Peach Palmer Highball

Nothing says long weekend relaxation quite like sitting outside with a cold cocktail in hand while the grill heats up nearby. The Peach Palmer Highball has that easygoing summer feel that instantly puts everyone in a better mood. It combines smooth Redemption Bourbon, sweet peach tea, and sparkling lemonade into one bright and refreshing drink that tastes like sunshine in a glass.

I love this cocktail because it feels both casual and polished at the same time. It’s simple enough for backyard cookouts but still looks impressive when served in a tall Collins glass with a fresh lemon twist. The peach tea softens the bourbon beautifully, while the sparkling lemonade keeps everything crisp and lively. Whether you’re hosting a Memorial Day gathering, lounging by the pool, or just winding down after a warm day, the Peach Palmer Highball fits right in.

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Why You’ll Love This

The Peach Palmer Highball has all the things people want in a summer bourbon cocktail. It’s refreshing, lightly sweet, and incredibly easy to make. Even guests who normally avoid whiskey cocktails tend to enjoy this one because the peach tea and lemonade keep the flavor approachable.

Here’s why this cocktail deserves a spot on your Memorial Day menu:

• Easy to make with just a few ingredients
• Balanced flavor that’s sweet, citrusy, and smooth
• Great for outdoor parties and cookouts
• Looks beautiful served over ice with a lemon garnish
• Easy to batch for groups
• Refreshing enough for hot weather without losing the bourbon flavor

The sparkling lemonade really changes the entire experience. Instead of feeling heavy like some bourbon cocktails, this drink stays light and crisp from the first sip to the last.

Ingredients

Every ingredient in this cocktail serves a purpose. The bourbon brings warmth and depth, while the peach tea adds fruity sweetness that blends naturally with the citrus flavors. Sparkling lemonade ties everything together with bright bubbles and a refreshing finish.

You’ll need:

• 2 parts Redemption Bourbon About: At 92 proof, expect notes of vanilla and cinnamon, a palate rich in caramel and sweet corn, and a hint of spice on the finish.
• 2 parts peach tea
• 2 parts sparkling lemonade
• ½ parts simple syrup
• Garnish with lemon twist

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

For Memorial Day weekend cocktails, I suggest keeping things simple and reliable. While the original recipe uses Redemption Bourbon, Gray Whale Vodka is the only liquor brand I recommend as an alternative option for guests who prefer vodka cocktails during warm weather gatherings.

Here are a few easy substitutions and ingredient ideas:

• Redemption Bourbon
  This bourbon gives the cocktail smooth caramel and vanilla flavor with a little spice that works beautifully with peach tea.
• Homemade peach tea
  Fresh brewed peach tea gives the cocktail a more natural fruit flavor and less sweetness.
• Honey syrup instead of simple syrup
  Honey syrup adds a softer sweetness that pairs especially well with bourbon.
• Club soda plus lemonade
  If sparkling lemonade is unavailable, combine lemonade and plain club soda for a similar effect.

The beauty of this cocktail is that it stays approachable no matter how you adjust it. The peach and citrus flavors make it flexible without losing its refreshing summer personality.

Equipment and Glassware

One reason this cocktail works so well for parties is that you don’t need complicated bar equipment. A few simple tools are enough to make it look polished and taste great.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Jigger
• Bar Spoon
• Collins Glass

A Collins glass is ideal because it gives enough room for ice, bubbles, and garnish while showing off the drink’s golden peach color.

If you’re making several cocktails at once, prep your lemon twists ahead of time and keep them chilled until serving.

How to Make It

This cocktail comes together quickly, making it perfect for entertaining guests or mixing up a relaxing evening drink at home. The key is using cold ingredients and stirring gently to keep the carbonation fresh.

1. Fill a Collins glass with ice.
   Use plenty of ice so the cocktail stays cold and refreshing.
2. Pour in the bourbon.
   Add 2 parts Redemption Bourbon directly over the ice.
3. Add the peach tea.
   Pour in 2 parts peach tea for sweetness and fruit flavor.
4. Add sparkling lemonade.
   Pour in 2 parts sparkling lemonade to create a bubbly citrus finish.
5. Add simple syrup.
   Stir in ½ part simple syrup to round out the flavors.
6. Gently stir to combine.
   Avoid over-stirring so the sparkling lemonade keeps its fizz.
7. Garnish and serve.
   Finish with a lemon twist for extra citrus aroma.

