Unlike other stone fruit, apricots stay quite resilient when ripe and stand up to a quick sear on the grill with aplomb. Once the flesh warms through and its juices bake a bit, the apricot takes on deeper flavors that pair nicely with a spicy bourbon or rye and an equally spicy ginger beer. Swap out apricots for peaches or nectarines as the summer gets on toward the dog days.
Featured In: The Case for Grilling Your Cocktails
What You Will Need
Seared Apricot-Ginger Cooler
Unlike other stone fruit, apricots stay quite resilient when ripe and stand up to a quick sear on the grill with aplomb. Once the flesh warms through and its juices bake a bit, the apricot takes on deeper flavors that pair nicely with a spicy bourbon or rye and an equally spicy ginger beer. Swap out apricots for peaches or nectarines as the summer gets on toward the dog days.
Yield: makes 1 cocktail
Time:
5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 apricot, pitted and sliced into 4 1-inch wedges
- 3⁄4 oz. lemon juice
- 1 1⁄2 oz. bourbon or rye whiskey
- 3 oz. ginger beer
- 3 thin apricot slices
Instructions
- Build a medium-heat fire in a charcoal grill, or heat a gas grill to medium. (Alternatively, heat a cast-iron grill pan over medium-high.) Grill apricots, turning once, until seared on both sides, 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle grilled apricot slices with lemon juice. Add the whiskey and ice; shake briefly. Strain into a Collins glass over ice and top with ginger beer. Garnish with apricot slices.
