Grilling fruit caramelizes the sugars, creating a rich, deeply flavorful ingredient that can be added to drinks like these Grilled Peach Margaritas.
Summertime means outdoor parties, throwing food on the grill and enjoying refreshing cocktails. But have you ever thought about it combine Barbecue and cocktails?
For this recipe, I’m taking the classic margarita and turning it into Grilled Peach Pitcher Margaritas. It’s got all the flavor you love in a margarita—blanco tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup, but with the added intensity of rich, sweet summer peaches. You could make this for one but the idea is to cater to a crowd so I made it for bulk summer entertainment.
Grilled peaches have a rich, syrupy flavor balanced by the assertive flavor of lime juice, and the tequila tops it off with an earthy sweetness of agave with hints of citrus.
When you fire up the grill, it’s so easy to make room for some peaches. And I hope that by the time you’re reading this, you’ll want to grill all your summer fruit from now on!
Tips and tricks for grilling peaches
Before adding them to your drinks, get your peaches off to a good start on the grill with these tips and tricks.
- Use fresh, firm peaches. Overripe peaches can collapse and fall through the cooking grates. This also works with frozen peaches, as you may find that thawed slices are too limp.
- Don’t skip the oil if you’re grilling (or even baking) the peaches. You need this lube to make sure you don’t leave more peaches on the grill than will fit in your pitcher.
- Be sure to grill your peaches ahead of time! You should still do this step as they need to cool completely before adding them to the drink. Alternatively, you can grill them and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days before preparing the drink.
Not everyone has access to a grill or even wants one. But that shouldn’t stop you from adding a sweet, caramelized flavor to your peaches.
Cast iron grill pan: One option is to use a grill pan instead. I have a cast iron grill pan that has been my go-to for years when I just can’t be bothered to fire up the grill. However, it can get a bit smoky indoors, so remember to turn on your exhaust fan and/or open a window or door. Oil the stovetop with the same oil as the outdoor grill and set your burner to high. Once the pan is hot, add the peach slices, turning once after 3 to 4 minutes. They will soften but not fall apart mushy when done.
Oven-Roasted Peaches: And if grilling just isn’t for you, an oven is the next best choice. Increase the heat to 450°F, brush the peaches with a little oil and place on a foil-covered baking sheet and allow to toast for 15-20 minutes until tender and browned.
However, if you change your mind about wanting or having a grill, we have great tips for charcoal and gas grills!
To strain or not to strain your margarita
Since this cocktail is served pitcher-style, I recommend a wide-necked pitcher, as chunks of peach can clog a smaller spout. Serve drinks in double rock glasses as you will need to fit some ice in there as well.
If you don’t want peach chunks in your cocktail, no problem! Make this pitcher the night before serving (and keep in the fridge) to allow the liquid to absorb the grilled peach flavor. To serve, strain the peaches.
How to Top Grilled Peach Pitcher Margaritas
With the addition of grilled peaches to this twist on a classic margarita, you have a few options for toppings.
Like a salted rim? That works here! You can also sweeten it a bit with a lightly sugared rim. I like to use finely granulated sugar instead of the larger granulated sugar you might use in baking.
Plus, a slice of peach on the rim of your glass, grilled or not, will signal your guests what the main flavor of the cocktail is. And if you like it simple, you can do without the set altogether.
An easy make-ahead party drink
Do you like a cocktail that you can make in advance? Me too.
Grilling and Freezing: Bought too many peaches? Grill them, chill and place in a ziplock bag, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then continue with the recipe.
Preparation for the party: If you just want to work a few days in advance, that’s fine too. As mentioned above, peaches can be grilled up to 3 days ahead of time, covered and refrigerated, then added to the cocktail.
You can also make the whole drink the day before and keep it in the fridge until ready to serve. Stir, then let guests help themselves.
Grilled Peach Pitcher Margaritas
Peaches can be grilled up to three days in advance. The entire cocktail can be made a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to serve.
ingredients
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3 ripe peaches
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1 tablespoon neutral, high heat oillike avocado or canola
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20 ounces White tequila
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10 ounces Freshly squeezed lime juice of about 12-15 medium limes
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7 1/2 ounces Orange liqueur
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5 ounces simple syrup
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salt or sugar for edging glasses, optional
method
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Preheat grill:
For both a gas grill and a charcoal grill, create a two-zone fire to cook the peaches over indirect heat.
For a gas grill: Light a burner on high, close the lid and wait for the thermometer to reach 325°F.
For a charcoal grill: Heat your coals, then use a spatula or tongs to push them to one side of the grill.
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Prepare peaches:
While the grill is heating up, wash and halve the peaches, remove the stone and discard.
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Grilling and Cooling Peaches:
Rub oil on the cooking grates with a paper towel and, using heatproof tongs, place the peaches on a hot grill over indirect heat (not the flame side).
Grill the peaches until they have charred grill marks and are very soft but not falling apart. This should take about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.
Remove the peaches from the grill with tongs and allow to cool completely. The peaches can take up to an hour to cool.
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Make the cocktail:
While the peaches are cooling, combine the blanco tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup in a large, spouted mixing glass.
When the peaches are completely cool, add them to the liquid and mash them with a wooden spoon or masher. They look for small peach pieces in the liquid.
Pour everything into a serving pitcher.
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Serve cocktail:
If you want a salt or sugar rim for your glasses, first rub a lime wedge around the rim of the glass. Then roll the outer edge carefully but firmly in either salt or fine sugar crystals.
Put fresh ice in the Double Rocks glass or wine glass and pour in the margarita.
| nutritional information (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| 268 | calories |
| 2g | Fat |
| 21g | carbohydrates |
| 1g | protein |
