Hill Country Peach Spritzer

I was inspired to create this cocktail using only Texas products, from ripe Fredericksburg peaches, Texas Wildflower Honey (proudly sourced from Texas Beekeepers), Thyme from Pearsall, TX, and Dripping Springs Vodka. The Texas peach season runs from mid May to the first week of August, with Fredericksburg being one of the largest peach producing areas in the state, what better to use this local fruit for a delightful summer cocktail. There are tons of roadside stands that sell all things peach; preserves, jams, pies, cobblers, and bushels of the fruit itself. It is such an experience to take a scenic hill country drive to view the beautiful and fragrant peach orchards and pick your own to take home. Have yourself a sweet Texas peach mixed with vodka for a true summer treat! I was inspired to create this cocktail using only Texas products, from ripe Fredericksburg peaches, Texas Wildflower Honey (proudly sourced from Texas Beekeepers), Thyme from Pearsall, TX, and Dripping Springs Vodka. The Texas peach season runs from mid May to the first week of August, with Fredericksburg being one of the largest peach producing areas in the state, what better to use this local fruit for a delightful summer cocktail. There are tons of roadside stands that sell all things peach; preserves, jams, pies, cobblers, and bushels of the fruit itself. It is such an experience to take a scenic hill country drive to view the beautiful and fragrant peach orchards and pick your own to take home. Have yourself a sweet Texas peach mixed with vodka for a true summer treat!

INGREDIENTS

Serves 2-4

• 2 cups fresh diced peaches 
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• ½ cup water
• ⅓ cup honey
• 8 ounces vodka
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice 
• 1 cup chilled club soda
• Thyme sprigs and peach slices to serve

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INSTRUCTIONS

Combine peaches, thyme, water, and honey, in a saucepan over medium. Bring peach mixture to a boil and cook 5 minutes until peaches are soft; remove from heat and cool completely. 

Strain peach mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher with vodka and lemon juice; chill. Discard peach solids (or save and use it to top some vanilla ice cream).

Stir club soda into drink just before serving. Divide drinks between ice-filled low-ball glasses and garnish with a thyme sprig and peach slice, if desired.