Peach Martini

This Peach Martini has the best fruity flavor and smooth finish! Here are all the secrets to this tasty cocktail that works in any season.

Love the juicy flavor of peaches? Then you’ll love this fruity Peach Martini! Usually when we make a fruity martini, we use the fresh fruit. But here, you’ll use a specialty ingredient to bring in that signature flavor: peach schnapps! We created this recipe with leftover peach schnapps from making a Fuzzy Navel. Turns out, it’s just the right way to infuse peachy flavor into a drink: and you can use it any time of the year.

What’s in a Peach Martini?

The Peach Martini is a spin on the flavored vodka martini. The classic martini is ultra dry and uses only two ingredients: gin and dry vermouth. But there’s an entire family of vodka martinis that are the exact opposite: fruity, sweet, and full of bright colors and big flavors. These originally developed as a spin off on the dry martini and become very popular in the 1990’s.

There are two vodka martinis that are so well-known, they made the list of the International Bartender’s Association IBA official cocktails: the lemon drop martini and espresso martini. Most other vodka martinis are up to the bartender to make their own spin. Here’s what you’ll need for our definition of the Peach Martini:

• Peach schnapps
• Vodka
• Orange juice
• Triple sec
• Lime juice

What is peach schnapps?

Why not use fresh peaches in a Peach Martini? You can, but peach schnapps has an incredibly strong peach flavor that’s even more powerful than the real thing. Why does it work so well?

• Peach schnapps is a type of schnapps made by adding peach flavoring to a clear grain spirit. It was introduced in 1984 by DeKuyper, and quickly became the top selling schnapps in America.
• What does peach schnapps taste like? The flavor is intensely fruity and peachy. A little goes a long way!
• What other drinks use peach schnapps? Try peach schnapps cocktails like the Fuzzy Navel, Peach Bourbon Cocktail, or Georgia Peach. Or use it to add even more fruity essence in peach cocktails like the Bellini or Peach Sangria.

Why use…orange juice?

There’s another secret ingredient in this Peach Martini…orange juice! Yes, no peach juice needed. Why use orange juice here? Well, some peach martini recipes use peach nectar, but that’s even more of a specialty ingredient.

The orange juice brings a beautiful peach hue to the drink without adding an orange flavor. Don’t worry: it doesn’t taste like oranges! It’s a genius move that keeps the drink accessible and delicious (thanks Alex!).

How to make a peach martini: basic steps

Once you’ve collected the ingredients for this Peach Martini, it’s a breeze to make! It’s a simple matter of shake and strain. Here’s what to do:

1. Shake: Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Add 2 handfuls ice and shake until cold. Don’t have a cocktail shaker? Use a mason jar with top.
2. Strain: Strain into a martini glass. It’s nice to have a fresh peach to use as a garnish, if you have access to the fresh variety!

Can you incorporate fresh peaches in this drink?

If you like! If it’s peach season and you happen to have ripe, juicy peaches on hand, you can add them to this drink. Use the peach slices in place of the orange juice. Just please promise only to use ripe peaches! Here’s what to do:

• Slice the peach into slices. Place 5 to 6 slices in a cocktail shaker.
• Muddle the peach slices with a cocktail muddler or wooden spoon. This releases their juices.
• Add all ingredients and shake. Continue with the remainder of the cocktail recipe!

More vodka martinis

You can make a vodka martini with just about any ingredient! Here are some of our favorites:

• Try a dessert martini! Go for Coffee Martini, Chocolate Martini or Key Lime Martini.
• Love citrus? Try a Lemon Drop Martini, Limoncello Martini, or Blood Orange Martini.
• Go fruity with a Raspberry Martini, Cranberry Martini, Watermelon Martini, Pomegranate Martini or French Martini.
• Opt for a unique Ginger Martini or Cucumber Martini

When to serve a peach martini

The peach martini recipe is fun and fruity, and great for entertaining! It’s great in summer, but it works in any season. Serve it as a:

• Summer drink
• Happy hour drink
• Signature drink
• Girls or guys night drink
• Cocktail hour drink

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