Peach Gimlet

Want a fun and fruity drink this weekend? This may be more of a spring cocktail but I have been enjoying it over the last few weeks. Although a traditional gimlet is gin and lime this cocktail incorporates some sweeter and fruity elements.

I used Sheringham gin which is a local gin from Vancouver Island. Sheringham is one of my favorite gins. The remainder of the ingredients are from Dillon’s which is a small batch distiller from Ontario. I definitely recommend ordering from them. They have some delicious gin flavours. This recipe is adapted from the Dillon’s website.

Cocktail Ingredients
2 ounces Gin
1 1/2 ounces fresh peach juice⁠ or peach puree
1 ounce Peach Schnapps
3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice⁠
1/2 ounce Grenadine⁠
3 dashes Ginger Bitters⁠
Edible flower, for garnish

Cocktail Recipe
1. Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Add in a handful of ice. Shake for 10-15 seconds or until the mixture is chilled.
2. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
3. Optional: Garnish with a slice of peach or an edible flower.

The Dhillon’s grenadine is delicious but if you don’t have grenadine you can make your own.

Grenadine Ingredients
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup 100% unsweetened pomegranate juice
1/2 lemon

Grenadine Recipe
1. Combine the sugar and juice in a sauce pan. Place over medium heat on the stovetop. Stir to help the sugar dissolve.
2. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil and cook for 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
3. Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool. Taste and add a few drops of lemon juice to bring out the tartness, if necessary.
4. Place syrup in a clean bottle and in the refrigerator for up to one month.

I found it difficult to find fresh peach juice. I ended up using the frozen Minute Maid peach punch. This is VERY sweet but it was a tasty substitute. I used 2 ounces of gin instead of 1 1/2 ounces to counteract some of that sweetness. Overall this is a delicious and easy to drink cocktail.

Hope you all have a good weekend!

Photos: Paige Owen