Nectarine Sparkling Quencher

Make this refreshing mocktail with sparkling water, or for a cocktail use sparkling white wine. The purée takes time to prepare, but once made and chilled, it’s quick to make a drink for a hot summer day.

Preparation Time: 25 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Standing Time: 30 minutes

Chilling Time: 2 hours

Serves 4

2 large Ontario Nectarines, pitted and chopped (about 2 cups/ 500 mL)

1/2 cup (125 mL) each granulated  sugar and water

1 strip lemon peel (2- x 1-inch/ 5 x 2.5 cm)

1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh lemon juice

2 tsp (10 mL) grated fresh gingerroot

1/4 cup (50 mL) frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed or orange liqueur

Chilled sparkling water or Ontario White Sparkling Wine

Garnish:

4 slices Ontario Nectarine

Sprigs of fresh Ontario Mint

    In medium saucepan, combine nectarines, sugar and water. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer until fruit is very soft, about 10 minutes. Mash; add lemon peel, lemon juice and ginger. Cover and let stand for 30 minutes. Remove peel.

    In blender, combine nectarine mixture and orange juice concentrate; blend until smooth. Press purée through fine sieve into measuring cup: cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

    To serve, divide purée between four glasses. Top with sparkling water and stir to blend. Garnish with nectarine slice and mint.

Nutritional Information:

1 Serving

PROTEIN: 1 gram

FAT: 0 grams

CARBOHYDRATE: 40 grams

CALORIES: 161

FIBRE: 1 gram

SODIUM: 0 mg

– Printed with permission from Foodland Ontario