Bourbon and Thyme Peach Smash

Even though we're quickly coming up on Labor Day weekend, I'm taking advantage of the last bits of summer I can grab.  There's still plenty of beautiful ripe fruit to be had at the market and the August peaches are sweet and juicy.

My first instinct is usually to pair peaches with a neutral vodka so that they play a starring role in a drink.  But they're such a good combo with bourbon that it's worth letting them share the spotlight.  Mint would make a fine addition here but fresh thyme and bourbon are too good a match to pass up.  The result is a nice flavor balance and a great way to send off summer. Cheers!

Per Serving:
2 oz. Bourbon
1 oz. Lemon juice
1 oz. Simple syrup
1/2 oz. Peach schnapps (optional)
1/2 Ripe peach, pitted
2 Sprigs fresh thyme

Pull the leaves off the sprigs of thyme and place them in a cocktail shaker along with the peach half.  Using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon, crush up the peach until it's pureed. Add the bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup and schnapps.  Fill with ice and shake vigorously.  Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a sprig of thyme, if desired.  You can serve the drink as is if you want it powerful.  But adding ice makes it more of a cool sipper.