This summer has definitely been about mixing cocktails with herbs: basil, mint, or thyme – I love them.  They add an earthiness and just enough flavour to a cocktail to make it special.  And because I love words and will never tire of it’s ‘thyme’ for a cocktail, this week I’m kicking off the weekend with a Plum and Thyme Prosecco Smash.

As a kid I loved plums, I could eat them by the bowl full, but for some reason over the years, they’ve fallen out of favour for me.  I seem to pass them by, choosing peaches or pears instead.  But a few weeks ago I came across a version of this cocktail and was inspired to combine a childhood favorite with my grown-up favorite – Prosecco 😉  While my copious love of plums hasn’t quite re-emerged, this cocktail is delicious and one I’ll enjoy again and again.  It’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend or enjoy a Sunday brunch.  Cheers!

Ingredients

2 Plums, extra for garnish
6 Thyme Sprigs, extra for garnish
Juice from one Lime
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup of water
1 Bottle of Prosecco

Directions

Thyme Simple Syrup
Bring water and sugar to a gentle boil and stir until sugar is dissolved.  Remove from heat and add thyme sprigs and let cool.  Chill until ready to use – can be made ahead and kept for about up to a month.

Cocktail
Peel and chop 2 plums. Muddle the plums with 3-4 tablespoons thyme simple syrup and lime juice until all of the plum juices have been released.  Shake this mixture with ice in a cocktail shaker.  Pour into two glasses, filled with ice.  Top off with Prosecco and garnish with extra plum slices and thyme sprigs!