Golden Tidemark

01

What you’ll need

• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
• 2/3 cup (160 mL) just-boiled water
• 1 tablespoon pure ground sumac, plus a pinch for garnish
• 2 tablespoons certified-vegan organic cane sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) water, for the syrup
• 1/2 cup (120 mL) cloudy unfiltered apple juice labelled vegan and alcohol-free
• 2 tablespoons (30 mL) fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup (120 mL) plain chilled sparkling water
• 2 large clear ice cubes
• 1/4 red-skinned apple, cut into paper-thin slices for two fans

02

Mix the drink

1. Put the saffron in a heatproof cup, pour over the just-boiled water and steep for 8 minutes. Strain if desired, then measure 1/2 cup (120 mL) of the infusion and refrigerate until cold.
2. Combine the sumac, certified-vegan sugar and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stir for 1 minute and remove from the heat. Steep for 8 minutes, then strain through a coffee filter or two layers of fine cheesecloth. Cool completely; you should have about 3 tablespoons (45 mL) syrup.
3. In a small lidded jar, combine the chilled saffron infusion, apple juice, lemon juice and all of the sumac syrup. Seal and roll the jar gently between your hands six times to mix without aerating it.
4. Refrigerate the base for 25 minutes, until thoroughly cold. Keep the sparkling water refrigerated separately.
5. Set one large clear ice cube in each glass. Divide the chilled base evenly between the glasses, then pour 1/4 cup (60 mL) sparkling water down the side of each glass.
6. Lift the drink once from bottom to top with a bar spoon to combine while preserving the bubbles.