15 min

Step 1

Wash the stone fruits thoroughly. Remove the pits and chop them into small pieces. Leave the skin on for added flavor and color.

Step 2

In a clean glass jar or container, add the chopped stone fruits and sugar. Stir well to combine and ensure the sugar coats the fruit evenly.

Step 3

Cover the jar loosely with a clean cloth or coffee filter secured with a rubber band. This allows for air circulation while keeping any debris out.

Step 4

Place the jar in a cool, dark place at room temperature for 2 to 4 days to allow the mixture to ferment. Check the jar daily and give it a gentle stir to distribute the sugar and release any built-up gas.

Step 5

Taste the mixture after 2 days to check the level of fermentation. If it has reached your desired level of tanginess, proceed to the next step. If you prefer a stronger fermentation flavor, you can leave it for an additional day or two.

Step 6

Once the mixture has fermented to your liking, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids or fruit pieces. You can gently press the mixture with the back of a spoon to extract more liquid.

Step 7

Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour the strained fermented stone fruit liquid into the glass, filling it about 1/3 to 1/2 full.

Step 8

Top up the glass with sparkling water, leaving some room at the top for fizz. Gently stir the mixture to combine the fermented fruit liquid and sparkling water.

Step 9

Garnish with fresh mint leaves, basil flowers, lemon thyme, and any gorgeous herbaceous flowers or leaves from your garden or the local farmer's market.

Step 10

Serve the fermented stone fruit gazoz immediately, and enjoy its unique flavor and fizzy goodness!