Just Peachy Martini
Updated: Jun 15
The oven mitts are off and the cocktail shaker is out as we've concocted the perfect peach sippin' libation for this blog post. Martinis have evolved significantly since the long lost days of prohibition as pretty much anything is game as far as base spirits and flavors are concerned. Style and sophistication come to mind at the very mention of martinis; however, we're keeping it simple and unpretentious for this fruit forward beverage. This exclusive cocktail recipe features subtle notes of citrus combined with the aromatic essence of peaches.
The peach simple syrup called for in this recipe is quite versatile as it can be used to add a layer of added dimension to freshly baked (unfrosted) cakes and cupcake tops. All it takes is dipping a pastry brush into the flavored simple syrup, a few gentle strokes over your selected pastry item and voila! Doing so not only enhances the flavor of your baked goods, but also adds a layer of moistness, which helps extend the shelf life.
You might be wondering which brand or type of vodka to choose from, any unflavored vodka will work well as it will allow the fruit flavors to take center stage.
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Ingredients
To prepare the peach simple syrup you'll need:
Peaches – 3/4 cup of fresh sliced peaches (with skin removed) are recommended when at the height of its season --- typically from the beginning of late spring through early fall --- but frozen is also a great alternative for year round enjoyment.
Granulated Sugar - 1/2 cup
Water - 1/2 cup
Remaining ingredients
Vodka - 2 ounces
Peach Schnapps - 1 ounce
Orange Juice - 1 ounce
Optional garnishes
Granulated sugar - 1/4 cup
Orange flavored instant drink mix - 2 tablespoons
Lemon slices - 1 slice
Equipment
Most of the kitchen items and barware I used in this recipe are common items you'll likely have on hand. I have, however, shared links below for the items utilized in this recipe. All of these items are versatile as I also utilized many of these tools in most of my other recipes, which I invite you to read (and share). If you're wondering whether to shake or stir this cocktail, according to the expert mixologists at MasterClass.com cocktails that include fruit juices --- such as this one--- yield a more balanced flavor of fruit and alcohol as just the right amount of diluting is involved in the process of shaking up the drink.
Wire masher - to easily mash up peaches for simple syrup mixture.
Small fine mesh strainer - to separate mashed peaches and extract liquid when preparing simple syrup.
Large spoon - to stir ingredients for peach simple syrup.
This adjustable measuring spoon by KitchenArt is one of my favorite go-to kitchen tools as its space-saving design, removes the need for multiple measuring spoons as it adjusts to measurements of 1/2 tsp. up to 1 full tablespoon.
Double sided jigger - another handy kitchen/barware tool as it measures small quantities of liquids ranging from 1/4 to 1-1/2 ounces. The one pictured above is made by Oxo and I particularly like this version as the measurements are clear and easy to read and are laser-etched, so they won't wear off over time.
Cocktail shaker - to perfectly mix up an unlimited range of beverages from iced tea, iced coffee drinks and your favorite adult libations.
1 - quart saucepan - to prepare the peach simple syrup. This Cuisinart version is a slightly updated model from the version pictured above, but it’s quite versatile as it’s oven and broiler safe (up to 500 degrees) and will last for years to come.
1 cup capacity measuring cup - to measure out the larger quantities of liquids called for in this recipe. Pyrex is unbeatable when compared to other glass measuring cups as it's oven, microwave, fridge, freezer & dishwasher safe, not to mention voted as the "best" liquid measuring cup according to Cook's Illustrated.
Scoop measuring cup - for the peaches and ice, the cup pictured above comes as part of a dishwasher safe 5-piece set by All-Clad, which I highly recommend as each cup includes it's respective standard measurement that's permanently etched into the handle and won’t fade over time. These measuring cups are sturdy, yield accurate measurements for dry ingredients, which make it versatile for cooking and baking recipes. They'll be part of your go-to tools for all of your cooking, baking and cocktail preparation needs.
Method
Pour 1/2 cup water into saucepan.
Add 1/2 cup sugar into saucepan.
Stir to combine.
Set to medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Stir sugar until it has completely dissolved.
5. Remove saucepan from heat and carefully add peaches as the simple syrup is still hot.
6. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the peaches steep in the simple syrup for
approximately one hour.
7. Using a masher, completely mash the peaches in the saucepan. The syrup will
be slightly thickened.
8. Set a fine mesh strainer over a measuring cup and in small batches pour the
peach simple syrup through the strainer.
9. Using a spoon, gently press the peaches into the strainer to release the syrup
into the measuring cup.
10. Set aside the (measuring) cup containing the peach syrup.
11. Add 1/4 cup sugar to a small, shallow bowl and add 2 tablespoons of orange
flavored powdered drink mix to the sugar.
12. Stir to combine.
13. Rub a lemon slice along the rim of a martini (cocktail) glass.
14. Dip the moistened rim of the martini glass into the sugar mix and evenly
coat the entire rim.
15. Add approximately 1/2 cup of ice to a cocktail shaker.
16. Pour 2 ounces vodka.
17. Pour 1 ounce peach schnapps.
18. Pour 1 ounce orange juice.
19. Pour 1 ounce peach simple syrup.
20. Cover cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for approximately 30
seconds. Pour contents from the cocktail shaker into the martini glass
and enjoy!
Video Tutorial
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