This peach cocktail is perfect for peach-and-pool season. Made with an easy peach-thyme simple syrup, fresh peaches, a squeeze of lemon, and your favorite spirit, this peach gin spritzer is a bright, refreshing drink to enjoy all summer long.
Peach cocktail
There’s something irresistible about a bubbly spritzer on a hot day, and this peach-and-thyme version balances juicy sweetness, herbal warmth, and a subtle floral edge from gin. It’s simple to make, easy to scale for a crowd, and lends itself to lots of variations so you can tailor it to your tastes.
Make it as written for a classic peach gin spritzer, swap the spirit for vodka or tequila, or skip alcohol altogether for a family-friendly mocktail. Either way, the peach-thyme syrup is the star and gives the drink its lovely summer flavor.
Can I replace the gin in my peach spritzer?
Yes. Gin adds floral, botanical notes, but you can swap it depending on your preference:
- Use vodka in the same amount for a cleaner, more neutral base.
- Try a crisp white wine or a sparkling rosé for a lighter, wine-based spritz.
- Hard seltzer (lemon or tangerine) works well for a lower-alcohol option — use it in place of, or alongside, the gin and soda water.
- Silver tequila makes a nice twist; replace lemon with lime, add a splash of bitters, and garnish with a sugared rim and lime wedge for a brighter, slightly savory version.
Can I make my peach syrup cocktail non-alcoholic?
Absolutely. Omit the liquor and increase the soda water, or swap the alcohol for lemonade, lemon-lime soda, or tonic water to keep bright, effervescent flavor. This makes a refreshing mocktail the whole family can enjoy.
How do I diversify my peach cocktail?
Small tweaks change the character of the spritzer: try lime or grapefruit instead of (or in addition to) lemon, add fresh fruit like peach slices or raspberries to the pitcher for color and extra flavor, or experiment with different herbs — rosemary pairs nicely with peaches too.
Do I stir or shake my peach gin cocktail?
Either method works. Stirring is quick and keeps the drink light. If you prefer a more pronounced peach-thyme flavor and a frothier texture, muddle a few of the cooked peaches from the syrup in a cocktail shaker, add gin (or your chosen spirit), syrup, and lemon juice, then shake. Top with soda water for a fizzy finish.
What foods go well with this spritzer?
This peach-and-thyme spritzer complements summer fare beautifully. Pair it with grilled burgers, chicken, or seasonal salads. If you use tequila, the spritzer pairs especially well with spicier dishes like tacos.
Peach cocktail recipe
What ingredients do I need for this recipe?
You’ll need ripe peaches, lemon, fresh thyme, honey, gin (or preferred spirit), soda water, and water for the syrup, plus ice for serving.
How do I make this cocktail?
- Make the peach-thyme simple syrup: Dice 2–3 peaches and place them in a saucepan with 1/2 cup water, 2 tablespoons honey, and about 4 sprigs of thyme. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the peaches soften and the flavors meld. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, collecting the syrup in a container. Reserve the softened peaches and thyme for another use, if desired. Chill the syrup in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.
- To build the spritzer, combine 8 oz gin (or alternative), the chilled peach-thyme syrup, the juice of 1 lemon, and 12 oz soda water in a large pitcher. Stir gently to combine.
- Fill glasses with ice and pour the spritzer over. Garnish with fresh peach slices and thyme sprigs.
For an extra pretty presentation, thread alternating peach and lemon slices on a cocktail skewer or add a small sprig of thyme to the rim.
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Peach cocktail with gin and thyme
15 mins
1 hr
1 hr 15 mins
Ingredients
- 2-3 peaches
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 8 sprigs of thyme
- 2 tbsp honey
- 8 oz gin
- 12 oz soda water
- 1/2 cup water
- ice
Equipment
- saucepan
- spatula
- strainer
- pitcher
Instructions
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Dice 2–3 peaches and place in a saucepan with 1/2 cup water, 2 tablespoons honey, and 4 sprigs of thyme.
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Bring to a simmer and cook until the peaches soften. Remove from heat and let cool.
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Strain, saving the syrup. Refrigerate the syrup for about 1 hour and set the peaches and thyme aside for another use if desired.
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In a pitcher combine gin, chilled peach-thyme syrup, lemon juice, and soda water. Stir to combine.
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Serve over ice and garnish with fresh peach slices and thyme sprigs.
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