Grilled Peach and Charred Citrus Spritz with Fresh Thyme

Heat a grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates.

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
• 1 orange, halved
• 6 oz (180ml) aperitif bitter liqueur
• 9 oz (270ml) prosecco, chilled
• 3 oz (90ml) soda water
• 2 tbsp honey
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• Ice cubes
• Orange slices, for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat a grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates.
2. Grill the peach halves and orange halves cut-side down until caramelized and char-marked, about 4 minutes.
3. Squeeze the grilled orange into a small pitcher, stir in the honey while warm until dissolved, and let cool.
4. Muddle one grilled peach half with a thyme sprig in the bottom of a pitcher, then add the cooled grilled-orange honey syrup.
5. Add the bitter liqueur and stir, then fill four wine glasses with ice and divide the mixture among them.
6. Top each glass with prosecco and a splash of soda water, garnish with a grilled peach slice, an orange slice, and a sprig of thyme.
7. The spritz is Italy's golden-hour ritual, an effervescent aperitivo meant to be sipped slowly as the evening cools. Grilling the peaches and citrus first adds a smoky, jammy depth that plays beautifully against the bittersweet liqueur, turning a classic patio drink into something made for late-summer cookouts when the fruit is at its ripest.

Nutrition (estimated, per serving)

• Calories: 190 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 10mg