🍷 Plum & Thyme Shrub Soda (Mocktail)

Ingredients (serves 2):

• 2 ripe plums, pitted and chopped
• 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 tbsp sugar (or honey/agave)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup sparkling water or soda water
• Ice cubes
• Plum slices and thyme sprigs, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Make the Shrub Base:
   In a small bowl, mash the plums with sugar and thyme. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to release juices.
2. Add Vinegar:
   Stir in the apple cider vinegar. Let it infuse for 10 more minutes (or refrigerate up to 24 hrs for deeper flavor).
3. Strain:
   Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve, pressing the solids to get all the liquid. This is your shrub syrup.
4. Serve:
   Fill two glasses with ice. Add 2–3 tablespoons of the shrub syrup per glass and top with sparkling water. Stir gently.
5. Garnish:
   Add a slice of plum and a sprig of fresh thyme.

🌿 Pro tip:
Want to batch it for a picnic? Double or triple the shrub syrup and keep it chilled in a jar. Mix with sparkling water just before serving.