Beach Peach Lemonade

 Beach Peach Lemonade — a breezy, peach-kissed Crown cocktail with lemonade and Sprite; quick, refreshing, and perfect for summer sunsets.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Cocktail

This isn’t your average lemonade — it’s a tropical escape. The juicy peach flavor pairs beautifully with tangy lemonade and crisp bubbles, while the grenadine adds a dreamy ombré effect and a hint of sweetness. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard cookout, or just unwinding after a long day, this cocktail brings that endless-summer feeling in every sip.    

Tools you’ll need

• Tall glass (12–16 oz)

• Jigger or measuring tool (for 1.5 oz)

• Bar spoon (or long spoon) for gentle stirring

• Small measuring spoon (for grenadine splash)

• Ice scoop or tongs

• Knife and cutting board (for garnish)

Ingredients (serves 1)

• 1.5 fl oz Crown Royal Peach

• ½ cup (4 fl oz / ~120 ml) lemonade

• ½ cup (4 fl oz / ~120 ml) Sprite (or lemon-lime soda)

• Splash (about ½ tsp / ~2–5 ml) grenadine

• Lemon wedge and 1 peach slice for garnish

• Ice (enough to fill the glass)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Fill the glass with ice. Pack a tall glass up to the rim with fresh ice — the colder the better.

2. Measure and pour the whiskey. Use a jigger to pour 1.5 fl oz Crown Royal Peach over the ice. Feel the little surge of excitement — that peach aroma is your preview.

3. Add lemonade. Pour in ½ cup (4 fl oz) of lemonade. The citrus will brighten the peach and set the drink’s backbone.

4. Top with Sprite. Add ½ cup (4 fl oz) Sprite. This brings the fizz and lightens the texture.

5. Finish with grenadine. Gently add a splash (about ½ tsp) of grenadine near the edge — it will sink and create a sunset gradient. Don’t stir vigorously; a soft swirl with the bar spoon keeps the visual effect while blending flavors.

6. Garnish and serve. Add a lemon wedge to the rim and float a fresh peach slice on top. Sip immediately and relax.

Tips for guaranteed success

• Balance is key. If the drink tastes too sweet, reduce the Sprite by 1–2 tablespoons and add a squeeze of fresh lemon. If it’s too tart, add a touch more Sprite or a drop more grenadine.

• Use fresh lemonade when possible. Fresh-squeezed lemonade lifts the drink from “fine” to “unforgettable.”

• Ice matters. Larger ice cubes melt slower and preserve flavor; crushed ice dilutes faster — choose based on how quickly you’ll drink.

• Gentle stirring. Don’t over-stir the grenadine; you want the layered sunset effect. A soft swirl blends flavors without losing the look.

• Chill glassware. Serving in a chilled glass keeps the drink colder longer and intensifies the refreshment.

Variations & substitutions

• Zero-alcohol version: Replace Crown Royal Peach with peach nectar or peach-flavored non-alcoholic spirit; reduce grenadine slightly.

• Extra peachy: Add ¼ oz peach schnapps (or peach liqueur) for a sweeter, fruit-forward profile. Adjust other sweetness accordingly.

• Herbal twist: Muddle a few basil leaves or a sprig of thyme in the glass before adding ice for a savory-herbal counterpoint.

• Stronger citrus bite: Swap Sprite for club soda and add ½ oz fresh lime juice for a drier, tangier finish.

• Frozen slush: Blend the recipe with ice for a frozen Beach Peach Lemonade — summer bliss in slushy form.

Storage & reheating (what applies to cocktails)

• Make-ahead (best practice): You can premix the Crown Royal Peach with lemonade (without the Sprite or grenadine) and store in a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add Sprite and grenadine only when serving to preserve the fizz and visual effect.

• Do not reheat. Cocktails should not be reheated — alcohol and carbonation change flavor and texture with heat. If the drink has diluted or warmed, refresh with fresh ice and a splash more Sprite or lemonade.

• Leftovers: If you must keep leftovers, seal in a bottle and refrigerate; consume within 24 hours. Expect some loss of carbonation and freshness.

Approximate nutrition per serving (estimates)

Calculations are approximate and depend on exact brands and measurements.

Assumptions used: Crown Royal Peach ~64 kcal per fl oz; Sprite ~38 kcal per 100 ml; Homemade lemonade ~40 kcal per 100 ml; grenadine splash ~20 kcal.

• Calories: ≈ 210 kcal per serving

• Carbohydrates: ≈ 26 g (mostly sugars)

• Fat: 0 g

• Protein: 0 g

• Alcohol: ~14 g (one standard drink ~14 g ethanol)

If you need a precise label for health reasons, use exact brand nutrition facts and a nutrition calculator.

Prep & timing

• Active prep time: 3–5 minutes

• Total time: 3–5 minutes

• Yield: 1 cocktail

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different whiskey or brand?
A: Yes — any peach-flavored whisky or a neutral whiskey plus peach schnapps will work. Crown Royal Peach adds a specific smooth, peachy character, but substitutions are fine; just taste and adjust sweetness.

Q: How sweet is this drink?
A: It’s pleasantly sweet with bright citrus notes. If you prefer tart drinks, use less Sprite or switch Sprite to club soda and add a splash more fresh lemon.

Q: Can I scale the recipe for a pitcher?
A: Absolutely. Multiply ingredients by the number of servings, but keep grenadine minimal until serving to preserve the sunset look. Add soda right before serving to retain fizz.

Q: Is there a low-calorie version?
A: Use diet lemon-lime soda and a low-calorie lemonade or homemade lemonade sweetened with a sugar substitute. Remember the whiskey still contributes calories and alcohol.

Q: What if I don’t have grenadine?
A: A small splash of pomegranate juice or cherry juice can mimic the color, though sweetness and flavor will differ slightly.

Q: Can I garnish differently?
A: Yes — thin lemon wheels, a sprig of mint, or a dehydrated peach slice all work beautifully.

Final note (a little human truth)

Make this drink when you want to slow down for a moment and feel like the heat on your skin could be real even if you’re only five minutes from the stove. It’s flirtatious, it’s simple, and sometimes that’s exactly what we need — a small, fizzy joy. Try it, tweak it, and let it become your summer go-to. Cheers.