Peach Basil Smash

The Peach Basil Smash is a beautifully balanced non-alcoholic drink that captures the essence of summer. It combines the juicy sweetness of ripe peaches with the herbaceous, slightly peppery notes of fresh basil. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a bright, citrusy acidity that cuts through the sweetness, while sparkling water provides a refreshing effervescence. This mocktail is both sophisticated in flavor and incredibly easy to prepare.
Peach Basil Smash

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Peach Basil Smash is classified as a mocktail. It falls into the category of refreshing, non-alcoholic drinks, perfect for warm weather or as a sophisticated alcohol-free option.

Serving

Served cold over ice in a Rocks glass, this is a refreshing, non-alcoholic drink of a moderate size.
Serving size
Approx. 240 ml / 8 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Rocks glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

This drink is a modern creation, inspired by the popular "smash" category of cocktails which involves muddling fresh fruit and herbs. As the demand for creative and complex non-alcoholic beverages grew, bartenders began experimenting with garden-fresh ingredients. The combination of peach and basil, a classic pairing in culinary arts, was a natural fit for a refreshing and elegant mocktail.
Origin
This is a contemporary mocktail, likely originating in the United States or Europe in the early 21st century. It doesn't have a single point of origin but evolved from the craft cocktail and mocktail movement.

Peach Basil Smash

The drink is primarily known as the Peach Basil Smash. Alternative names like Virgin Peach Basil Smash emphasize its non-alcoholic nature, while Peach Basil Fizz highlights its sparkling character.
Original name
Peach Basil Smash
Alternative names
  • Virgin Peach Basil Smash
  • Peach Basil Fizz

Characteristics overview

This mocktail offers a sweet and herbal flavor profile with a refreshing, bubbly texture. Its aroma is a delightful mix of fresh peach and basil, leading to a clean, crisp finish perfect for summer.
Flavor
Sweet, fruity, herbal, peachy, citrusy, slightly peppery
Aroma
Aromatic, fresh basil, ripe peach, lime zest
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Clean, refreshing, lingering basil
Fizziness
Bubbly, effervescent
Color appearance
Pale orange, peachy hue, translucent with basil flecks
Texture
Light, crisp, slightly pulpy from muddled peach
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The drink has a prominent fruity sweetness balanced by a gentle sourness and moderate carbonation. It is completely non-alcoholic, non-spicy, and has no bitterness or creaminess.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You'll need fresh ripe peach, basil leaves, lime juice, a touch of simple syrup for sweetness, and sparkling water to top it all off.
  • Ripe Peach1/2 medium peach, peeled and sliced
    Using a ripe, juicy peach is key for the best flavor.
  • Fresh Basil Leaves5-6 large leaves
  • Fresh Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Freshly squeezed is highly recommended.
  • Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz(optional)
    Adjust to taste, or omit if the peach is very sweet. Can be substituted with honey or agave syrup.
  • Sparkling Water120 ml / 4 oz, or to top
    Club soda or seltzer water works well.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

A cocktail shaker, muddler, and fine-mesh strainer are the key tools needed to prepare this drink properly.
  • Shaker: for shaking the main ingredients
  • Muddler: for gently bruising the basil and peach
  • Fine-mesh strainer: for straining the mixture into the glass

Instructions

The process involves muddling peach and basil, shaking with lime juice and ice, straining into an ice-filled glass, and topping with sparkling water.
1. In the bottom of a cocktail shaker, add the sliced peach, basil leaves, and simple syrup (if using).
2. Gently muddle the ingredients to release the juices from the peach and the oils from the basil. Avoid over-muddling the basil to prevent bitterness.
3. Add the fresh lime juice and fill the shaker with ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
5. Fill a Rocks glass with fresh ice.
6. Double-strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared glass to remove small bits of peach and basil.
7. Top with sparkling water.
8. Gently stir to combine, and garnish with a fresh basil sprig and a peach slice.

Garnishing

Garnish with a fresh sprig of basil and a slice of peach to enhance the drink's aroma and visual appeal.
  • A fresh basil sprig and a thin peach slice, placed on the rim or in the drink.

Dietary Information

This drink is naturally caffeine-free, dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, and nut-free. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a relatively low-calorie mocktail, with most of its calories coming from the natural sugars in the peach and any added simple syrup.
Calories
Averagely 70-90 kcal / 293-377 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 18-22 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 15-20 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This mocktail is perfect for a variety of occasions, especially during warmer months. It's an excellent choice for summer parties, garden gatherings, brunches, and events like baby showers where elegant non-alcoholic options are appreciated.
  • Summer parties
  • Brunches
  • Baby showers
  • Relaxing afternoon
  • Alcohol-free alternative

Pairing suggestions

The Peach Basil Smash pairs well with light and fresh foods. Consider serving it alongside summer salads, grilled white meats, or appetizers like bruschetta. It also complements light, fruit-based desserts.
  • Light salads with goat cheese
  • Grilled chicken or fish
  • Bruschetta with tomato and basil
  • Fruit tarts and light desserts

Peach Basil Smash: A Sip of Summer

The Peach Basil Smash is a sophisticated and refreshing non-alcoholic beverage perfect for any occasion that calls for a special drink without the alcohol. It beautifully balances the sweetness of ripe peaches with the aromatic, herbaceous notes of fresh basil, all brightened by a splash of lime and a fizzy finish. Easy to make yet impressive in its flavor complexity, it's a go-to summer mocktail that delights the senses.

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