BROOMFIELD, Colo. — The summer heat is turning up, but we have an idea on how to stay cool. It’s peach season, and those long awaited juicy fruits are showing up at farmers markets, roadside stands, orchards, and grocery stores for all to enjoy.
Colorado peaches are known for being extra juicy and extra sweet and this year’s cool start to summer and plentiful moisture means even more flavorful peaches. There are more than 2,400 acres of peach orchards in Colorado, which puts us as 6th in peach production in the United States. Prime locations for growing peaches are Mesa, Delta, Montrose and Montezuma counties. Peaches account for 75% of all fruit production in the State of Colorado and are also known for their nutritional value. They are a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and potassium, they are low in calories and can be part of a healthy diet. (Colorado State Extension)
Delicious peach season means there is really no limit to their versatility in recipes. Find your highly sought after and favorite sweet nutritious treat at a local farmers market or roadside stand in our 2023 Farm Fresh Directory that is available in both English and Spanish!
With this peach Moscow mule recipe, we’ve found the best way to enjoy summer days, our state’s birthday, and Colorado Proud month. Challenge yourself all month long in celebration by creating other totally local recipes to share with friends and family.
Our state is so bountiful with produce, protein, beverages and other goodies especially in the height of the season. Use past Colorado Proud recipes to utilize other food and agricultural products in meals.
Chef Jason says, “Colorado peaches are so flavorful! Celebrate Colorado Proud Month and cool off with the peach Moscow mule. Happy Cooking!”
Colorado Peach Moscow Mule
Chef Jason K. Morse, C.E.C., 5280 Culinary, LLC and Ace Hardware Grill Expert
Yield: Serves 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: N/A
Ingredients:
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2 small limes
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2 whole Colorado peaches
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8 fl oz of Colorado vodka, regular or peach
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3 cups Colorado ginger beer
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4 sprigs of mint as garnish
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1 peach, grilled
Cooking Instructions:
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Cut peach into fourths, char on medium heat grill for 1 minute per side of the peach piece.
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Let peach slices cool
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Add one peach quarter to each copper mug.
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Juice limes, add half a lime juiced for each mug.
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Using a muddler, crush peach and lime juice together into a puree.
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Fill mugs with ice
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Add 2 fl oz of Vodka and ¾ cup ginger beer to each mug and stir to combine.
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Garnish each mug with remaining peach quarters and sprigs of mint.
Try Peak7 Palisade Peach vodka (peach flavored), Peach Street Distillers Goat Artisan Vodka (unflavored), or find other local vodkas check here. Or make your own peach infused vodka by following this recipe. For ginger beer, find Colorado-made sodas such as Rocky Mountain Soda or Kure’s Craft Beverage. For a non-alcoholic option, use substitute club soda in place of vodka.
Visit ColoradoProud.org for more ideas and a complete list of recipes.
— Colorado Department of Agriculture
