Ginger Peach Rum Punch

With summer fruit exploding into markets, it’s no surprise that I want to bite right into a juicy, ripe peach. I could bake them into a peach galette or cut them up for an easy salad. And I never forget about drinks! Peak-season peaches impart so much flavor into cocktails, it would be sad to overlook them. 

Ginger peach rum punch is a refreshing porch sipper. Ripe peaches are muddled with rum, fresh lime juice, and simply syrup. Bring it over to a BBQ or to your neighbor’s for a hang on the stoop. When you’re ready to serve, top it with spicy ginger beer and add ice for a juicy summer cocktail!

The Best Rum for this Peachy Punch

Peaches play well with a variety of liquors, but for this recipe rum is my booze of choice. A silver rum, also known as white rum, is perfect here. Its bright, clean taste and aroma of almonds and tropical fruit is delicious with peaches. 

Even with rum, this is low alcohol by volume (ABV) cocktail, as each serving includes lime juice, a touch of simple syrup, and 4 ounces of ginger beer for an effervescent kick.

My Tips & Tricks 

• Peaches are easier to mash when they’re ripe, and they’ll taste better too. If you have hard, unripe peaches, give them a few days to ripen. 
• Could you use yellow, white, or donut peaches, or any variety of nectarines? Yes, as long as they are ripe! Skip canned peaches, as they have added sweeteners or preservatives. Also, they aren’t as tasty. 
• Look for ginger beer with more kick than you’d normally go for, as spiciness pairs perfectly with the sweet peaches. I recommend two brands: Reed’s Craft Ginger Beer (try the “Extra”) and Blenheim’s Ginger Ale. Both are quite spicy and perfect for this punch.

2 Ways to Serve Ginger Peach Rum Punch

You can serve this cocktail one of two ways. 

First option: Everything goes into a large pitcher, including the ginger beer. Keep in mind that the bubbles in the ginger beer will flatten, so serve it right away. 

Second option: Batch up all the ingredients except the ginger beer. When you’re ready to serve, pour the pre-made base into individual glasses filled with ice, then top with the ginger beer. Keep the pre-made base and ginger beer cold on ice so that your guests can drink at their leisure. 

Glassware and Garnishes

I prefer to serve this punch in a 16-ounce mason jar. It has plenty of room for ice and can accommodate any extra ginger beer you might want to add. It’s a satisfyingly casual way to drink a summer cocktail. 

This is a pretty casual drink, so garnishes are not necessary. However, a dusting of ground nutmeg or a mint leaf would complement the peaches. Little chunks of peach float to the top, so there is no need for additional fruit.

Prepare Ahead of Time

The peach base, minus the ginger beer, can be made 1 day in advance. Store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. 

More Gingery Drinks to Enjoy

• Homemade Ginger Ale
• How to Make Ginger Switchel
• Jamu (Indonesian Turmeric Ginger Drink)
• Pear Ginger Shrub
• Moscow Mule