Entertaining

Vanilla-Plum Sparkler

January  7, 2022
5
1 Ratings
Photo by MJ KROEGER. PROP STYLIST: MEGAN HEDGPETH. FOOD STYLIST: ERICKA MARTINS.
  • Prep time 5 minutes
  • makes 4 drinks
Test Kitchen Notes

Shake up your weeknight beverage rotation with an unexpected combo: the lightly tart plum flavor of LaCroix Sparkling Water’s Beach Plum meets sweet and ever-so-savory vanilla-thyme syrup that’s made on the stovetop in a few short minutes. Plus, the LaCroix bubbles bring a delightful sparkle to this refreshing mocktail.

If you can’t get enough of the homemade syrup used here, make a big batch by doubling (or tripling) the amount of honey, thyme, vanilla, and water. Once it’s cooled, store in an airtight container in the fridge so you’ve got it on hand whenever you’re in the mood for this delectable drink.

This recipe is shared in partnership with LaCroix Sparkling Water. —The Editors

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Ingredients
  • 4 tablespoons honey
  • 7 sprigs fresh thyme, divided
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 5 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 lemon cut into rounds, for garnish
  • 2 (12-ounce) cans LaCroix Sparkling Water Beach Plum, chilled
Directions
  1. In a medium saucepan set over medium-low heat, combine honey, 3 thyme sprigs, vanilla, and 2 ½ tablespoons water. Simmer until the mixture is combined and slightly thickened about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  2. Remove and discard the thyme sprigs and stir in the lemon juice. Divide the mixture evenly among 4 glasses, about 2 tablespoons per glass.
  3. Add ice cubes and top with half a can of LaCroix Beach Plum per glass and gently stir. Garnish each glass with a lemon round on the rim and a sprig of thyme.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

1 Review

David S. December 26, 2022
Clean and refreshing. We served at a dinner party on Christmas Day as a compliment to other "beverages" to non-drinking guests. They loved it, and everyone felt included.