As the weather heats up and prepares us for summer, people have a tendency to crave fruitier, lighter drinks flavored with bright, fresh ingredients.
So what better way to usher in the season than with bright, clean and crisp peachy flavors mixed into a fun cocktail?
No matter what your preferred booze is, you're sure to find something you like here. As a bonus, most of these adult beverages lend themselves well to becoming alcohol-free, so you can can enjoy them any time of day.
1. Sparkling Rosemary-Peach Cocktails
An easy, light and refreshing spin on the classic Bellini, with a bright, herby pop. If you want to make this virgin, you can use sparkling grape or apple juice or just any delicate, mild soda -- even club soda would be fine. Alternately, make it boozier with a bit of gin, rum or tequila.
2. White Peach Cooler
If you're a vodka lover, you'll adore this refreshingly bright yet mellow drink. Feel free to sub the peach vodka for the plain stuff or any other complementary fruity flavor like raspberry, lime or apple.
3. New Old-Fashioned
If you love this classic cocktail but want a clean, spring-appropriate way to jazz it up, swap out the maraschino cherries for a single muddled peach slice. You'll love it!
4. Roasted Peach Bourbon Cocktail
Roasted peaches? It might sound odd, but heating your fruit in the oven will bring out extra peachy sweetness and give you a little extra juice. Add some fresh thyme and you're in for a seriously gourmet treat.
5. Peach Gin Fizz
Warning: When you combine white peaches with blueberries and gin for this light, sweet, summery cocktail, it's easy to forget that this drink packs a punch!
6. Peach Candy Corn Cocktail
Strictly speaking, you don't need actual candy corn if you don't want this whipped cream and fruit-flavored cocktail to look too Halloween-esque, but it does make an adorable garnish.
7. Rosemary Peach Maple Leaf Cocktail
A little bit of savory smoked salt (here's how to make your own) and bright lemon juice does wonders when paired with the woodsy rosemary. The heavenly combo is incredible with floral rye whiskey, although you can certainly use another variety of whiskey or even a bit of gin.
8. Frozen Peach Bellini
Bellinis are the absolute best!!! With only three ingredients, they are so simple yet so delicious. This recipe makes them even BETTER by using frozen peach puree.
9. Sweet Tea Sangria
You'll love this Southern twist on sangria, complete with sweet tea, orange liqueur (like Triple Sec) and really any combination of fruit you want to use. The recipe suggests peaches and raspberries, which are fabulous garnished with a sprig of mint, but you can use anything that your heart desires -- oranges, mango, blueberries, blackberries or pomegranates would be pretty nice too.
10. Peach Margaritas
Margaritas are perfect as is, but they also lend themselves well to innovation. Why not try this unique spin, which swaps out lime juice for lemon that goes just perfectly with some easy peach puree? You'll love it.