Cocktail Hour: Peach Gin Fizz

A steamy Midwestern March followed by a late freeze in April, very sadly impacted local farmers and their crops -- stone fruits being particularly decimated. Delectable Michigan cherries, plums and peaches have been woefully missing from Chicago's shelves and markets. 

My summer cravings are more disconnected from current events than a bad reality show contestant.  I'm dreaming in peaches. Sweet juice running down your arm as you tackle the mouthy fuzz. 

While it's nice to have the option of fruits from other parts of the country, by the time they get here the freshness factor just isn't there. New routes to satisfaction had to be found. I wanted the peach taste, but can't handle the mealy texture. A battle for peach perfection! Like so many things in life, liquor naturally is the solution. (okay, joking guys)

I started with good-quality gin, lemon juice and the Dixie Peach Juice from Trader Joe's in the cocktail shaker with ice.

Taking a cue from cocktails of 'yore, I used egg white for fizz. I recognize that this may gross some of you out, but once you have a full-bodied, foamy cocktail with egg white, you'll be convinced. Barrelhouse Flats in Chicago has a particularly good assortment. 

I believe they sell some sort of egg separator tool in the never-ending aisles of Bed, Bath and Beyond, but you don't really need one. Just split the egg and lightly move the yoke from one side to the other. Boom... egg separated. One less dish.

In to the cocktail shaker we go with anticipation.

Shake what yo' mama gave you. Like really get in there... you're fizzing things. If your shaker, like mine, was found in your grandmother's basement, it will leak all over.

Love me a frosty glass from the freezer, especially on a 100-degree day.

Mmmm... peach perfection achieved. Certainly less nutritious than an actual peach and here's to hoping the juice from this won't run down your arm. If that happens, you should probably switch to water for the rest of the night... you've been over-served.

Peach Gin Fizz
Serves 2


4oz gin
3oz peach nectar or juice
2 egg whites
Juice of one lemon
Peach slices, for garnish

Combine ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with peach slice.