There are drinks that whisper ‘summer,’ and then there are those that declare it with authority. This cocktail—the Bourbon Peach Buck—belongs squarely in the second camp.

It begins the way many great summer moments do: with a perfectly ripe peach. I picked mine up from Yeager’s Farm in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania where the fruit is grown on-site and tastes like summer sunshine. A fresh peach is muddled together with mint and lemon juice—an aromatic, citrusy mash that forms the base of this delight. Into the shaker it goes, along with bourbon and ice. Shake well, about 15 to 20 seconds, until cold enough.

Strain into a tall glass (highball or Collins) filled with ice, then top with good quality ginger beer (such as Q or Fever-Tree) and a sprig of mint—gently clapped between your palms to release that cooling, summery scent. If you’re having trouble straining it due to the pulpy peach, try a Hawthorne strainer instead. It’s a drink that’s refreshing, bright, and deeply satisfying.

The original recipe I stumbled upon used peach liqueur. But in my house, that reads too much like a throwback to college-era peach schnapps. No, thank you. I swapped it for a fresh peach, and I’m never looking back. The result is fruit-forward without being syrupy—just what this drink deserves.

Peaches and bourbon are a time-tested Southern duo. Bourbon’s vanilla, oak, and caramel notes marry beautifully with the juicy sweetness and gentle tartness of peaches. They’re both bold and comforting, making them perfect partners in a glass.

You may be wondering: Why call this a “buck” and not a “mule”? Great question. Both cocktails share the DNA of a base spirit, citrus, and something gingery—either beer or ale. But where a mule typically relies on lime and is best known in copper-clad Moscow form, a buck uses any citrus juice. This version, made with lemon and bourbon, leans squarely into buck territory.

It’s a relaxed yet refined summer sipper. No copper mug required.

Bourbon Peach Buck

Peachy Bourbon Summer Sipper

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Course Drink

Servings 1

Ingredients

1/2 fresh peach cut up into cubes
3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
6-8 fresh mint leaves
2 ounces bourbon
ginger beer see Notes
Garnish with mint sprig

Instructions

In a cocktail shaker, add peach cubes, lemon juice and mint leaves and muddle until the peach cubes have broken up and mixed with the mint.
Add bourbon and stir.
Add ice to the shaker and shake for 15 to 20 seconds.
Strain into a highball or Collins glass filled with ice. If you’re having trouble straining it due to the pulpy peach, try a Hawthorne strainer instead.
Top with ginger beer and stir.
Garnish with a sprig of mint—gently clapped between your palms to release its scent.