PEACH MINT JULEP

Start any party on high note with these cocktail and canapé combos. They’re so chic, your guests will never guess how simple they were to make!

INGREDIENTS

• 80g sugar
• 125ml water
• 1 large bunch fresh mint leaves, torn
• 2 peaches, roughly chopped
• 4–6 tot measures Southern Comfort

TO SERVE:

• 1 fresh peach, sliced into segments
• a few mint leaves
• ice cubes
• 500ml ginger ale, chilled
• a few drops of grenadine (optional)

METHOD

1. Heat the sugar and water on the stove, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the mint leaves and chopped peach, bring to the boil and cook for 3–4 minutes.
2. Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely. Push the mixture through a sieve and add the Southern Comfort.
3. To serve: divide the mixture amongst the glasses, adding fresh peach slices, mint and ice. Top up with ginger ale, stir and add a few drops of grenadine for colour, if desired.

Cook’s note: This cocktail is the perfect complement to peach, basil and serrano ham wraps (see recipe above).

(Makes 4 cocktails.)