Name: Georgia Peach Cocktail
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American South
Ingredients: 2 oz White Rum; 1 oz Peach Schnapps; 3 oz Orange Juice; 2 oz Cranberry Juice; Fresh Peach Slices; Fresh Cranberries; Ice Cubes

Beautiful layered Georgia Peach cocktail in rocks glass with peach slice and cranberries | lonerecipes.com

I absolutely fell in love with this Georgia Peach cocktail the first time I saw its gorgeous sunset layers at a rooftop bar in Atlanta. The bartender made it look so effortless, but I knew I had to learn the technique myself. When I finally recreated it at home, I discovered the secret is all in the layering - you have to pour that cranberry juice so slowly over the back of a spoon to get those perfect gradients. The drink starts with a base of orange juice and peach schnapps, then white rum is gently mixed in. The magic happens when you float the cranberry juice on top, creating this incredible ombré effect from deep red to golden yellow. Each sip gives you different flavor notes as the layers blend on your palate. The fresh peach garnish isn't just for show - it adds a lovely aromatic element that enhances the overall experience.

Why I love this recipe

What I love most about this Georgia Peach cocktail is how it combines simplicity with sophistication. You don't need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients, yet the end result looks like something from a high-end cocktail lounge. The layering technique is actually quite forgiving once you get the hang of it, and there's something incredibly satisfying about watching those beautiful colors form. The flavor profile is absolutely perfect - the peach schnapps brings that sweet, fruity essence, the white rum adds smoothness and depth, while the cranberry juice provides just enough tartness to keep it from being too sweet. I also love how versatile it is - you can easily make a pitcher version for parties, or create individual drinks that make each guest feel special. The fresh fruit garnish makes every glass feel like a celebration, and honestly, who doesn't want to feel like they're sipping sunshine?

What You Need From Your Kitchen

White Rum: Use as the base spirit for smoothness
Peach Schnapps: Provides the signature peach flavor
Orange Juice: Creates the golden middle layer
Cranberry Juice: Forms the beautiful red top layer
Fresh Peach: Slice for aromatic garnish
Fresh Cranberries: Use as colorful garnish accents

Let's Make These Together

Prepare Your Glass: Start with a clean rocks glass and fill it with ice cubes, leaving some room at the top for your beautiful cocktail creation.

Build the Base: Pour the orange juice, white rum, and peach schnapps directly into the glass over the ice, giving it a gentle stir to combine these foundational flavors.

Create the Magic Layer: Here's where the magic happens - hold your bar spoon upside down just above the surface and very slowly pour the cranberry juice over the back of the spoon to create that gorgeous red layer floating on top.

Add Beautiful Garnishes: Crown your masterpiece with a fresh peach slice and scatter a few cranberries on top for that perfect finishing touch that makes this drink Instagram-worthy.

Recipe picture — Professional cocktail photo showing layered peach drink with ice and fresh fruit garnish | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

I first discovered this recipe during a hot summer evening when I was experimenting with layered drinks. I had some fresh peaches from the farmer's market and wanted to create something that would showcase their beautiful color. After a few attempts at getting the layers just right, I finally nailed the technique of pouring slowly over the spoon. The result was so stunning that my friends thought I had ordered it from a fancy cocktail bar! Now it's become my go-to drink for impressing guests, and I love how the flavors develop as you sip through the different layers.

Perfect Pairings

This Georgia Peach cocktail pairs beautifully with light appetizers like shrimp cocktail, fresh fruit and cheese platters, or Southern-inspired bites like peach and prosciutto crostini. The fruity sweetness also complements spicy foods wonderfully, making it an excellent choice alongside barbecue, buffalo wings, or jalapeño poppers. For dessert pairings, consider serving it with peach cobbler, vanilla ice cream, or lemon bars to enhance the peachy theme.

Sunset colored cocktail with white rum peach schnapps and fruit juices garnished elegantly | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why won't my layers stay separated?: The most common reason is pouring too quickly. Use the back of a spoon and pour the cranberry juice very slowly. Also ensure your ingredients are cold.
→ Can I make this without alcohol?: Absolutely! Replace the rum with ginger ale and the peach schnapps with peach nectar for a delicious mocktail version.
→ What's the best type of cranberry juice to use?: Pure cranberry juice works best for layering, but cranberry cocktail juice will also work and adds extra sweetness.
→ How far ahead can I prepare this cocktail?: It's best served immediately after making for the most distinct layers, but you can prep ingredients up to 2 hours ahead.
→ Can I batch make this for a party?: Yes! Mix the base ingredients in a pitcher, then layer individual drinks as guests arrive for the best visual impact.

Conclusion

This Georgia Peach cocktail is the perfect blend of Southern charm and tropical flavors. The layered presentation makes it as stunning to look at as it is delicious to drink. Whether you're hosting a summer party or just want to treat yourself to something special, this cocktail delivers both visual appeal and incredible taste. The combination of peach schnapps and white rum creates a smooth, fruity base that's perfectly balanced by the tart cranberry juice.