August is National Peach Month, and as a celebration, we have four peach-flavored alcoholic beverages you must try from the Downstate Illinois region.

For those who like a sweeter tasting wine, you have to visit JO-AL Winery in Mascoutah for their peach wine. Made with Cresthaven peaches, this wine will have you itching for more. Be sure to taste around while you're there and give some other wines a try. Tastings are three for $2, along with the peach, we recommend the Sexy Redhead (a tart and refreshing cranberry wine), and the Spiced Apple. JO-AL is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and be sure to visit their website here to look over their whole wine lineup.

Next up is the Peach Blonde from St. Nicholas Brewing Company. The Peach Blonde is a twist on their standard 7-11 Cruiser Blonde Ale due to the addition of 330 lbs of pureed peaches during fermentation. The flavor brought on by the peaches makes for one very refreshing beverage and is a fan favorite! St. Nicholas has three locations: Chester, Du Quoin, and at the Southern Illinois Airport in Murphysboro. Check out their website here to stay up to date on their tap selection and any upcoming events at either of their locations.

If you are looking for something a little stronger, head over to Stumpy’s Spirits Distillery in Columbia and give their Unbroken Peach Vodka a try! This drink is seasonal, but it is well worth making the trip as soon as you can. Everything included in the making of their peach vodka is all locally sourced from the grain grown on family farms to the peaches from Eckert’s Orchards in Belleville. The peach vodka will have you thinking you just took a bite out of a peach picked right off the tree. Along with the peach vodka, you have to give Stumpy’s whiskey and gin a try. Check out all their spirits here.

The final beverage is a one you can have poolside or to simply sip on after a long day. Visit the Cider Shed at Eckert’s Orchards to give their Peach and Quiet Cider a sip! This apple and peach combo has been the hit of the crowd and has us coming back for more! Don’t forget to pick some fresh peaches and apples while you visit! Peach season ends soon so check their website here for updates!

Whether you like the strong stuff or sweet wine, Downstate Illinois is full of amazing crafters that pride themselves on delivering only the best! We recommend giving all four a try, but don’t stop there. We have so many other crafters in our area that you HAVE to try. Check out our website or app for more!

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