There’s something magical about late summer. The sun dips low, the air turns golden, and time slows just enough to savor the moment. It’s during this golden hour that we crave something smooth, bright, and deeply flavorful. Enter the Peach & Rye Smash, a cocktail that celebrates the season’s sweetness while bringing the bold character of Pollinator Rye Whiskey to the forefront. Whether you're relaxing on the porch, hosting a backyard BBQ, or catching the last rays on the beach, this cocktail delivers the kind of balance and refreshment that lingers long after the glass is empty.
Why the Peach & Rye Smash Works
Rye whiskey is known for its spicy, complex profile. That’s exactly why it pairs beautifully with the juicy sweetness of ripe peaches and the brightness of fresh lemon. Pollinator Rye Whiskey, in particular, has depth and character that elevate this cocktail from simple to sublime. The addition of wildflower honey syrup ties everything together with a smooth finish, while mint adds a cool herbal layer that makes each sip more refreshing than the last.
What You’ll Need
Before we dive into how to make it, here are the ingredients you’ll want to gather. This cocktail is easy to make but feels luxurious in flavor and presentation.
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½ ripe peach (or 1 oz peach purée if fresh peaches aren’t available)
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½ oz fresh lemon juice
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½ oz honey syrup (equal parts wildflower honey and warm water)
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3 mint leaves
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Garnish: mint sprig and peach slice
How to Make It
This Peach & Rye Smash is quick to prepare and perfect for small gatherings or solo sipping. Here’s how to make one:
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In a cocktail shaker, muddle the peach (or purée), lemon juice, honey syrup, and mint leaves until the peach is broken down and fragrant.
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Add Pollinator Rye Whiskey and ice to the shaker.
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Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
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Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
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Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a thin slice of peach.
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Sip and enjoy the golden hour.
The Spirit of the Smash
Cocktails for whiskey lovers don’t always have to be heavy. The beauty of a smash cocktail lies in its versatility. Fresh fruit, herbs, and citrus bring out whiskey’s more nuanced qualities. With this Peach & Rye version, the rye whiskey’s spice is softened by the mellow sweetness of peach, while the lemon and mint keep things light and bright.
Pollinator Rye Whiskey stands out as an ideal base spirit for this cocktail. It’s an artisanal rye spirit made with care, bringing bold character and a smooth finish that makes it perfect for cocktails or sipping neat. Rye whiskey has long been a favorite in classic cocktails, and this modern twist proves it’s still one of the most exciting spirits available today.
Make It Yours
One of the best things about craft spirits is how they invite creativity. While this cocktail sings with rye, don’t be afraid to try other variations depending on your mood or what's in your bar cart:
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Lighten it up with Pollinator Vodka for a brighter, more delicate drink.
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Add depth and a bittersweet finish by swapping in Crimson Amaro for a portion of the rye.
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Use Bonfire Rye if you’re in the mood for something smokier and more robust.
Each option offers a different take on this summer cocktail, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make the recipe your own.
Perfect Pairings for Late Summer
Whether you're serving this cocktail at a sunset dinner party or enjoying it with snacks by the firepit, it pairs beautifully with:
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Grilled peaches with prosciutto
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Charcuterie boards with aged cheddar and spiced nuts
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Barbecued pork or smoked chicken
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A scoop of vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of honey
The flavors of the Peach & Rye Smash echo the richness and warmth of late summer, making it a versatile pairing for everything from savory mains to sweet endings.
Sip the Season with Pollinator
Pollinator Spirits is all about honoring nature, quality ingredients, and the art of distillation. Our Rye Whiskey is carefully crafted to highlight the complexity of American-grown grains, offering a spicy and smooth character that works in both classic and modern cocktails. Whether you're shopping spirits online or visiting your local spirits shop, look for Pollinator Rye as your next go-to for summer cocktails and beyond.
The Peach & Rye Smash is just one example of how versatile and expressive rye whiskey can be. From whiskey flights to one-of-a-kind craft cocktails, the right ingredients make all the difference. When you start with Pollinator’s premium rye whiskey, you’re already on the path to something exceptional.
Where to Find Pollinator Spirits
Looking to add this cocktail to your repertoire? Visit our spirits online shop to browse our full collection. Whether you're seeking bourbon whiskey, vodka, Crimson Amaro, or our award-winning Pollinator Rye, our US spirits are available for online shopping and direct shipping (where permitted).
Explore our site to find more rye whiskey recipes, discover how whiskey is made, or build your own whiskey flight to explore our full line of artisanal spirits.
Golden Hour Never Tasted So Good
Late summer won't last forever, but the memory of a well-crafted cocktail can. With ripe peaches, fresh mint, and the bold complexity of Pollinator Rye Whiskey, the Peach & Rye Smash captures the essence of the season in one glass. So grab your shaker, mix one up, and raise a glass to golden hour, where the light is soft, the air is sweet, and the spirits are strong.
