Cantaloupe-Thyme Shrub

Ingredients

• 1 medium cantaloupe (about 21/2 lb.), rind and seeds discarded, cut into 11/2-inch pieces (about 3 c.), plus thin wedges for serving
• 1 1/2 c. sugar
• 8 sprigs thyme, plus more for serving
• 1 c. rice vinegar
• Sparkling water, chilled, for serving

Description

1. In airtight container, combine cantaloupe, sugar, and thyme, then smash slightly. Refrigerate, mixing and smashing twice a day, until flavors are infused into shrub, 2 to 3 days.
2. Remove thyme sprigs, transfer mixture to blender, add vinegar, and puree until smooth. Strain through fine-mesh sieve into pitcher.
3. For each serving, fill glass with ice and add 3 tablespoons shrub and 1/2 cup sparkling water. Serve with cantaloupe wedges and additional thyme sprigs if desired.