Tomato-Apricot Refresher

Ingredients

• 600 ml tomato juice
• 2 Bay leaves
• Salt
• Pepper
• Cayenne pepper
• 1 lemon
• 4 Basil stems
• 4 Apricots
• 350 ml cold sparkling mineral water
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. 1.

   Heat the tomato juice with bay leaves, a pinch of salt, pepper and cayenne pepper in a pot. Squeeze the lemon, add its juice to the tomato mixture, bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes over medium heat. Remove from the stove, let it cool slightly, then refrigerate for 1 hour.

2. 2.

   Meanwhile wash the basil, pat dry, and pluck the leaves. Set aside 4 leaves, cut the rest into fine strips. Wash the apricots, dry them, halve them and remove the pits. Slice the apricot halves into thin wedges.

3. 3.

   Remove the bay leaves from the tomato mixture; puree half of the apricots with the liquid and distribute over the basil strips in four glasses. Top with sparkling water and ice cubes, add the apricot slices, and garnish with basil leaves. Serve immediately.