Peach Melba Cocktail Recipe

Peach Melba Nutrition Facts

Calories:250

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:25g

Alcohol:15%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Peach Melba cocktail is a delightful and fruity concoction inspired by the classic dessert created by French chef Auguste Escoffier in the late 19th century. The dessert was named in honor of the Australian opera singer Dame Nellie Melba. The cocktail version of Peach Melba is a relatively modern creation, but it has quickly gained popularity among cocktail enthusiasts and those who enjoy fruity, refreshing drinks.

How Peach Melba Tastes?

The Peach Melba cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, tart, and fruity flavors. The peach and raspberry notes are prominent, while the hint of vanilla adds a touch of warmth and depth. The overall taste is light, refreshing, and perfect for sipping on a warm summer day.

Interesting facts about Peach Melba

  • The Peach Melba dessert was created for Dame Nellie Melba, a famous Australian opera singer.
  • The cocktail version of Peach Melba is a modern creation, inspired by the classic dessert.
  • The Peach Melba cocktail is a perfect drink for warm weather, as it is light, fruity, and refreshing.

Ingredients

A few good options for Peach Melba are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Peach Schnapps

This sweet, fruity liqueur gives our cocktail a delightful peachy essence. The 1 oz measurement ensures the drink is flavored without being overpowered. Skip the schnapps, and you'll lose the soul of the Peach Melba—quite the 'peach' of a problem!

Alex Green

Raspberry Liqueur

At 0.5 oz, this tart and sweet liqueur adds depth and a berry blast. It's a 'berry' important part of our drink's personality! Without it, you'd miss the signature melba melody.

Emma Rose

Vodka

Vodka is the cocktail's backbone, providing a clean, strong base with its 1 oz inclusion. If omitted, the cocktail becomes a merry mocktail, light and possibly too sweet. Vodka's neutrality also means you can play around with flavored alternatives, such as raspberry vodka, for a fruitier punch.

Mary Mitkina

Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice, just half an ounce, zests up the cocktail with a citrusy zing. It's the balancing act to the sugar symphony of flavors. Less lemon, and the sweetness is overwhelming; more, you might pucker up too tight!

Alex Green

Simple Syrup

This sweetener is simplicity at its best, bringing harmony to the tart raspberry and lemon. At 0.5 oz, it's a subtle sweet spot. For a twist, honey syrup could offer a richer, more floral edge.

Emma Rose

Fresh Raspberries

Three raspberries aren't just garnish; they're a juicy preview of the flavors within. Use them, and you get a fresh pop of taste and an eye-catching look; skip them, and you'll miss that 'fresh off the vine' vibe.

Mary Mitkina

Garnish: 1 Peach Slice

The peach slice is the cocktail's final flourish, a fresh and fragrant note that ties everything together. It's a visual and flavorful cue to the essence of this drink. No peach slice? The cocktail still works, but it misses that finishing touch that sings 'peachy keen'.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Peach Melba Drink

  1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the peach schnapps, raspberry liqueur, vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
  2. Add a handful of ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
  3. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
  4. Garnish with fresh raspberries and a peach slice.

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh ingredients for the best taste.
  • Chill the glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cool longer.
  • Shake vigorously to properly mix all the ingredients.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses, like brie or camembert, can complement the sweet and fruity flavors of the Peach Melba cocktail.
  • Seafood: Light seafood dishes, such as shrimp cocktail or sushi rolls with a side of ginger to cleanse the palate, pair nicely with the peach and raspberry notes.

Desserts

  • Vanilla Pound Cake: The buttery richness of the cake balances the tartness of the lemon and raspberry.
  • Fruit Tarts: A peach or raspberry tart would echo the cocktail's flavors, creating a harmonious dessert pairing.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

  • Sparkling Water: To cleanse the palate between sips and bites, opt for a refreshing glass of sparkling water with a twist of lemon.

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What you could change in Peach Melba

  • Peach Schnapps: Can be replaced with peach puree.
  • Raspberry Liqueur: Can be substituted with raspberry syrup.
  • Vodka: Can be replaced with gin for a different flavor profile.

Explore all drinks starting with P here

And of course - twists🍹

Peach Melba Royale

  • Add a splash of Champagne to top off the cocktail for a celebratory twist.
  • The drink will have a bubbly effervescence and a hint of sophistication.
  • The Champagne will add a level of dryness and crispness, cutting through the sweetness slightly.

Melba Bellini Twist

  • Replace the vodka with Prosecco for an Italian twist on this classic.
  • Serve it in a flute and garnish with a raspberry skewer.
  • The Prosecco brings a softer alcohol note and complements the peach with its own fruity undertones.

Spicy Melba Margarita

  • Use tequila instead of vodka and add a small slice of jalapeño to the shaker.
  • Rim the glass with spicy salt and finish with a lime wheel.
  • The jalapeño brings a spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweet fruit liquors, creating a delightful sweet heat.

In case you forgot basics how to make Peach Melba

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Peach Melba

What type of glassware is suitable for serving a Peach Melba cocktail?

Traditionally, a Peach Melba cocktail is served in a chilled, elegant cocktail glass. However, it can also be served in a martini glass or a coupe if you do not have a cocktail glass.

What are some good food pairings with a Peach Melba cocktail?

The Peach Melba cocktail goes well with light and refreshing dishes like salads and seafood. Its fruity and sweet profile also pairs beautifully with desserts, particularly those that feature peach or raspberry flavors.

What is Peach Schnapps and do I need it to make a Peach Melba cocktail?

Peach Schnapps is a sweet, peach flavoured liquor. While it isn't essential for the Peach Melba cocktail, it gives the drink its characteristic peach taste. If you don't have it, you can substitute it with peach puree, but it may change the taste of your cocktail slightly.

Is it possible to make a non-alcoholic version of the Peach Melba cocktail?

Absolutely, you can easily make a mocktail version of Peach Melba by substitution the alcoholic elements with non-alcoholic ingredients. For instance, you could replace the vodka with soda water, and use peach and raspberry syrups instead of the schnapps and liqueur.

What's the best time to enjoy a Peach Melba cocktail?

The Peach Melba cocktail is light, fruity and refreshing, making it a great drink for warm weather. It's perfect for a summer picnic, an afternoon barbeque, or any time you're in the mood for a refreshing drink.

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