Juicy Jay Recipe

Prepare honey syrup (if not pre-made)

Combine equal parts honey and warm water (e.g., 1/4 cup honey + 1/4 cup warm water). Stir until honey dissolves. Cool to room temperature before using. Makes more than needed; refrigerate up to 2 weeks.

Pit and slice a small ripe peach. Place about 1/2 of the sliced peach (approximately 1/2 peach) into a cocktail shaker or mixing glass. Muddle gently until broken down and juicy but still slightly pulpy — about 8–10 gentle presses. Avoid over-muddling to prevent bitterness from the skin.

Add 2 oz bourbon, 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.5 oz fresh orange juice, 0.5 oz honey syrup and 2 dashes orange bitters to the shaker with the muddled peach.

Fill the shaker with ice (about 1 cup), cap, and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the shaker is cold to the touch and the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy.

Strain the cocktail through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled rocks glass over fresh ice (preferably one large ice cube) to remove peach pulp and small ice shards. If you prefer more texture, do a single strain instead of a fine strain.

Thread a thin peach slice onto the rim or lay it on the ice. Express a lemon twist over the drink (pinch to release oils) and drop it in or rest on the rim.

Optional: slap a sprig of thyme between your hands to release aromatics and rest it on top of the drink for a fresh herbal note.

Serve immediately. Sip and enjoy the balance of juicy peach, bright citrus, floral honey, and warming bourbon.