Apricot Lemon Sparkler Mocktail Recipe

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml apricot nectar (or puréed fresh apricots)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml fresh lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml thyme simple syrup (or regular simple syrup)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml sparkling water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 sprig fresh thyme</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2-3 thin slices of fresh apricot</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Lemon twist for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Crushed ice</li></ul>

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Cocktail shaker</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Highball glass</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Bar spoon</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Citrus juicer</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Chill your highball glass by filling it with ice water and set aside. This crucial step ensures your mocktail maintains its refreshing temperature longer and enhances the overall drinking experience.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In your cocktail shaker, combine the apricot nectar, fresh lemon juice, and thyme simple syrup. If using fresh apricots instead of nectar, ensure they're perfectly ripe and blended to a smooth consistency for the best flavor profile.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add a handful of ice to your shaker and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. This not only chills the mixture but also creates the perfect dilution and integration of flavors while aerating the mixture slightly for a silkier texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Empty the ice water from your chilled glass and fill it halfway with fresh crushed ice. The crushed ice will melt slower than cubes, providing gradual dilution without watering down your mocktail too quickly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Strain the apricot-lemon mixture into your prepared glass, pouring slowly over the ice. The mixture should look vibrant and glossy, with a beautiful golden-orange hue.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Top with sparkling water, pouring gently down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation. Leave about 1cm of space at the top to prevent spillage and allow room for garnishes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Gently stir once or twice with a bar spoon to integrate the ingredients without losing too much carbonation. You'll notice a beautiful gradient effect forming in the glass as the ingredients meld together.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Garnish with fresh apricot slices, a lemon twist, and a sprig of thyme. For the most aromatic experience, lightly bruise the thyme between your fingers before adding it to release its essential oils.</li></ol>