The History of the Peach Press

As we worked on creating our craft cocktails, we decided to set aside one as a tribute to the bartenders of the world.

This is that cocktail.

The Peach Press is a symbol of respect for all those who work behind the wood and all the hard work they do. The industry demands sacrifices that not a lot of people might realize. The late nights and long hours are an obvious hallmark of the business, but what most people will never see is all that goes on behind closed doors.

The countless hours spent cleaning, maintaining, and preparing the bar. The seemingly endless knowledge and memory of products, recipes, and techniques. The sacrifice of nights, weekends, and holidays with friends and family. The stress, exhaustion, and shifted sleep schedule. The uninterrupted hours on your feet and all the pain that comes with them. All of this happens before a single customer walks through the door.

It’s undoubtedly a difficult job and, at times, it can seem like a thankless one. So, we at Heretic Spirits wanted to thank you.

Thank you for every beer poured, garnish cut, and cocktail shaken. Thank you for your pleasant service, your sage advice, and your cheerful company. Thank you for the shared stories, inappropriate jokes, and recipes to take home. Thank you for listening – or at least pretending to. Thank you for making us feel welcome and giving us your attention when you had the time. Thank you for your smile – even when you didn’t feel like smiling.

We hope you enjoy this cocktail with fellow industry friends and share stories of the good times and bad times behind the bar. The memories that made you want to quit and, more importantly, the ones that made you proud to carry a bar blade. Stories of the famous people you’ve served, and all the friends you’ve made along the way. Of your favourite cocktails to drink, and your favourite cocktails to mix. Of the patrons that you charmed, and the ones that got away. Stories of love, stories of hate, and stories of heartache – not to mention the people that made you feel all three.

Here’s to you, bartenders. Because no one deserves a drink more than you do.

Cheers.