Kombucha Thyme Cocktail

I live in this funny small town that I absolutely adore. Where you can buy whole salmon from the locals on the street, or stop by any local orchard to u-pick apples, berries, and pears. The markets, and for a small town we have a lot, are packed full of local farmers bringing their fresh bounty full of squash, tomatoes, herbs, peaches, cheese, and meats. But my favorite and most unique vendor is the small, but fastly growing, Blue Bus Cultured Foods. Where they make and sell small batches of naturally fermented artisan foods. Including sauerkraut, kraut-chi, and other seasonal items, like kohlrabi kraut. My head is exploding with the different cocktail ideas using the brine. It will happen. 

And although I love those items, I truly do, I am beyond excited for their kombucha combinations that they bring every week to the farmers market. Basil, Honey, Lavender, Hops, and Columbia Nectar Blossom. All can be enjoyed on their own. But why not make a fun drink with them! So that is what we did...

This recipe was written for and published in The Gorge Magazine. 

Nectarine + Thyme Kombucha Cocktail
makes 1 

3 parts Nectarine Kombucha  (many other flavors would work great, like honey, or anything fruity)
1 part vodka 
½ lemon, juiced 
splash of thyme simple syrup 
sprig of thyme for garnish 

For Thyme Simple Syrup:
½ cup water
½ cup sugar
3 thyme sprigs 

In a small sauce pan combine water, sugar and thyme sprigs over medium heat. Stirring frequently, bring 
the mixture to a simmer until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and let cool to room 
temperature. Remove thyme sprigs and store in a glass jar and refrigerate. 

Pour the vodka, lemon juice and a splash of thyme simple syrup into the glass. Give it a quick stir and add ice. Top off with kombucha and a sprig of thyme for garnish.