THE Sip: White Peach & Ginger Vodka Cooler

One of my favorite things about summers in the city are the rooftop dinner parties and backyard BBQ’s. Every get together has its own personality and a fun way to accentuate it is to create a cocktail that matches the vibe of the event.

The perfect summer cocktail should be light, refreshing, and not overly sweet or creamy. 

The famous Hollywood Farmer’s Market is my go-to resource when finding ingredients to make an original cocktail, or if I’m looking for inspiration to add a new twist to a summer favorite. (You’ll also find an array of eco-friendly fashion accessories, which I never hate on either.)

Last week at the Farmer’s Market I found the most AMAZING white peaches, so I put them in my bag and headed to the lab (aka my kitchen). What I came up with was a refreshing blended cocktail with a flavor kick that will knock your flip-flops off. Sliced peaches mixed in the blender with ice, vodka, and some homemade ginger simple syrup to enhance the flavor. It’s perfection.

This treat will go great with grilled chicken, fish, and veggies. It’s perfect on its own while lounging with friends or as the featured drink at your pool party. Simple to make, refreshing and light, and loaded with flavor, this is a summer cocktail at its best.

White Peach & Ginger Vodka Cooler
Serves: 2-3

Ingredients:
2 white peaches, pit removed/skin left on, chopped
3-4.5 oz. (2-3 shots) Stoli premium vodka
1/2 c. sparkling water
2 c. ice
Ginger simple syrup:
1/4 c. fresh ginger, peeled & sliced thin
1 c. sugar
1 c. water

Directions:
* Make ginger-lemongrass simple syrup (see recipe below).
* Combine chopped peaches and sparkling water in blender, pulse the peaches until pureed.
* Add the vodka and simple syrup, blend on a medium setting to mix (no more that 30 seconds).
* Add the ice and blend on a high setting until the ingredients are pureed.
* Optional: add more ice if you prefer a thicker consistency.
* Serve in chilled glasses.
* Garnish with a peach slice, lemon grass, or mint.

Ginger simple syrup
* Combine water, sugar, & ginger in a medium sauce pan.
* Place pan on stove top over medium heat.
* Bring to a simmer and cook until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally with wooden spoon.
* Remove from heat and cool for at least 30 minutes.
* Remove the ginger by pouring through a strainer.

Photos: Jesse Brune