In case you haven't noticed, we like our libations here at Dixie Caviar. Always have. Always will. In college, my poison of choice was SoCo & Lime. For quite a long time I thought I'd invented that sweet and tart combo, until this appeared on the market and proved otherwise. On my more adventurous evenings, Jager Bombs were always on the ready. Oh, to be young and wild.
Once I had matured a bit (ha!) and moved to Los Angeles to participate in the "real world," I adopted the now infamous Lemon Booyah's as my signature drink. Walter can tell you a little more about those on another occasion. Then there was the Sho' Line Breeze, another one of Walt's ingenuous concoctions. (Don't even ask why it's called that. You really don't want to know.) And don't forget my brief affair with the one and only Firefly sweet tea flavored vodka -- smuggled in my suitcase from trips to Charleston. After a couple of major sugar hangovers, though, I was forced to move on to the classic Vodka Water with a splash of lemon, splash of lime. Much more civilized if you ask me.
But those are all the drinks of my past, I tell you. Because it was at a recent crawfish boil I hosted that I finally met my match. I owe a big shout out to Geoff Brewer for bringing (and accidentally leaving) a brand spankin' new bottle of peach liqueur. I discovered the prize on the kitchen counter and low and behold, my new signature drink was born. (Geoff - I owe you a bottle, buddy!) At first I didn't know if it was all the mint juleps talking, or if the drink was actually good. But after testing my new concoction in a more sober state, it sealed the deal.
I'll call it a Peach Vodka Lemonade for now, however I'm open to your suggestions. Needless to say, this refreshing cocktail is sweet and summery and Southern, but the real beauty is that it can be as potent as you'd like for it to be... Cheers!
Yields: 4 cups
There are many adaptations to this recipe. If you want it to be a little stronger, use 1/2 cup peach vodka liqueur and 1/2 cup regular vodka instead. Just be prepared to add a smidge more simple syrup. Too lazy to make fresh squeezed lemonade? I tried this with Crytal Light Lemonade Drink Mix and it worked like a charm. A splash of soda water might be nice to. Let me know if you try it!
1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (about 8 lemons)
1/4 cup simple syrup (recipe follows)
2 cups water
1 cup peach liqueur (I tested with Stirrings)
Sliced peaches, for garnish
In a pitcher, mix together lemon juice, simple syrup, and water. Adjust taste as necessary (more simple syrup, more lemon juice, etc). Stir in the peach vodka liqueur. Add regular vodka, if desired. Pour the drink over crushed ice and garnish with sliced peaches.
For the simple syrup: bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Stir in 2 cups sugar and turn off heat. Mix until all of the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow to cool completely before using. The leftover simple syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for all sorts of summer cocktail whims.
