This week has been crazy guys.  We are in the process of looking for a house in Houston and it's kind of exhausting especially when you don't live in the same town.  I had to drive to Houston for the day to look at some neighborhoods in person because we all know that pictures can be deceiving, I picked out my favorites (without Canean because he had to work) and then drove back late Tuesday night.  Yesterday I tried to catch up on my missed day of work and it was cold and rainy and all I wanted to do was take a nap.  Today however, the sun came back to visit and you guessed it, I am still in my citrus obsession phase...so you are getting another citrus drink on this very Thirsty Thursday!  My citrus thyme punch is actually non-alcoholic, but I like to recommend adding a little "suntin suntin" to the mix to make for a killer happy hour.

I know you ladies out there who are carrying a bun in your oven get really jealous (so you have told me) every Thursday when I post cocktails that you can't drink, and I promise I have not been meaning to drive you crazy...but I know it does!  So this week it's all about a mocktail that you can enjoy until that little bundle of joy arrives.  I got your back too mamas.

This is honestly such a delicious punch to mix up a big batch of and have in the fridge.  It's a great pick me up, it's full of vitamins, and it is super refreshing.  And I might have added vodka to mine, which made for a pretty fine cocktail.  And there ain't nothin' wrong with that.

Last week at the farmer's market I ended up with blood oranges, red navels, and grapefruits and I just couldn't resist making something beautiful with them.  The color of this punch is so pretty I would even serve it on Valentine's Day...possibly for brunch?  And then I might add champagne and not vodka...I'm getting distracted.  Also, can we talk about how sad I am about leaving my local farmer's market?  I know Houston has markets, but I know these farmer's, they know me, they look for me, they know what I buy....sigh.  I'll just have to get friendly with the Texas farmers too.

Anyway, I would make this drink at some point in your near future, add alcohol or don't.  It really is delicious either way!

Ingredients:

• 3/4 Cup of Freshly Squeezed Citrus Juice (I used about 2 grapefruits, 2 navel oranges, and 4 blood oranges, you can use whatever variety you have on hand)
• 1/4 - 1/2 Cup of Thyme Simple Syrup (I brought 4 sprigs of fresh thyme, 1/2 Cup of Agave Nectar, and 1/2 Cup of Water to a boil and then cooled and strained.)
• 4 Cups of Water
• Soda Water or Sparkling Water for topping

Directions:

• Combine your citrus juice, thyme simple syrup, and water in a pitcher.  Refrigerate.
• When ready to serve pour over ice and top off with soda water or sparkling water.

*Option for an alcoholic version:  Add an ounce of vodka to each glass before adding the other ingredients, or omit the sparking water or soda water and use champagne instead.

I can't even handle how gorgeous citrus is when you slice into it.  The colors are insane. I think I might need to paint a room in our new house the color of one...what do you think?

Cheers friends!