Apricot Sage Supper Light

Apricot nectar has a rounded sweetness that makes a small sage leaf feel almost savory by contrast. Lemon gives the drink a sharper line, and sparkling water keeps the nectar from becoming too thick. Sage is powerful, so don't substitute a large handful for the single leaf. The fruit should remain easy to recognize. This is a softer alternative to a bitter aperitif-style drink, with enough herbal character to make it feel considered rather than simply diluted juice.

Ingredients

• 5 oz Sparkling water
• 2 oz Apricot nectar
• 1 leaf Sage leaf
• 1/4 oz Lemon juice

Make it

1. Prepare the fruit and herbs as listed. Mash soft fruit to release juice; lightly press herbs or thin ginger slices without shredding them.
2. Add the still juices and stir. Strain out seeds, skins or herb pieces if you prefer a smoother texture.
3. Pour in the chilled sparkling water slowly and stir once. Serve immediately, with ice if you like.

Benefits

Lemon · a little vitamin C

The 1/4 oz of lemon juice adds some vitamin C for absorbing iron from plant foods, with apricot and sage rounding out the flavor.

Apricot · more than a sweet mixer

With sage and lemon in the glass, the measured apricot contributes a rounded, tangy stone-fruit flavor as an accent to the fizz.