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Peach-Basil Juleps

Julep in a mason jar with bowl of fresh peaches in background.

This is a delicious twist on the iconic Mint Julep using peach and basil.

Ok,ok- with the absence of mint, it really shouldn’t be called a julep. But you’ll let it slide once you give it a taste.

 

Summer southern gardens should be overflowing this time of year with both mint and basil. (I wouldn’t know. I have 2 brown thumbs.)

The peach puree is a very welcome addition and helps sweeten the drink without adding gobs of sugar. I wasn’t sure I’d like the basil, but it’s magnificent. Not too surprising considering basil is in the same family as mint.

It commingles brilliantly with the bourbon and peaches, lending a sweetness that is more nuanced than that of mint, and a little pepperiness as well.

Peach Julep with basil in a mason jar surrounded by fresh peaches.

I could sit on the porch and sip these all day.

Peach Basil Julep in mason jar with fresh peaches and a bottle of bourbon.

Peach-Basil Juleps

  • 5-6 peaches
  • 6-8 basil leaves
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • ¼ cup bourbon
  • 2 tablespoons of basil simple syrup
  • ¾ cup peach puree
  • basil and peach slices for garnish
  1. Submerge peaches in a pot of boiling water just until skin begins to loosen, about 3 minutes. Remove to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking and then peel skin off. Cut peaches into slices. Measure 3 cups of peaches and place in a blender. Add 1 cup of water and blend until smooth. Strain through a sieve to remove solid pieces. (If you blend really well and don’t mind a small amount of pulp, you can skip this step.)
  2. To make simple syrup, bring ½ cup water, ½ cup sugar, and basil leaves to boil in a small saucepan. Stir to dissolve sugar and remove from heat. Let cool.
  3. For each drink, combine 1 cup crushed ice, 2 tablespoons basil simple syrup, ¼ cup bourbon, and ¾ cup peach puree and stir to combine.

Source: adapted from emmadime.com

Close-Up of Peach-Basil Julep.

 

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7 thoughts on “Peach-Basil Juleps”

  1. I need one of these ASAP. Looks amazing! Just wondering how easy it is to find that peach puree, though 🙁

    1. Christin
      Christin Mahrlig

      The peach puree is made in step one of the recipe by putting fresh peaches and water in the blender. It’s delicious!

      1. Tivoli Martin

        If you want to skip a step, try using Whiskey Girl Peach…a premium flavored whiskey made in Greenville, SC with real peaches from Gafney, SC!

  2. Consuelo @ Honey & Figs

    The peach+basil must be a fantastic combination. So summery!! Ican’t wait to try this recipe now that peaches are in season here. Looks delicious!! x

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