Sweet apricots and fragrant thyme create a refreshing twist on the classic whiskey smash cocktail. This drink brings together fresh fruit, herbs, and bourbon for a perfect spring or summer sipper.
The Apricot Thyme Smash combines 2 ounces of bourbon, muddled fresh apricots, thyme simple syrup, and fresh lemon juice for a balanced and bright cocktail.
The recipe takes just 5 minutes to make and needs basic bar tools like a muddler and cocktail shaker.
The thyme simple syrup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
This cocktail works well for backyard parties, brunches, or any warm weather gathering. The recipe makes one drink but can be scaled up to serve a crowd.
Fresh peaches or nectarines make good substitutes when apricots aren’t in season.
Apricot Thyme Smash Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Muddler
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Rocks glass
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Cutting Board
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
- 2 fresh apricots pitted and quartered
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 oz bourbon
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Ice cubes
- Thyme sprig and apricot slice for garnish
Instructions
- Add apricot pieces and 2 thyme sprigs to a cocktail shaker. Muddle until the apricots release their juice.
- Pour in the bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well chilled.
- Double strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice to remove fruit pulp and herb pieces.
- Garnish with a fresh thyme sprig and apricot slice.
Notes
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Tasting Notes
The Apricot Thyme Smash offers bright citrus notes balanced with earthy herbal undertones. Fresh thyme gives a savory complexity that pairs well with the sweet stone fruit flavors.
Sweet apricot hits the palate first, followed by zesty lemon and a gentle botanical finish. The drink has a smooth, medium-bodied texture with a light syrupy mouthfeel.
The cocktail creates a pleasant mix of sweet and tart, with neither flavor becoming too strong. Fresh herbs add depth without overpowering the fruit notes.
Key Flavor Components:
- Apricot: Sweet and fruity
- Thyme: Herbal and earthy
- Lemon: Bright and citrusy
- Spirit base: Clean and crisp
The drink remains refreshing from start to finish. Its gentle sweetness and herbal notes make it suitable for warm weather sipping.
A light golden-orange color and aromatic thyme garnish make this cocktail visually appealing. The fragrance combines fresh herbs with sweet fruit notes.
Substitute
You can swap ingredients in this cocktail while keeping its fresh taste.
Replace apricots with peaches or nectarines for a similar sweet flavor. Fresh plums work too.
Don’t have thyme? Try rosemary or sage instead.
These herbs add an earthy note that matches well with stone fruits.
Replace the bourbon with rye whiskey or dark rum.
Each spirit brings its own character to the drink while keeping the warmth of the original recipe.
No fresh fruit? Use 1 ounce of apricot nectar or preserves.
Mix well with the other ingredients to blend smoothly.
Non-alcoholic version: Skip the bourbon and use 2 ounces of ginger beer or sparkling apple cider. Add a splash of lemon juice for extra tang.
The simple syrup can be swapped with honey or agave nectar.
Start with half the amount since these alternatives are sweeter than simple syrup.
