Thursday, July 5, 2012

Minty Peach Cooler


We had quite a fun time celebrating the July 4th holiday, complete with a small town parade, superhero-themed arts and crafts, music, good food and friends at a local park.  The sun, blue skies and festive spirit have me in the mood for a breezy cocktail.

Earlier this week, I discovered the first beautiful, juicy peaches of the season. Yes! This also means it’s Peach Dumplings time, always a top favorite. We happily indulged this week.


Now, I love cocktails that include fresh fruit, and what with a couple of peaches left over from dumpling-making, well ... you know where my thoughts wandered.


My husband loves both peaches and mint, so with Bob in mind I was inspired to combine them and create a fun and refreshing drink.  A bottle of Lillet beckoned from the fridge.  I like the slightly floral, citrus flavor of this aperitif and thought it would pair well with the bright fruitiness of peaches and mint.  A squeeze of lime and dash of club soda finished the cooler off.


Light, a little bit sweet, this is perfect to sip on warm, lazy evening. Cheers!

Minty Peach Cooler
Serves 4

2 very ripe peaches, peeled and diced
1/2 cup fresh mint, roughly chopped plus extra to garnish
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
8 ounces Lillet Blanc, chilled
Club soda to top off

In a bowl, combine the peaches, mint and honey and muddle with the handle of a wooden spoon. Leave to macerate for 15 minutes or so.

Pull out 4 pretty cocktail glasses or Mason jars. Add 1 tablespoon lime juice to each, followed by 2 ounces of Lillet each. Divide the peach mixture evenly between the glasses. Stir to mix. Add a few ice cubes to each and top off with club soda. Garnish with mint leaves. Clink your glasses and start sipping.

20 comments:

  1. I'm hopeless with drink mixing. I'm glad I've got somewhere to look for advice! This sounds fantastic! =)

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    1. Thanks, Brooke! Let me know if you give it a try. You can leave out the Lillet for your kids and give them a fun summer cocktail, too. :)

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  2. I really want to give Lillet Blanc a try, but I haven't seen any at our friendly neighborhood (slightly rundown and skanky) liquor store. I might have to make a trek out to the more-upscale liquor marts in the far northeast part of town. Slightly floral + citrus + aperitif sounds delicious. AND I just love peaches--the smell, the feel of the fuzzy skin, the juiciness, everything.

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    1. I hope you can find some Lillet, Lauren - I really think you'll enjoy it over the summer. I agree, few things are better than a perfectly ripe, juicy peach.

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  3. I am making these as soon as I get back to Seattle! Right now at my Mama's house we're doing our best (poor us) to get through the giant batch of Strawberry Rhubarb Cocktails we made. Love summer bevvies!

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    1. Ok, Erina, you'll have to share your Strawberry Rhubarb Cocktail recipe! It sounds ideal for summer sipping.

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  4. looks great! I need help choosing a good peach!

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    1. Thanks, Alex! With peaches and nectarines, I usually go by scent - the sweeter smell usually (usually!) indicates nice flavor and juiciness. I've been wrong, though, so I believe there is a bit of luck involved.

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  5. Hannah, your photo is beautiful, and I loved seeing it come up on the Community Picks page of Food52! This is the essence of summer in a glass (or jar!).

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    1. Thank you, Cynthia! I appreciate your kind words (and the heads up about the Food52 page!). Summer fruit is a pleasure in every form. :)

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  6. What a perfect summer cocktail! I love peaches and mint.

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    1. Thank you, Lynda! Fruit and herbs mix so well...now I'm musing over some other combinations for summer beverages.

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  7. I LOVE Lillet! I've been meaning to buy a bottle--this and a recipe I saw for Lillet marshmallows...and congrats re Food52!

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    1. Thank you, Sara! Lillet marshmallows? I'm very intrigued. :)

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  8. How refreshing! I love this drink! Minty part is great, but most of all the peach!!! I love anything with peaches and I am getting thirsty as I write this...

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    1. I agree, Nami - anything with peaches! I hope you're enjoying your summer.

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  9. These coolers look so refreshing! Glad I still have some peaches left to try them! :)

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    1. Thank you, Laura! I hope you enjoy them - so happy it's peach season. Wishing you a great weekend!

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  10. Don´t know if I can get my hands on some lillet, but it sure looks great.

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    1. Thank you, Matgalen! I hope you were able to discover some Lillet.

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