American Rose

Nothing says American like brandy and peaches. American brandy, that is. And Gruet is an American sparkling wine inspired by French champagne, so it is perfect for the fizz in this cocktial.

America is of course the inventor of the cocktail, and combining French liqueurs and wines into strong spirits like brandy. The trick with this drink is to peel your peach half and dice it before muddling it in the shaker. A wide straw helps to suck up the pulp.

• 1 1/2  oz. brandy
• 1 tsp. grenadine 
• 1/2 fresh peach peeled and mashed
• 1/2 tsp. Pernod
• Champagne or sparkling wine (Gruet used)
• peach wedge

Combine all ingredients except peach wedge and champagne in a shaker with ice. Shake and pour into a wine glass and top with champagne. Garnish with the peach wedge. 

Confetti (Non-Alcoholic)

The Confetti is a non-alcoholic version of the Tutti Fruity and it is just as good. The trick with this drink is the non-alcoholic tart cherry cider and peaches, which can be bought in advance of summer fruit season. Then you need fresh peaches, pears and apples--no small feat. If you can't manage to find all the fruits, get canned fruit that is stored in its own juices, not sugar syrup.

You'll need a thick straw to slurp this one up completely. But it is so worth the effort. You've never had a smoothie like this!

• 2 oz. fresh pealed peaches
• 2 oz. sliced apples
• 2 oz. pealed pears
• 1 oz. orgeat, 
• 4 oz. tart cherry cider

Combine all ingredients in a blender with ice and blend until smooth. Pour into a chille Collins glass or Hurricane glass. 

Under The Boardwalk (Non-Alcoholic)

Wow! What a delightful beach drink that is delicious and non-alcoholic! Makes me think of a beach fruit smoothie tent at Atlantic City. If you have a blender and plenty of fresh fruit, you can make this drink during summer months when peaches are in season.

• 2 oz. lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp. sugar
• 1/2 peach pealed and diced
• fresh raspberries
• sparkling water

Combine all ingredients except sparkling water and raspberries in a blender with ice. Blend until smooth and pour into a chilled Collins glass (or Hurricane glass as pictured). Top with sparkling water and stir. Garnish with raspberries.

Peach Margarita

More than a Margarita with peach schnapps, this variation on the classic has real peach syrup made from cooked down peach nectar. But this is a 90s recipe, so it is basically the familiar Margarita with Peachtree Schnapps. Nothing to get excited about--until you taste it.

• 2 oz. silver tequila (Sauza blanco used)
• 1/2 oz. peach liqueur
• 1 tbsp. triple sec
• 2 oz. lime juice
• 1 tsp. peach syrup (optional)
• coarse salt
• peach slice

Combine liquid ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass rimmed with salt. Garnish with a peach slice.