Ginger Peach Bourbon Buck Recipe | Champagne and Coconuts

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure for more information. Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

If you are a fan of fruity cocktails, you definitely need to give this Ginger Peach Bourbon Buck a try.

This flavorful cocktail has all the yummy qualities of a regular Kentucky Buck, but the addition of fresh peach slices and lemon juice add a whole “next level” of refreshment.

Enjoy a Ginger Peach Bourbon Buck with Pomegranates

Cool off and refresh with a delicious Peach and Ginger Kentucky Buck! Throw in some juicy pomegranate seeds to make it even more flavorful.

The flavor is lightly sweet and bright, but with earthy depth.

And to me, it’s one of the tastiest easy summer bourbon cocktails around.

There are a variety of recipes for bourbon lemonade, but I’ve always had a special fondness for the Kentucky Buck.

I thought, “why not find a way to combine them?” and so I did.

With a twist!

And I definitely think this Ginger Peach Bourbon Buck is a winner.

It’s kind of like a peach whiskey lemonade mixed with some yummy ginger and the secret ingredient, pomegranate seeds. 

You can also think of it kind of like a whiskey smash had a baby with a bourbon lemonade.

However you think about it, it’s delicious!

A favorite bourbon pitcher drinks for entertaining

This cocktail even looks festive and ready to party.

The beautiful golden color, combined with light peach slices and ruby red pomegranate seeds, make this cocktail a perfect choice for Summer and Autumn events of all types.

It’s great to serve by the pitcher too!

It’s truly one of the easiest summer bourbon cocktails to serve for a cookout or picnic, or even for brunch!

Whether you are planning a casual party, a fancy dinner, or a simple backyard barbecue, this delightful and tasty ginger beer cocktail inspires celebration!

The taste of fresh peaches with ginger, pomegranate and bourbon go together perfectly in this cocktail.

 

What is a Bourbon Buck?

Before we answer that, we have to talk about what makes a drink a “buck” from the get go. 

A “buck” drink is one made with ginger beer, citrus, and a spirit.

For example, a Kentucky Buck is one made with ginger beer and of course, bourbon.

You’ll also find bucks made with other types of whiskey but only those made with bourbon are deemed Kentucky Bucks.

You’ll also find bucks made with other spirits too, like gin, rum, vodka, and brandy.

Technically speaking, Moscow Mules and Dark and Stormies are types of buck drinks.

Kentucky Bucks often have strawberries in them.

We’ve twisted the classic cocktail recipe with a bit of southern Peach vibe.

Some might even call our Ginger Peach Kentucky Buck a Georgia Buck instead since we’ve used some yummy Georgia peaches.

Ingredients

Fresh peaches, ginger beer, and bourbon are the star ingredients you’ll need to make this cocktail.

  • Lemons
  • Peaches
  • Ginger beer
  • Bourbon
  • Pomegranate Seeds
  • Sugar Cane Syrup (or simple syrup)
  • Water
  • Angostura or Orange Bitters

To make this drink, you will also need: a cutting board, a bar knife, a citrus squeezer or press, a measuring cup, a pitcher, a bar spoon, and beverage glasses.

Note: If fresh peaches aren’t available, you may also use frozen peaches.

If using frozen, we recommend that you let them thaw a little bit and muddle them to help release their flavor. 

Can I serve this drink without alcohol?

Yes, you absolutely can.

You’ll end up with a delightful, fruity lemonade. And it sparkles!

You will need to omit the bourbon and the bitters from the recipe. 

I don’t find that you require a substitution for the bourbon other than to make up the lost volume.

I like to do that by adding more ginger beer. 

You’ll love how fresh this Kentucky Buck tastes when you make it with fresh ingredients. It’s a perfect farm to table cocktail recipe.

 

Can I make it a frozen bourbon buck?

Yes, you sure can!

To make it frozen, I like to mix up the water, lemon juice, and simple syrup like a homemade lemonade.

In a blender, I add ice and the lemonade mix along with the bourbon, fresh peaches, ginger, and pomegranate seeds.

Then I pulse the blender until it reaches the consistency of a slushie.

I pour it into a tall glass and enjoy a delicious frozen bourbon buck slushie!

Can I use the base recipe to make a Kentucky buck?

Yes, you sure can.

What you want to do is omit the peaches, ginger, and pomegranates.

So you basically have the homemade lemonade, bourbon, and bitters.

Instead of the peaches, ginger, and pomegranates, you’ll add a strawberry to the drink.

You can also add a sprig of mint for garnish if you’d like.

