If an Old Fashioned has become your go-to drink order, but you want to try something new, there's a delicious ingredient that can modify your drink without changing too much about this already-perfect cocktail. Stone fruit like peaches, plums, and cherries plus an Old Fashioned are a match made in boozy heaven.

At the North Fork Table & Inn, bartenders use stone fruits in season to keep guests surprised with new flavors and add natural sweetness to beverages. From summer plums to peaches, local fruits not only brighten and enliven the drink, but add a special regional flavor and allow you to take advantage of peak-condition produce.

Though stone fruits have a limited window of freshness, you can make a simple syrup with the fruit to use throughout the year. Bring an equal amount of sugar and water to a rolling boil and mix in your fruits, then simmer until the liquid is reduced to a thicker syrup, which can last up to six months when stored properly in the fridge.