Orchard Sunset

There's a brief window each summer when apricots and plums hit their peak at the same time, and that's exactly when you want to make this drink. The Orchard Sunset turns those juicy stone fruits into a bourbon highball that tastes like the best part of a farmers market haul. Muddling fresh apricot and plum releases their natural sugars and creates a gorgeous amber-pink base. Bourbon brings its signature vanilla and oak warmth, which plays beautifully with the fruit's honeyed sweetness. Fresh lemon juice keeps everything bright instead of cloying, while honey syrup ties the flavors together with a floral roundness. Top it with soda water and you've got a drink that's fruity but not too sweet, refreshing but still substantial. That thyme garnish isn't just for looks. It adds an herbal note that makes the whole thing smell like you're sitting in a summer garden. Mix this up for a lazy afternoon on the patio or when you need something special but don't want to fuss with complicated techniques. Your backyard just got a lot more interesting.