+ 2 tablespoons apricot nectar

BeveragesYear-round, as apricot nectar is a processed beverage product available commercially throughout the year, though nectar production peaks during apricot harvest season (late spring through summer in major growing regions).

Apricot nectar is a good source of vitamin A (beta-carotene) and provides natural sugars for quick energy, though it is high in total sugars and typically contains minimal fiber due to processing.

About

Apricot nectar is a sweetened beverage made from apricot puree, water, and sugar, sometimes with added citric acid or ascorbic acid for preservation and tartness. Unlike apricot juice, which is pressed from fresh fruit, nectar is a thicker, more concentrated product that retains the fruit's pulp and body. Commercial apricot nectar typically contains 30-50% apricot solids and is strained to a smooth consistency. The flavor is characteristically sweet, with the concentrated essence of ripe apricots, and may range from bright and slightly tart to mellow and honey-like depending on the apricot variety and processing method used.

Culinary Uses

Apricot nectar functions as both a beverage and a cooking ingredient. As a drink, it is consumed chilled, sometimes diluted with water or sparkling water. In the kitchen, apricot nectar serves as a sweetening and flavoring agent in glazes for meats (particularly ham and duck), baking (cakes, muffins, and breads), cocktails, and dessert sauces. Its viscosity and concentrated flavor make it valuable in Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines, where it is used to sweeten savory-sweet dishes and sauces. It also functions as a binder and moisture agent in baked goods and can replace some of the sugar and liquid in recipes.

Forms & Preparations

Bottled or canned nectar — Ready-to-use sweetened apricot beverage, typically available in 11.5 oz bottles or cans.
Concentrate — Reduced, more concentrated apricot nectar that must be diluted with water before use; more shelf-stable and cost-effective.
Frozen concentrate — Concentrated apricot nectar in frozen form, requiring thawing and dilution before consumption or use in recipes.
Homemade nectar — Prepared from fresh apricots, puree, water, and sugar, blended and strained to achieve desired thickness and sweetness.