End of summer, cool evenings and bourbon. Why mess with the traditional Manhattan by introducing peach? Why not? Something to do? Crap, I’m out of maraschino cherries!? Whatever the reason, it’s a simple variation to give a try.

The List:

• 2 oz bourbon (or whiskey if you prefer)
• ½ oz sweet vermouth
• ¼ of a very ripe peach

Right now in upstate NY, local peaches are hitting the supermarket, so it ties together nicely with the time of year.  Go ahead, make a glass and support your local economy.  Win freakin’ win.

There is a lot of debate on the preferred bourbon vs. whiskey vs. rye whiskey vs. etc. At the end of the day, I leave this up to you, but a nice base bourbon will provide plenty of flavor.

The Basic Moves:

• Add the bourbon, sweet vermouth and a slice of peach in a shaker
• Gently muddle the peach (Gently, I know you’re excited, but no need to make a peach paste)
• Add ice, shake then pour neat or over ice
• Garnish with another peach slice

The Crazy Move:

• Lightly salt a slice a peach (salty and sweet, trust me)
• Turn on your grill to medium/high heat
• Grill to bring out flavor and add awesome grill marks
• Garnish

BAM!