Celebrate Bourbon In Summertime With This Peachy Mint Julep

For many people, bourbon is the standard for warming up with Old Fashioneds and Manhattans during the cold weather months. But it can also star in lighter summer drinks, like fruity or herbal Sours, Bucks, and tiki cocktails.

And don't forget about Mint Juleps. They’ve always been a staple of Kentucky Derby celebrations in early May, but the sipping shouldn’t stop there.

Though the bourbon and mint combination was originally used as a medicinal elixir, everyone loved the refreshing combination so much it became a classic. The Julep is a perfect vehicle for playing with fruit flavors, as showcased by the Peach Bourbon cocktail created by Dani Felton, bar manager of BLVD Steak in Sherman Oaks, California. This drink tastes like summer, Felton says. “You get the brightness from the peach and mint mixed with the vanilla caramel flavors from the bourbon.” But the fruit doesn't overpower the spirit, making it a perfect summer cocktail.

Peach Julep

• 6-8 fresh mint leaves
• 1 oz. fresh lemon juice
• 2 oz. Angels Envy (or other port-finished bourbon)
• 1 1/4 oz. housemade peach simple syrup (recipe below)
• 3-4 mint sprigs for garnish

In a shaker tin, muddle mint leaves and lemon juice. Add remaining ingredients and ice, and shake for about 20 seconds. Strain over crushed ice in a rocks glass and garnish with mint sprigs.

Housemade Peach Simple Syrup

• 3/4 cup white peach puree (such as Perfect Puree), thawed
• 1/2 cup water
• 3/4 cup sugar

Bring water to a boil in a pot over high heat. Turn off heat, add sugar, and stir to dissolve. Once combined, cool completely (about 30 minutes). Add thawed peach puree. Transfer to a sealable container and keep refrigerated up to 7 days.