Can I make a Christmas Kentucky Buck with the base recipe?

Absolutely!

You’ll do the exact same thing as you did to change it up to make a Kentucky buck.

You’ll replace the peaches, ginger, and pomegranate with cranberries instead to make a cranberry bourbon buck, also known as a Christmas Kentucky buck.

Instructions

Begin by juicing four of the lemons.

Set the other two lemons aside.

To get the most juice from the lemons, roll them back and forth on a hard surface with your palm.

It will make them nice and juicy.

Cut the 4 lemons in half and using a citrus squeezer or press, squeeze them.

If you don’t have a citrus squeezer or press, you may place a fine mesh strainer over the top of a bowl and squeeze the lemons by hand.

Begin by juicing the lemons.

Next, slice the other two lemons.

Add them to your pitcher.

Then also slice the peaches and add them to the pitcher too.

Add the lemon juice to the pitcher, followed by the sliced lemons and peaches.

Measure and pour the lemon juice, syrup, ginger beer, bourbon, and water into the pitcher.

With a long handled spoon, give it a nice stir until the contents are well-combined.

Pour the bourbon over the fruit and lemon juice.

Cover the top of the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator to chill.

I like to chill whiskey lemonade for at least an hour prior to serving, but longer if it’s possible. 

It helps the flavors infuse.

in-process-stir-beverage-7586081 Cover the pitcher and put it in the refrigerator to chill. While it’s chilling, the fruit will infuse with the bourbon and ginger beer.

How to serve a bourbon buck

To serve the drink, ice your beverage glasses and add the pomegranate seeds to the glass.

Pour the beverage over ice allowing the lemon and peach slices to fall into the glass.

Add two to three dashes of bitters to each glass.

And enjoy!

This drink is absolutely gorgeous served in a stemless wine glass so that you can really see the color.

If you would like to add a garnish to the drink, we like to add a slice of fresh peach and a lemon wheel.

If you love peaches, you’ll love some of these great drinks too!

Georgia Peach Margarita

Peach and Cherry Pie Moonshine Smash

Southern Comfort Peach Smash

Raspberry Peach Prosecco Popsicles

Peach Vodka Bellini

Peach and Thyme Gin and Tonic

Basil Peach Moonshine Cocktail

Blackberry Peach Vodka Cocktail

Texas Peach Sangria

Plum Whiskey Smash

try it and share!

Please let us know how you enjoy our Bourbon Buck with Peaches, Ginger, and Pomegranates recipe.

If you make it yourself, please let us know on Pinterest that you tried it and tag us with #champagneandcoconuts on your Instagram photo.

If you haven’t had a chance to make it yet, be sure to save the recipe on Pinterest so you’ll remember where you found it.

ginger-peach-kentucky-buck-cocktail-8393836 Be sure to pick up some extra peaches at the farmer’s market to make plenty of these drinks this summer. Jennifer Quisenberry If you love bourbon, you’ll love this Ginger Peach Bourbon Buck cocktail. Made with fresh peaches, ginger beer, and your favorite bourbon, this drink is absolutely delicious. In fact, we think fans of bourbon lemonade will love it too since it also has a nice lemony flavor to it as well. It’s a favorite to drink all summer long, especially when fresh peaches are in season, and it’s also great to serve for the Kentucky Derby!

  • 6 Lemons 4 for juicing, 2 for slicing
  • 2 cups ginger beer
  • 1 cup bourbon
  • ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
  • ⅔ cup sugar cane syrup
  • 2 cups cold water
  • 1-2 Dashes of Angostura or Orange Bitters per drink, not in the pitcher
  • 3 peaches sliced
  • Roll 4 lemons on a hard surface with your palm. It will help to make the lemons more juicy. Cut 4 lemons in half. Put a strainer on a medium bowl then squeeze lemons.
  • Slice 2 lemons in rings and add in a pitcher with peaches. Pour lemon juice, syrup, ginger beer, bourbon and water. Mix with a spoon.
  • Refrigerate until chilled.
  • Serve cold with ice and pomegranate seeds. Add the bitters in the individual glasses.

Please note that nutrition facts are subject to change based on your choice of ingredients.

This peach, ginger and pomegranate bourbon buck recipe was originally published on July 3, 2020 and was updated on January 28, 2022.

Hi, I’m Jennifer. I love to cook and entertain. I have a lot of fun sharing traditional food and drink recipes as well as putting a new spin on the classics. I strive to provide easy to make recipes that are perfect for the home cook, bartender and entertainer.