Name: Peach Basil Cooler
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 2 cups sugar; 4 cups chopped peeled fresh peaches or 1 lb frozen sliced peaches; 1 package (3/4 oz) fresh basil leaves; 2 cups cold water; 1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice; as needed additional cold water; to serve ice cubes; to serve club soda or champagne; to garnish additional fresh basil leaves

01

Overview

Prep15 min

Cook10 min

Total25 min

Servings12

DifficultyEasy

02

Ingredients

2 cups sugar4 cups chopped peeled fresh peachesor 1 lb frozen sliced peaches1 package (3/4 oz) fresh basil leaves2 cups cold water1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juiceas needed additional cold waterto serve ice cubesto serve club soda or champagneto garnish additional fresh basil leaves

03

Equipment

Large saucepan
Blender
Fine-mesh strainer

04

Method

01

Simmer the peach-basil base

In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, peaches, basil, and 2 cups water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 30 minutes, then discard the basil and stir in the lemon juice. Refrigerate until cold.

02

Blend and strain

Place the peach mixture in a blender and process until smooth. Strain into a pitcher and add additional cold water to reach the consistency you like.

03

Serve over ice

Fill glasses with ice and pour the peach mixture halfway up each glass. Top with club soda, or champagne if you like, and garnish with a basil leaf.

✦

Tips

NoteMake the base a day ahead; it keeps beautifully chilled in the pitcher.

NoteUse frozen peaches in winter when fresh are shy.

NoteTop with champagne for a grown-up version, club soda for a mocktail.

✦

Nutrition

NoteNutrition varies by ingredient brands and serving size.

✦

Storage

RefrigeratorKeep the strained base in a covered pitcher up to 5 days.

Best freshAdd ice and club soda to each glass just before serving.

?

Frequently asked

Can I make it without alcohol?+

Yes, top with club soda for a refreshing mocktail.

How sweet is it?+

It makes 3 quarts; add cold water at the end to taste.

Can I use frozen peaches?+

Absolutely, 1 pound of frozen sliced peaches stands in for fresh.

Peach Basil Cooler

Overview

Ingredients

Equipment