Most people, when faced with a gorgeous basket of summer peaches will immediately start thinking of pies, cobblers or crumbles.
Me? My mind tends to go another route. You know. The wine, gin, prosecco path. And since my friend Gillian is visiting us in Todi this week, cocktail mode is in full gear. When she saw the peaches sitting on the kitchen table, all innocent and beautiful, she had just one thought: vodka.
As it turns out she also had a great recipe in mind, thanks to her friend Rick. The other night he came up with the perfect answer to ripe peaches. Rather than emphasize their sweet fruitiness with the addition of prosecco, as is the norm with a Bellini, he opted for contrast. The peaches get pureed along with lemon juice and a hefty dose of hot pepper. Vodka, ice and a splash of soda turns it into a……
Ok, Gillian and I tried to think up some sort of cute name for this. A Vellini (Vodka Bellini) was the closest we got. But a quick google came up with icky vanilla versions of peach and prosecco drinks.
So, if you can come up with a name, I’m open to anything. But for now, we’re calling this the Peach + Vodka Cocktail. I hope that’s ok with you Rick. Because it sure works for us.
White Peach + Vodka Cocktail
1 drink
2 ripe peaches
1 fresh hot pepper
2 oz vodka
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Soda water
I like using white peaches for this drink, since they are a bit more floral and less sweet than yellow ones. But feel free to experiment.
Peel and pit the peach, and blend it at high speed with the lemon juice and hot pepper. (this will make enough puree for about 4 drinks)
To make the drink, add 4 tablespoons peach puree into a glass. Add vodka, stir well. Add ice, and top with soda water. Stir gently.
Since it’s summer, it’s fun to garnish with something pretty, like a pink geranium flower.
Ann Mah
Oh, you had me at white peaches… then vodka… then red chili?! I want this immediately (and it’s only 9am!).
Elizabeth Minchilli
This could definitely be considered a breakfast smoothie!
spacedlaw
Oooh. I could have one of those tomorrow morning, first thing…
jodi
Pescalini?
chefbea
That’s a great name!!!
paninigirl
I’m not really much of a cocktail girl but this has definitely won me over.
Rick
You two girls are just too much fun!!
shutupandcook
We’re going camping this weekend and I’m going to prep and bring the fixings for these…YUM!
AdriBarr
I think I would get along famously with your friend Gillian.
Elizabeth Minchilli
Yes you would!
Addicted2Italy
Now that is a great summertime drink. It looks delicious. I can’t believe they have a red pepper in there too. You find a lot of good peppers in Calabria, so maybe it was incorporated by a Calabrese.
Larry