Hump Day Cocktailing – Bourbon Peach Bellini Manhattan #fitfam
Y’all Ready for a Sip of Southern Sass? Meet the Bourbon Peach Bellini Manhattan!
Sweet peaches and smooth bourbon? Honey, it doesn’t get more Southern chic than that! This isn’t your grandma’s sweet tea (though we love that too!). This Bellini Manhattan is a sophisticated Southern belle of a cocktail. Think the warm, confident swagger of bourbon mingling with the sweet blush of fresh peaches and a flirtatious wink from cherries and sweet vermouth. Then, a bubbly kiss of champagne arrives, making it fizzy, fabulous, and utterly refreshing. Whether you’re hosting a porch party or just treating yourself like the Southern royalty you are, this is the sip that says “I’m stylish, I’m sassy, and I know good bourbon!” Cheers, y’all! From our friends at thecocktailproject.com.
Why We Love It:
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We’re absolutely head-over-heels for this Bourbon Peach Bellini Manhattan for a whole host of stylish reasons:
- The Unexpectedly Chic Mashup: It’s not your basic cocktail! The sophisticated swagger of a Manhattan gets a flirty, fizzy makeover with the addition of Bellini elements (hello, fruit and bubbles!). It’s a delightful surprise for the palate.
- Southern Comfort, Elevated: That bourbon and peach combo is pure Southern charm, but the Manhattan twist and champagne lift it to a whole new level of elegance. It’s like pairing your favorite denim with a silk scarf – effortlessly stylish.
- A Symphony of Flavors: The warmth of the bourbon plays beautifully with the sweet, juicy peaches, while the vermouth adds a touch of complexity. The cherries offer a pop of color and sweetness, and the champagne brings that light, celebratory fizz. It’s a well-dressed drink!
- Versatility is Vogue: Whether you’re hosting a glamorous garden party or just want to treat yourself to a sophisticated at-home moment, this cocktail fits the bill. It’s equally chic for a solo sip or sharing with your stylish crew.
- It’s a Conversation Starter: This isn’t your run-of-the-mill drink order. It’s unique and intriguing, guaranteed to spark conversation and show off your discerning taste.
Basically, this cocktail is the epitome of stylish sipping – it’s got character, it’s got flair, and it’s undeniably delicious. It’s the kind of drink that makes you feel just a little bit more fabulous with every sip!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 parts Maker’s Mark® Bourbon
- 1/2 part Peach Puree
- 3/4 part Vermouth, Sweet
- 1 dash Orange Bitters
- 3/4 part Brut Champagne
- Cherries
Instructions:
Fill a mixing glass with ice. Measure in the Makers Mark® Bourbon, peach puree and vermouth. Add a dash of bitters. Cap and shake. Strain into large martini glass. Add a splash of champagne. Garnish with cherries on a pick.
*Gold gilded maraschino cherries:
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries
- Drain well, then dry on paper towels
- 1/4 teaspoon Gold Luster Dust (available at cake decorating stores or on-line)
- Make the cherries in the container in which you are going to store them. It is important that the cherries are well drained. Place the cherries in the container and add the luster dust. Stir gently to coat cherries in gold. Store refrigerated for up to 3 days.
For a truly fashionable garnish that complements the Southern charm and sophisticated twist of this Bourbon Peach Bellini Manhattan, let’s aim for something that’s both visually appealing and hints at the delicious ingredients:
Playing with the Key Flavors:
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The Bourbon-Kissed Peach Slice:
- Take a thin, ripe slice of fresh peach.
- Using a small stencil (think a tiny star or a chic geometric shape) or a very steady hand, lightly dust a tiny area of the peach slice with a touch of edible gold shimmer powder.
- Make a small slit in the peach slice and perch it elegantly on the rim. The gold adds a touch of luxury and hints at the bourbon’s richness.
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Cherry & Mint Southern Charm:
- Thread a vibrant red brandied cherry (for extra sophistication) onto a small cocktail skewer.
- Add a small, fragrant mint sprig to the same skewer.
- Rest this stylish duo across the rim of the glass. The red and green offer a pop of color and freshness.
Elevating the Bubbles:
- Champagne-Soaked Peach Fan:
- Take a thin slice of fresh peach and make several parallel, thin slices almost all the way through (like you’re fanning it).
- Gently dip the fanned edge of the peach into a small amount of champagne for a subtle shimmer and added flavor.
- Drape the fanned peach over the rim.
A Simple & Chic Statement:
- The Angled Peach Peel Twist:
- Use a vegetable peeler to create a long, thin ribbon of peach peel (if your peach is firm enough).
- Twist the peel gently around your finger to create a stylish spiral and hook it over the rim. It adds a delicate aroma and visual interest.
A Touch of Unexpected Elegance:
- Edible Flower with a Hint of Orange:
- Float a small, food-safe edible flower (like a pansy or calendula in a warm orange or peachy hue) on the surface of the drink.
- Add a tiny sliver of fresh orange zest alongside it for a burst of color and aroma that complements the bourbon and bitters.
Remember to consider:
- The height and style of your glass: Choose a garnish that complements it without being overwhelming.
- Freshness is paramount: Always use the freshest, most vibrant ingredients for your garnish.
- Simplicity can be chic: Don’t overdo it! Sometimes a single, well-placed garnish makes the biggest statement.
Now, go ahead and adorn your delicious Southern cocktail with a touch of your signature style! Cheers to fashionable sipping!
Enjoy with some Hump Day iTunes!
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