Cocktails are great (obviously) but sometimes you just want something not-so-strong to sip on while hanging out, cooking, doing yard work, barbecuing, reading, whatever. That's where a great category of cocktails called "smashes" come in — basically, your average liquorful cocktail plus muddled fruit, crushed ice and seltzer or soda.
Here's how I "smashed" my peachy Manhattan:
Lemme smash it: Our April Remix cocktail, transformed into a lighter, longer drink suitable for sipping.
Bourbon-Peach Smash
2 ounces bourbon
1 ounce Lillet Blanc (or Cocchi Americano, if you prefer)
1 ounce good-quality peach liqueur (like Mathilde Pêches)
5 or 6 drops of peach bitters
2 mint leaves
4 peeled peach slices
seltzer
In a mixing glass, thoroughly muddle (smash 'em!) the mint leaf and the peeled peaches with the bourbon, Lillet or Cocchi, peach liqueur and bitters. Strain into a tall glass filled with crushed ice, then fill glass to top with seltzer. Serve with a straw.
