Black Cherry Jam Spritz

A spoonful of black cherry jam — the dark, jammy, slightly tart kind — stirred into sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon and a few fresh thyme leaves makes a drink that is genuinely more interesting than most things served at summer gatherings. No muddling, no simple syrup, no equipment. Just what's already in the pantry.

Serves 2   ·   5 minutes

INGREDIENTS

– 2 heaping tablespoons black cherry jam or preserves

– 2 tablespoons warm water

– Juice of half a lemon

– 400ml (about 1⅔ cups) sparkling water, chilled

– 2 sprigs fresh thyme

– Ice

– Optional: a splash of bourbon or prosecco to make it a cocktail

METHOD

1.  Stir the jam and warm water together in a small bowl or measuring cup until the jam has loosened into a thin syrup. This step prevents clumps settling at the bottom of the glass.

2.  Divide the jam syrup between two tall glasses. Add the lemon juice and stir to combine.

3.  Fill each glass with ice. Pour the sparkling water slowly down the side of the glass — this keeps the bubbles alive longer.

4.  Bruise a sprig of thyme between your fingers to release its oils and drop it into each glass. If making the cocktail version, add the bourbon or prosecco before the sparkling water. Stir once gently and serve.