Thyme Simple Syrup
Sweet meets herbaceous in this easy thyme simple syrup. Perfect for cocktails and mocktails, drizzled over cakes or ice cream, or mixed into iced tea or lemonade, this syrup adds a flavorful punch!
Why I love this thyme simple syrup:
I, like most people, love a fun drink occasionally. I do love water and guzzle it day in and day out but sometimes you’re in the mood for something a little more ‘exciting’ you know what I mean?
I’ve been making this blackberry mocktail on repeat lately and started making this simple syrup because I knew thyme would be the perfect compliment to the blackberry. The combo of herb + berry + lemon is one of my favorites that I come back to again and again.
Simple syrup is exactly as its name states… simple. A basic simple syrup is equal parts plain sugar and water. From there the sky is the limit on flavors- you can use fresh herbs, spices, ginger, honey, citrus rinds, lemon juice, lime juice, fresh fruit, etc to make a variety of simple syrup flavors.
For this simple syrup recipe, we use fresh thyme sprigs to make a thyme-infused syrup. The thyme is not overbearing at all and adds a lovely compliment to nearly any fruit, so don’t be scared! Adding herbs to beverages is one of my favorite trends and I hope it never goes away.
What you’ll need to make thyme simple syrup:
Thyme: fresh thyme springs! You can find these in the refrigerated herb section of the produce department in any regular grocery store.
Sugar: I use plain granulated sugar here but you could also use brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, each of which will offer a slightly different flavor profile.
Water: plain ole filtered water!
That’s IT.
How to make:
Combine sugar and water to a small pot over medium heat. Whisk until the sugar dissolves. Add the thyme and bring to a light simmer (not boiling) for 4-5 minutes to allow the thyme to infuse the syrup.
Let cool slightly, then strain out the thyme leaves and pour simple syrup into a clean mason jar or bottle. Let cool completely and store in the fridge for up to 2-3 weeks.
How to use this herb simple syrup:
Cocktail recipes
- Thyme gin fizz– combine 1oz gin, ¾ oz lemon juice and ¾ oz thyme simple. Top off with soda water, serve over ice and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme. Love this twist on a classic cocktail!
- Grapefruit thyme margarita– combine 1 ½ oz tequila blanco, 2oz fresh grapefruit juice, 1oz thyme sugar syrup and a splash of triple sec in a cocktail shaker. Shake well and serve over ice.
- Thyme cucumber cooler- fill a glass with ice and plain water or club soda. Add cucumber slices and thyme simple syrup to taste.
- Peach and thyme bellini: pureé a ripe peach and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to get a peach puree. Add equal parts peach puree and thyme syrup in a champagne flute and top off with prosecco.
- Meyer lemon gimlet: in a cocktail shaker combine 1oz Meyer lemon juice, 2 oz gin and ¾ oz thyme syrup, serve over ice.
- Thyme mojito: in a glass muddle fresh mint leaves, ¾ oz thyme syrup and ¾ oz lime juice. Add 1 ½ oz white run and ice and top with soda water.
Non-alcoholic drinks:
- Thyme and blackberry smash– use this recipe!
- Herbal iced tea: add thyme simple syrup to fresh brewed black tea or green tea.
- Lavender thyme sparkler: add ½ oz each thyme-infused syrup and lavender syrup to sparkling water. The herbaceous flavors of thyme and lavender are so perfect for spring.
- Ginger herb elixir: add lemon slices, peeled and chopped fresh ginger root and a splash of thyme syrup to a mug and top with hot water or hot tea. The herbal sweetness is perfect here!
- Thyme lemonade: add a splash of thyme flavor to your favorite lemonade.
FAQs
Store in a clean mason jar or jar with a tight-fitting lid for up to 2-3 weeks in the fridge. Alternatively, fill an ice cube tray with a tablespoon or so of syrup in each square and freeze. Pop the cubes out and keep in a freezer stasher bag sealed tight. Now, each time you want a burst of herbal flavor you can add a cube of thyme syrup!
Absolutely, this method will work to make other herb syrups. Try rosemary, sage, mint, basil, lavender, ginger or cilantro.
Yes. Follow the recipe but replace fresh thyme with one tablespoon dried thyme. You’ll need to use a fine sieve to strain out the thyme.
If you love this thyme syrup you’ll love these other fun beverages!
If you try and like this recipe please don’t forget to leave a comment and star rating down below! If you love more lifestyle, behind the scenes and ‘eating in real life’ type of content come find me over on Instagram, @itsaflavorfullife, I love connecting with you all there!
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Thyme Simple Syrup
- Prep Time: 1 minute
- Cook Time: 4-5 minutes
- Total Time: 6 minutes + time to cool
- Yield: 3/4 cup 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This thyme simple syrup offers an earthy taste and herb flavor while providing the perfect amount of sweetness for any drink!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 10 thyme sprigs
Instructions
Add the sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until the sugar dissolves. Add the thyme and bring to a light simmer (not boiling) for 4-5 minutes to allow the thyme to infuse the syrup. Let cool slightly, then remove or strain out the thyme leaves and pour simple syrup into a clean mason jar or bottle. Let cool completely and store in the fridge for up to 2-3 weeks.
Make these blackberry mocktails– it won’t last long!
Notes
Freezer storage instructions: fill an ice cube tray with a tablespoon or so of syrup in each square and freeze. Pop the cubes out and keep in a freezer stasher bag sealed tight. Now, each time you want a burst of herbal flavor you can add a cube of thyme syrup!
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Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (1oz)
- Calories: 66
- Sugar: 16.6 g
- Sodium: 0.3 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
