Thyme Plum Smash Cocktail
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This delicious thyme plum smash is the perfect way to beat the summer heat! Featuring ripe plums and fresh thyme, it is a great twist on a classic bourbon cocktail.
I’m so glad that it’s time for me to share another cocktail recipe here on Just Us Four because this Thyme Plum Smash is so good it has to be shared! This drink was inspired by two of my favorite summertime events- a trip to our local orchard and my wedding anniversary.
I’ll get to how those two things resulted in the most delicious drink ever (hint, hint, it involves bourbon), but first let me introduce myself! I’m Christin, and by now you may know me as the monthly cocktail contributor here on Shannah’s blog. I’m also the cupcake baker, cocktail shaker, and picture taker behind the blog Blue Crab Martini. I’d love it if you stopped by to visit me sometime! You can follow my kitchen adventures on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.
Why You’ll Love This Plum Cocktail Recipe:
- Perfect Refreshing Cocktail for Summer! Succulent plums mix perfectly with the bold flavors of bourbon for an incredible plum cocktail.
- Unique Flavors! Beyond the delicious flavors of fresh fruit and bourbon are the complex flavors that the homemade thyme simple syrup add.
- Make it ahead! You can make the simple syrup ahead and time and keep on hand for a delicious plum smash anytime you are craving one.
Last week we ventured out to the local U-pick orchard in search of summer’s finest peaches, but instead we came home with a big basket of plums! We were making our way through the endless rows of peach trees when we spotted them- trees so loaded with ripe, purple plums that their branches touched the ground. Of course we snagged some peaches, but plenty of these juicy treats made their way into our basket too!
Would you look at those ripe and juicy plums?! Yum!
It just so happens that the very next day was also my 9th wedding anniversary (I’m still trying to figure out how nine whole years have flown by, whew). It was the middle of the week and going out to eat wasn’t an option, so I decided to bring the restaurant to us instead! Just like any fine restaurant, our meal needed a special cocktail to marry all of the flavors together. Bourbon is one of my hubby’s favorites and since we had an abundance of fresh plums, I decided to combine the two and see what I could shake up.
Bourbon Smash Cocktail Ingredients
- Fresh Thyme: This is the foundation of the thyme simple syrup that adds some herbal qualities to the finished bourbon cocktail.
- Sugar and Water: The other two ingredients for making homemade simple syrup. Regular, granulated sugar works perfect here.
- Plums: Look for very ripe plums for the best results.
- Bourbon: Pick your favorite! Bourbon adds a perfect smoky component that balances with the sweetness of the ripe plums.
Essential Items to Make this Plum Smash Cocktail Recipe
- Small Saucepan
- Mason Jar (for storing simple syrup)
- Martini Shaker
- Whiskey Glasses
Sipping on this Thyme Plum Smash made our anniversary extra sweet, and I hope you’ll share it with your special someone too! Cheers!
Other Bourbon Cocktails
- Cranberry Apple Bourbon Punch (hot cocktail)
- Honey Gold Rush Cocktail
- Bourbon Pineapple Smash
- Hot Honey Peach Bourbon Smash
Thyme Plum Smash
Ingredients
- 5-6 sprigs of fresh thyme plus more for garnish
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 plums any variety but the riper the better
- 4 ounces bourbon
Instructions
- To make the thyme simple syrup, begin by combining the water and sugar in a small pot over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has fully dissolved, then remove from heat and add in the thyme sprigs. Let the syrup cool. Can be stored in an air tight container in the fridge for several days.5-6 sprigs of fresh thyme, 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar
- To make the Plum Thyme Smash, add the plums and 2-3 TBS of the thyme simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Muddle until the plums are broken down and all of the juice has been extracted.2 plums
- Add the bourbon and fill the shaker with ice. Shake until well chilled.4 ounces bourbon
- Then pour the drink mixture into two ice filled glasses.
- Garnish with a slice of plum and a sprig of thyme. Cheers!
