A bubbly summer cocktail made with fresh peach puree and peach schnapps — bright, fruity, and perfect for warm evenings.
My mother-in-law tends a generous orchard, and in good years it yields an abundance of stone fruit. I especially love peaches — grilled peaches, peach salads, marinated peaches, peach jam, peach crisp, peach compote, and of course peach cocktails. When peaches are in season I find endless ways to celebrate them, and this Summer Spritzer with Peach Puree & Peach Schnapps is one of my favorites for easy entertaining.
This spritzer leans sweet, so the recipe includes the juice of one lemon to balance the flavors. If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the peach syrup or omit the schnapps; the cocktail will still be bright and refreshing. The base peach syrup is flexible and can be used for other cocktails, mocktails, or desserts.
How to Make Peach Syrup (Simple Method)
The syrup in this recipe begins with fresh peaches. For about two cups of juice you’ll need roughly 15 medium peaches. Score an X on the bottom of each peach, blanch them in boiling water for about five minutes, then plunge into ice water. The skins should peel away easily. Remove skins and pits, then press the flesh through a fine strainer or sieve into a bowl to collect the juice. The strained fruit can be frozen or used in pies and crisps, while the drained juice becomes the base for the syrup.
To make the syrup, pour the fresh peach juice into a small saucepan and add sugar at about a 2:1 ratio of juice to sugar (for example, 2 cups juice to 1 cup sugar). Warm gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and chill before using. Stored in a sealed container, the syrup keeps in the refrigerator for up to three weeks and also freezes well in ice cube trays for later use.
Summer Spritzer with Peach Puree & Peach Schnapps
A bubbly summer cocktail featuring fresh peach syrup, peach schnapps, vodka, and soda water — bright, fruity, and easy to make.
Cook: 10 mins Total: 10 mins Serves: 2
Ingredients
- 0.5 oz (about 1/3 shot glass) peach schnapps
- 1 oz peach syrup (see method above)
- 1.5 oz vodka
- Soda water, to top
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker combine the peach syrup, vodka, lemon juice, and peach schnapps. Add ice and shake vigorously until well chilled.
- Fill a tall glass with fresh ice. Strain the shaken mixture into the glass and top with soda water to taste. Stir gently to combine.
- Taste and adjust sweetness if needed — add a touch more syrup for sweetness or more soda for a lighter drink. For a less boozy version, omit the vodka and increase soda water for a mocktail.
- Garnish with a thin slice of fresh peach, a lemon wheel, or a sprig of fresh herb (mint, rosemary, or basil work well) and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For a sparkling finish, substitute sparkling wine or prosecco for the soda water.
- If fresh peaches aren’t available, use frozen thawed peaches strained for juice, or a high-quality peach nectar as a shortcut.
- Reduce the peach syrup or skip the schnapps if you prefer a drier cocktail.
- Herbal notes pair beautifully with peach — try a sprig of rosemary, sage, or basil as a garnish for an aromatic touch.
- Leftover peach syrup is excellent stirred into iced tea, drizzled over yogurt, or used in baked desserts.
OTHER SUMMER COCKTAIL RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
Delicious LaCroix Cocktail with pineapple, coconut, guava & lime
Coconut & tangerine LaCroix margarita
Brûléed lemon sour LaCroix cocktail