Swap out apricots for peaches or nectarines as the summer gets on toward the hot days.

Ingredients:

1 apricot, pitted and sliced into 4 1-inch wedges

3/4 oz. lemon juice 

1/2 oz. bourbon or rye whiskey

3 oz. ginger beer

3 thin apricot slices

Directions:

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.