Peach Donkey
from http://www.foodandwine.com/

Although this cocktail recipe has a weird name, the ingredients are pretty ordinary and the flavor is absolutely sublime. It's similar to the classic bellini — because it combines peach puree with effervescence — but, thanks to the addition of vodka and Domaine de Canton ginger liquer, it's much more potent. When blended together, the sweetness of the peach offsets the subtle heat of the ginger. The final cocktail is refreshing and easy to drink. If you can't find ginger beer, substitute sparkling water or club soda.

FMM: We made these and I thought they were quite good. Brian did not enjoy the strong ginger flavor from the ginger liqueur and ginger beer. The only thing I thought would make them better is to make the ginger liqueur with rum instead of brandy (or leave it out of the recipe?). The brandy weighted them down a bit. I would have liked a more summery, light taste. I did not strain the peach puree and it was good as is and perhaps had more peach taste due to the skins and pulp that remained in the puree. The ginger beer lightened the drink quite a bit; otherwise it would have been quite "boozy." I would make them again, although I (unlike Brian) really like ginger beer.

1 ounce vodka
1/2 ounce ginger liqueur
3 ounces peach puree or nectar
Crushed ice
1 ounce chilled ginger beer (most ginger beer is non-alcoholic)
Peach slices, for garnish (optional)

In a highball glass, combine the vodka, ginger liqueur and peach puree; stir. Add crushed ice and stir again.

Top with the ginger beer and swizzle by spinning a swizzle stick or bar spoon between your hands.

Garnish with peach slices.