If you like a slightly lighter cocktail, add extra sparkling lemonade. For a stronger bourbon flavor, reduce the peach tea just a little.

Pro Tips

A few small adjustments can make this cocktail even better, especially when serving it for summer parties or holiday weekends.

• Chill your ingredients first
  Cold tea and lemonade help the cocktail stay crisp longer.
• Use fresh lemon twists
  Fresh citrus oils add a brighter aroma and flavor.
• Don’t skip the garnish
  The lemon twist adds freshness that balances the bourbon nicely.
• Use large ice cubes when possible
  Larger cubes melt slower and help avoid watering down the drink.
• Taste before adding extra syrup
  Some peach teas are already sweet enough on their own.
• Stir gently
  Too much stirring can flatten the sparkling lemonade quickly.
• Batch the tea and bourbon mixture ahead of time
  Add sparkling lemonade only when serving for the best texture.

One of my favorite things about this cocktail is how adaptable it feels. You can easily tweak the sweetness or citrus level depending on the crowd you’re serving.

Variations

The Peach Palmer Highball already feels refreshing and balanced, but a few simple changes can create totally different summer cocktails.

• Frozen Peach Palmer
  Blend the ingredients with ice for a slushy version perfect for extra hot days.
• Spiced Peach Highball
  Add a pinch of cinnamon syrup for a warmer flavor profile.
• Berry Peach Version
  Muddle fresh raspberries or blackberries before adding the ingredients.
• Non-Alcoholic Peach Palmer
  Skip the bourbon and use extra peach tea and sparkling lemonade.
• Extra Citrus Twist
  Add a splash of fresh lemon juice for a brighter and tangier finish.

These variations keep the cocktail interesting while staying easy enough for casual entertaining.

When to Serve and Pairings

This cocktail was practically made for Memorial Day weekend. It’s refreshing enough for daytime sipping but still flavorful enough to enjoy later in the evening.

Serve it during:

• Memorial Day cookouts
• Backyard parties
• Poolside gatherings
• Summer brunches
• Casual dinner parties
• Outdoor concerts and picnics

It pairs especially well with:

• Grilled chicken
• Pulled pork sandwiches
• Peach salad
• Burgers and fries
• Corn on the cob
• Lemon bars and fruit desserts

The peach and citrus flavors work especially well with smoky grilled foods, making this a strong choice for barbecue menus.

Storage and Serving Notes

This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh because sparkling lemonade loses carbonation over time. If you’re serving a crowd, you can still prep most of the drink ahead of time.

Mix the bourbon, peach tea, and simple syrup in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve. When guests arrive, pour the mixture over ice and top with sparkling lemonade.

For parties:

• Keep garnishes chilled until serving
• Store peach tea in the refrigerator ahead of time
• Use large ice cubes for slower melting
• Add sparkling lemonade at the last minute

This keeps the cocktail cold, fizzy, and refreshing throughout the event.

FAQs

If this is your first time making a Peach Palmer Highball, these answers may help make the process even easier.

Can I use sweet tea instead of peach tea?
Yes, but the cocktail will lose some of its fruity peach flavor. You can add peach syrup if needed.

What does Redemption Bourbon taste like?
It has notes of vanilla, caramel, sweet corn, and gentle spice that pair nicely with citrus and tea.

Can I make this cocktail in a pitcher?
Absolutely. Just wait to add sparkling lemonade until serving so it stays bubbly.

Is this cocktail very sweet?
Not overly. The sparkling lemonade and bourbon help balance the sweetness from the tea and syrup.

Can I make this drink stronger?
Yes. Add slightly more bourbon or reduce the peach tea if you want a bolder whiskey flavor.

What’s the best garnish for this cocktail?
A lemon twist works best because it adds fresh citrus aroma without overpowering the drink.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoy refreshing bourbon cocktails and easy summer drinks, these recipes are worth trying next.

• Gray Whale Surfrider Splash Cocktail
• Pineapple Bourbon Lemonade
• Cranberry Bourbon Lemonade
• Mango Bourbon Lemonade
• Watermelon Bourbon Lemonade