Peach Old Fashioned Cocktail

The Old Fashioned has long remained a classic whisky cocktail. And it’s one of those classics that has the perfect structure for adaptations. Like the Single Malt Peach Old Fashioned, a riff that does exactly what the name suggests: swaps bourbon from the traditional recipe with single malt and introduces peach syrup to the mix. 

It’s fruity and aromatic, but not too sweet since the bitters cut through the fruit and sugar to keep the drink structured. Served over a single cube of ice, the drink’s sweetness gradually dilutes, letting the complex single malt flavours shine through. 

What Single Malt Works Best?

The Old-Fashioned traditionally relies on bourbon or rye whisky. Bourbon yields a slightly sweeter result than rye. For this riff, though, a single malt that complements the peach is important. Thus, a fruit-forward expression, aged in a sherry cask or otherwise, works best here. 

If you’re new to using single malts in cocktaills, you can opt for the Singleton 12, a refined Speyside single malt that combines creamy maltiness, fresh orchard fruits, and a touch of honeyed sweetness, with gentle hints of spice. You can also opt for another whisky with similar notes, but a Speyside works the best here. Avoid intensely smoky or peppery whiskies as they may mask the flavour of peach or create an imbalanced cocktail. 

How To Make Peach Syrup?

The cocktail recipe relies on peach syrup. You can use a store-bought version or even make at one at home if you have access to fresh, ripe peaches or even frozen ones. Start with getting one cup, each, of chopped fresh or frozen peaches (leave skins on for extra color), granulated sugar,, and water. Add all three to a small saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Then gently simmer for 8 to 15 minutes until the peaches are soft and the liquid turns peachy. Turn off the heat and mash the fruit with a fork or spoon to release extra juices. Let the the mixture cool to room temperature.

Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar or bottle. Do not press hard on the fruit if you want a clear syrup. Store the finished syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. 

Making a Single Malt Peach Old Fashioned - Things To Keep In Mind

- Balancing Sweetness: Peach syrup already contributes sweetness, so be mindful of adding additional sugar or simple syrup. The goal is to let the peach complement the whisky without masking its malty, fruity or oak-led character. Always start with a smaller quantity and adjust to taste.

-Using Liqueur: You can swap your syrup with liqueur for a more concentrated peach flavour and aroma to the drink.

- Ice: Ice is particularly important in an Old Fashioned because the drink is usually served over a large cube. A large, dense cube melts slowly, chilling the drink while limiting excess dilution. Avoid filling the glass with small, fast-melting ice, which can water down the whisky.

- Stir, Not Shake: Stir the whisky, peach liqueur and bitters with ice until the drink is chilled and lightly diluted before straining it over fresh ice. Don’t shake the ingredients. Stirring gives the cocktail a smoother texture while keeping its spirit-forward character.