Peach Aperol Punch

Peach Aperol Punch is a light and fruity summertime drink served in a jug to be enjoyed with friends. A batch cocktail is a good way to get ahead of preparations if you're expecting to entertain a group. This recipe makes four serves, but I encourage you to double or triple the amount (pending the size of your jug) so you and your loved ones can enjoy throughout happy hour. It makes for the perfect accompaniment to a sunset barbecue or garden picnic.

There's something to be said about a homemade punch. Gone are the days of soft-drink laden, tinned fruit and orange juice punchbowls. Instead serve up this lightly sweet, effervescent cocktail filled with in season stone fruit. I like to make this one for dinners and get-togethers - it takes the pressure off the host to be making drinks while also prepping food, encouraging guests to serve themselves.

Peach Aperol Spritz is based off the beloved cocktail from a few summers back. A combination of the slightly bitter Aperol, prosecco and soda had many by the chokehold. Sipped excessively on roof top bars and the like. A wonderful time. But let's move forward, let's upgrade. Keep the bones of the spritz and elevate it with some peach liqueur, fresh peaches and basil. This drink is a crowd favourite.

Ingredients

• Aperol
• Peach schnapps or peach liqueur
• Prosecco
• Soda water
• Fresh peaches
• Basil leaves
• Ice

See recipe card below for quantities.

Variations

Some swaps and substitutions you could make to yield an equally as delicious drink:

• Additional alcohol: Increase the booze content of your punch but adding vodka or gin to the mix. I'd add about 250mL to the recipe below.
• Flavoured soda: swap regular soda water for a flavoured version. Lime or grapefruit would be my choices.
• Fruit: choose different fruits, or swap for tinned varieties. Strawberries, oranges, nectarines or pineapple, or even tinned peaches would create a delicious punch. You could also swap the basil for mint, or use both.

Equipment

• Large jug or punch bowl: choose one that can hold at least 2-2.5L. If your limited on size, don't add the ice into the drink, encourage guests to add ice to their glass and then pour the punch overtop.
• Cup measures
• Chopping board
• Knife
• Wooden spoon (or other large spoon)
• Serving glasses

If you make this one, don't forget to tag me on TikTok or Instagram. I love to see it!