Minty Peach Cooler

These recipes are brought to you by Hannah Cordes, co-owner of Aspen Grove, author of Blue Kale Road cooking blog and Methow Arts board member.

Find out more about Methow Arts’ newest focus in the Culinary ARTs and find more spring recipes online @ methowarts.org/theartofculinary We welcome recipes from our community. Please email us to submit @ info@methowartsalliance.org

Now, I love cocktails that include fresh fruit, and what with a couple of peaches left over from dumpling-making, well … you know where my thoughts wandered.

My husband loves both peaches and mint, so with Bob in mind I was inspired to combine them and create a fun and refreshing drink. A bottle of Lillet beckoned from the fridge. I like the slightly floral, citrus flavor of this aperitif and thought it would pair well with the bright fruitiness of peaches and mint. A squeeze of lime and dash of club soda finished the cooler off.

Light, a little bit sweet, this is perfect to sip on warm, lazy evening. Cheers!

Minty Peach Cooler
Serves 4

2 very ripe peaches, peeled and diced
1/2 cup fresh mint, roughly chopped plus extra to garnish
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
8 ounces Lillet Blanc, chilled
Club soda to top off

In a bowl, combine the peaches, mint and honey and muddle with the handle of a wooden spoon. Leave to macerate for 15 minutes or so.

Pull out 4 pretty cocktail glasses or Mason jars. Add 1 tablespoon lime juice to each, followed by 2 ounces of Lillet each. Divide the peach mixture evenly between the glasses. Stir to mix. Add a few ice cubes to each and top off with club soda. Garnish with mint leaves. Clink your glasses and start sipping.