Herbal syrups always feel a little magical to me, and thyme syrup is no exception. It’s earthy, slightly floral, and has that savory edge that pairs beautifully with both sweet and tart flavors.
This simple syrup works especially well in bourbon or gin cocktails, but it’s just as at home in iced tea, lemonade, or even drizzled over roasted fruit for dessert.
The first time I tried thyme syrup was in a whiskey sour, and it completely transformed the drink. Since then, I’ve used it in everything from gin spritzes to sparkling water.
It’s one of those syrups that feels decadent but couldn’t be easier to make at home.
The trick? You have to use fresh thyme.
So, whether you grow it in your cocktail garden (like me) or herb pots on the balcony of your apartment, thyme should be a year-round staple for your cocktails.
Tips for Best Results
- Start small: Thyme can be intense. Begin with 10 sprigs and adjust upward if you want more punch.
- Use fresh thyme: Dried thyme won’t give you the same bright herbal quality.
- Pairing ideas: Thyme plays beautifully with lemon, honey, peach, and blackberry.
How to Use Thyme Syrup
- Shake into a whiskey sour for a herbal twist.
- Mix with gin, lemon juice, and soda for a thyme spritz.
- Stir into iced tea or lemonade.
- Drizzle over roasted peaches, pears, or figs.
- Add to sparkling water for a zero-proof refresher.
Thyme Syrup Cocktail Recipes
- Thyme Fig Whiskey Sour
- Lemon Thyme Spritz
- Lemon Thyme French 75
- Rustic Bourbon Bramble with Blackberries and Thyme
Thyme Honey Syrup Cocktail recipes
How to Make Thyme Simple Syrup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white sugar
- 10–20 thyme sprigs
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Reduce heat and add the thyme sprigs. Simmer on low for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature (taste along the way to check the flavor strength).
- Strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a sterilized glass jar.
- Discard or compost the thyme sprigs.
- Store in the refrigerator for a week or freeze in a glass jar for a few months. Just remember, fresh simple syrup is always best.
Alternate Method: Blanch & Steep
If you want a cleaner, brighter thyme flavor, try blanching your thyme first.
- Bring a small pot of water to a boil.
- Toss in the thyme for 30 seconds, then remove. (Discard the blanching water.)
- In a new saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the blanched thyme, remove from heat, and let it steep for up to 48 hours, tasting along the way until you reach your desired strength.
This method takes longer but helps preserve a fresher, greener thyme flavor.
Thyme Simple Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white sugar
- 10-20 20 thyme sprigs
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Reduce heat and add the thyme sprigs. Simmer on low for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature (taste along the way to check the flavor strength).
- Strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a sterilized glass jar.
- Discard or compost the thyme sprigs.
- Store in the refrigerator for a week or freeze in a glass jar for a few months. Just remember, fresh simple syrup is always best.
