Peach Party Recipe

Combine chopped peaches, granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 8–10 minutes, until peaches are soft and syrup has taken on peach color and flavor.

Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor.

Let the mixture cool for 15 minutes, then mash the peaches with the back of a spoon or a potato masher to release more flavor.

Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing on solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids or reserve for another use (compote).

Transfer syrup to a sealed container and chill. Makes roughly 1 cup. Keeps in the refrigerator up to 10 days.

In a Collins or highball glass, add the two peach slices and 1 tablespoon peach simple syrup. Gently muddle once or twice to release peach aroma—avoid over-muddling into a paste.

Add ice to fill the glass about three-quarters full.

Pour in 12 oz (about 1 can/bottle) of Blake's Hard Cider slowly to preserve carbonation.

Add 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and gently stir once or twice to combine (be careful not to over-stir and flatten the cider).

Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and an additional peach slice on the rim. Optionally add a straw and serve immediately.