Apricot Bourbon Splash

While many prefer to sip their Bourbon neat, summer brings us to mixing it tall and cool. A bag of local fresh apricots inspired today’s creation.  When searching how to best mix Bourbon and Apricot, we came across a number of great recipes.  Many worked the muddle, sweeten and ice concept (aka old fashioned) whilst others prefer tall and spritzy concoctions.  Tinkering between the two ideas we landed on something we call the Apricot Bourbon Splash.  It is a cross between a “Smash” and a “Spritz”.  It also employs the use of a sweet-tart Apricot Shrub which will take a bit of time in the kitchen but is well worth the rewards.

Apricot Bourbon Splash

In a shaker glass filled with ice add:

• 2 Ounces of Well-Bred Bourbon
• 1 ½ Ounces Apricot Shrub*

Shake well and strain over fresh ice in a tall glass.  Top with club soda, stir.  Garnish with a generous ¼ wedge of fresh apricot and sprig of fresh mint.

*Apricot Shrub

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup demerara sugar (plain white will do)
• 6 fresh apricots pitted and quartered
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (non-distilled)

Technique:

Put sugar in water and bring to a boil until sugar is dissolved.  Add fresh apricots and simmer covered for 30 minutes.  Add vinegar and return to a slow rolling boil.  Boil for 15 minutes or until reduced by 1/4.  Cool and strain syrup through a fine sieve (pressing out and discarding apricots).  Mix with your favorite spirit, water or just plain club soda for a refreshing drink..  Keep refrigerated.