Vin de peche: Peach Leaf Wine

In the south of France, they’re pretty generous with les glaçons. It’s never any problem getting ice cubes, which are often brought to the table heaped in a bowl. And sometimes, they’re even already added to the carafe of rosé you’ve ordered, already for you. When ice is added to a drink, it’s called a piscine (pool) in France. Contrast that with Paris, where ice seems more precious than wine.

But you’ll need ice for drinking this Vin de pêche, an apéritif made with fresh peach leaves.

It’s a wonderful drink best made from young peach leaves, if you can manage to get some. They have the most flavor and add an almond-like aroma to the apéritif wine. You will want to add ice to it as it’s fortified with some brandy, to help it last longer.

If you don’t have access to a peach tree, ask a farmer at your local farmer’s market if they’ll bring you some. I’m pretty sure cherry or nectarine leaves will work, although I can’t vouch for any others. And of course, make sure the leaves are organic or unsprayed. Peach leaf wine will keep for months in the refrigerator. Serve it on its own or with a twist of lemon or orange, and, yes…ice, of course.