Summertime means outdoor parties, throwing some food on the grill, and enjoying refreshing cocktails.

But have you ever thought aboutcombininggrilling and cocktails?

For this recipe, I take theClassic Margaritaand transform it into Grilled Peach Pitcher Margaritas.

Grilled peach margarita on a table with limes and peaches.

Elana Lepkowski

That deepened intensity takes cocktails into wild, new flavor territory.

If youre firing up the grill, its so easy to make some room for a few peaches.

And I hope that by reading this youll want to grill all your summer fruits from here on out!

Grilled peach margarita on a table with limes and peaches.

Elana Lepkowski

No Grill?

Not everyone has access to or even desires to have a grill.

But that shouldnt stop you from getting some sweet, caramelized flavor out of your peaches.

Three grilled peach pitcher margaritas on a table with limes and a pitcher.

Elana Lepkowski

Cast Iron Grill Pan:One option is to use a grill pan instead.

Once the pan is hot, add peach slices, turning once after 3 to 4 minutes.

They will be softened, but not fall apart squishy when done.

Overhead view of peach margaritas made with grilled peaches.

Elana Lepkowski

Oven Roasted Peaches:And if grilling just isnt for you, an oven is your next best bet.

Serve drinks in double rocks glasses as youll need to accommodate some ice in there as well.

If you dont want peach chunks in your cocktail, no problem!

Holding a grilled peach with tongs to make a grilled peach margarita.

Elana Lepkowski

When youre ready to serve it, strain the peaches out.

Like a salted rim?

you might sweeten it up a bit too with a lightly sugared rim.

A large bowl with grilled peaches covered in plastic wrap to make grilled peach pitcher margaritas.

Elana Lepkowski

I like to use a fine sugar instead of the larger crystal granulated sugar you might use for baking.

And if you like to keep it simple, its perfectly acceptable to skip the garnish altogether.

Grill and Freeze:Bought too many peaches?

Pouring ingredients into a large spouted mixing bowl to make pitcher margaritas.

Elana Lepkowski

When ready to use, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and then proceed with the recipe.

You also can make the entire drink the day before and refrigerate it until youre ready to serve.

Give it a stir, and then let guests help themselves.

Adding grilled peaches to a glass mixing bowl to make margaritas.

Elana Lepkowski

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.

While the grill is heating, wash and halve the peaches, removing pits and discarding them.

Mashing grilled peaches for a pitcher margarita recipe.

Elana Lepkowski

Remove the peaches from the grill using tongs and let fully cool.

The peaches can take up to one hour to cool.

Youre looking for small chunks of peaches throughout the liquid.

Adding salt to the rim of a glass to make margaritas.

Elana Lepkowski

Transfer everything into a serving pitcher.

Then gently but firmly roll the outside rim in either salt or fine sugar crystals.

Add fresh ice into the double rocks glass or wine glass and pour in the margarita.

Overhead view of peach margaritas made with grilled peaches.

Elana Lepkowski