Southern Comfort Recipe

Southern Comfort Cocktail

1. 1

   Muddle

   Place the 2 fresh peach slices and 6 mint leaves in the bottom of a sturdy mixing glass or cocktail shaker. Add the 0.5 oz simple syrup. Gently muddle 6–8 times to release peach juices and bruise the mint—avoid pulverizing the mint to prevent bitterness.

2. 2

   Combine spirits and citrus

   Add 2 oz Southern Comfort, 0.5 oz bourbon, and 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice to the shaker with the muddled peach and mint. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.

3. 3

   Shake

   Fill the shaker with ice cubes (about 6 pieces). Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels cold.

4. 4

   Prepare glass

   Fill a double old-fashioned glass or Collins glass with about 1 cup of crushed ice.

5. 5

   Strain

   Double-strain the cocktail over the crushed ice into the prepared glass to remove peach solids and mint fragments. Use a fine mesh strainer in addition to the shaker's strainer for a cleaner drink.

6. 6

   Top (optional)

   If you prefer a slightly lighter, fizzier drink, top with 1 oz club soda. Gently stir once with a bar spoon to combine without disturbing the crushed ice too much.

7. 7

   Garnish and serve

   Garnish with 1 peach slice or a sprig of mint. Insert a short cocktail straw. Serve immediately while cold and fragrant.