pinch
How to Make a Peach Whiskey Smash
- In the bottom of a cocktail shaker (or mason jar), add the fresh peach slices, mint, and lemon juice. Note: if you don’t care about straining and enjoy large chunks of fruit, you can do this right in the bottom of your drinking glass instead
- Muddle the mint and peaches using a muddler or the blunt end of a wooden spoon (or similar) until they are fragrant and juicy
- Add the whiskey, simple syrup, and a couple ice cubes to the shaker, and fill your whiskey glass (or similar) with crushed ice. If mixing in your glass directly, just add it to the glass, stir, and fill with crushed ice
- Shake until cold and slightly frothy, usually about 20-30 seconds, then strain into your whiskey glass
- Garnish with a sprig of mint, slice of lemon, or slice of peach (all optional) and enjoy!
More Crown Peach Whiskey Cocktails
Recipe FAQs
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead Of Fresh Peaches?
Yes, canned peaches can be used if fresh peaches are not available. Be sure to drain them well before using.
You can also use frozen peaches, just make sure to thaw and drain them beforehand.
What Type Of Whiskey Is Best For A Peach Whiskey Smash?
Crown Royal peach whiskey is a great choice due to the natural peach flavoring. You can also use another peach flavored whiskey or bourbon, like Bird Dog, Jim Beam, or Evan Williams.
Otherwise, bourbon or rye whiskey are commonly used in a peach whiskey smash, but any good quality whiskey that you prefer will work.
Is It Necessary To Muddle The Ingredients?
Yes, muddling the peaches and mint helps release their flavors, which is essential for the cocktail’s vibrant taste.
If you don’t have a muddler, simply use the blunt end of a wooden spoon or a similar kitchen tool to achieve the same effect.
Can I Make A Non-Alcoholic Version Of This Drink?
Yes, you can replace the whiskey with a non-alcoholic whiskey substitute or use peach juice for a mocktail version.
Feel free to add a splash of soda or sparkling water (peach flavor is best here) for a fizzy variation!
Can I Use Peach Liqueur Instead Of Fresh Peaches?
Yes, peach liqueur can be used to add peach flavor, but using fresh peaches will give the drink a fresher taste and texture.
You can also use plain bourbon or whiskey and add peach liqueur to replace the peach flavor from that (and still use the fresh peaches).
Can I Make A Large Batch For A Party?
Yes, you can prepare a large batch by scaling up the ingredients and mixing them in a pitcher. Muddle the peaches and mint before combining with the other ingredients.
Due to the fresh fruit, you still should not prepare too far in advance, though usually a few hours ahead of time is fine. Only add ice just before serving.
How Do I Make The Drink Sparkling?
To make a sparkling peach whiskey smash, add a splash of club soda or sparkling water to the cocktail just before serving.
Use a peach sparkling water if possible, but lemon is a good secondary choice. Make sure to choose unsweetened sparkling water to prevent oversweetening the drink.
What Is The Origin Of The Whiskey Smash?
The whiskey smash is a classic cocktail that dates back to the mid-19th century and is a variation of the mint julep, traditionally made with whiskey, mint, lemon, and a sweetener.
Of course, now there are lots of variations of flavors, like this peach version (but you can use all sorts of other seasonal fruits too)!
Peach Whiskey Smash Recipe Tips
- To make the drink less sweet, reduce the amount of simple syrup, or add a bit more lemon juice. For a more sweet drink, add more simple syrup, sugar, honey, or agave (I think it’s pretty well balanced as written, but you can adjust for your personal tastes)
- This drink is about medium strength as written. You can add more or less whiskey, or use some peach schnapps instead (which has a lower alcohol content than whiskey)
Serving Tips for a Peach Smash
- Garnishes are optional, but fresh peach slices and mint leaves are ideal choices. You can also use a slice of lemon if you’d like
- A peach whiskey smash is typically served in a rocks glass or an old-fashioned glass, but you can use any lowball whiskey-style glass you have available
More Summer Peach Recipes
Final Thoughts
This simple peach whiskey smash combines smooth Crown Royal peach with fresh fruit and mint for a delightful summer cocktail. Add in a bit of tart lemon and sweetness for simple syrup to balance things out, and enjoy this delightful sip.
Of course, there are lots of ways to customize this drink to make it your own! Try different brands of whiskey and bourbon, use different fruits, and even try flavored simple syrup for fun twists on the original.
If you’re looking for more ideas for how to use that bottle of Crown up, make sure to check out all my amazing Crown peach recipes for more recipe inspiration!
Peach Whiskey Smash Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Shaker (or mason jar)
- Muddler (or a wooden spoon)
- Whiskey glass (or similar)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Crown Royal peach whisky
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup (plain or peach flavor)
- 2-3 mint leaves (depending on size)
- 2-3 fresh peach slices (depending on size)
- Ice cubes (crushed)
Instructions
- In the bottom of a cocktail shaker (or mason jar), add the fresh peach slices, mint, and lemon juice. Note: if you don’t care about straining and enjoy large chunks of fruit, you can do this right in the bottom of your drinking glass instead2-3 mint leaves, 2-3 fresh peach slices, 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- Muddle the mint and peaches using a muddler or the blunt end of a wooden spoon (or similar) until they are fragrant and juicy
- Add the whiskey, simple syrup, and a couple ice cubes to the shaker, and fill your whiskey glass (or similar) with crushed ice. If mixing in your glass directly, just add it to the glass, stir, and fill with crushed ice2 ounces Crown Royal peach whisky, 1 ounce simple syrup, Ice cubes
- Shake until cold and slightly frothy, usually about 20-30 seconds, then strain into your whiskey glass
- Garnish with a sprig of mint, slice of lemon, or slice of peach (all optional) and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use another peach whiskey or bourbon of choice. Alternatively, use plain whiskey or bourbon, and add ½ ounce of peach schnapps instead for flavor
- The simple syrup can be swapped for a natural sweetener like honey or agave. If your peaches are very sweet and ripe, you may not need extra sweetener at all (so adjust to taste)
- While fresh lemon juice really tastes best here, you can sub the bottled kind, or even use prepared sour mix in a pinch
- To make the drink less sweet, reduce the amount of simple syrup, or add a bit more lemon juice. For a more sweet drink, add more simple syrup, sugar, honey, or agave (I think it’s pretty well balanced as written, but you can adjust for your personal tastes)
- This drink is about medium strength as written. You can add more or less whiskey, or use some peach schnapps instead (which has a lower alcohol content than whiskey)
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any garnishes added, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
