This simple syrup recipe is infused with the flavors of fresh thyme and is perfect for adding a sweet and savory balance to cocktails and non-alcoholic drink recipes.
We use this thyme simple syrup recipe in our Blood Orange and Thyme Mocktail. It's a simple sparkling drink balanced with the flavors of tart citrus, thyme and soda water.
Check out our other cocktails syrups, like our favorite Plum Syrup Recipe in our complete Syrup Collection.
Ingredients
Thyme simple syrup is as easy as it sounds! All you need is fresh thyme sprigs, sugar, water and a little time. 🙂
How To Make This Syrup
The trick to making simple syrup that is strongly infused with the savory flavors of fresh thyme is to first blanch the leaves, then allow them to steep overnight.
I like to loosely bundle the thyme sprigs with twine so that it is easy to transfer and remove. However, if you don't have any kitchen twine, you can add the thyme in loose and strain it out later.
1. Bring some water to a boil. Add in the thyme and allow the leaves to blanch for 30 seconds. Set the thyme aside and discard the water.
Bartender's Note: Why Bother Blanching? - Blanching the thyme leaves is KEY to creating a smooth and flavorful thyme syrup. The hot water initially shocks the plant and extracts bitter flavors from the herb. By blanching the leaves and discarding the thyme "tea", you are left with just the sweet and herbal flavors of the thyme.
2. Then bring equal parts of sugar and water to a simmer. (For a richer syrup, you can use a 2:1 sugar to water ratio.) Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved and the syrup is clear.
Add the syrup to a jar with the blanched thyme. Allow to cool and steep overnight in the refrigerator.
3. The next day the syrup is ready to be used. Discard the thyme sprigs or continue steeping for up to 48 hours.
Saving & Storing
Thyme syrup can safely be stored in the refrigerator for 1 - 2 weeks. If alcohol is not an issue, adding 1 ounce of vodka can help to further extend this syrups' shelf life.
The syrup can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
This syrup recipe can be used in any cocktail or drink recipes that use simple syrup and could benefit from the sweet herbal flavor. It works especially well in drinks with gin and/or citrus. Here are a few suggestions:
- Blood Orange Mocktail with Thyme
- Thyme Lemonade
- Paloma with Thyme Syrup
- French 76 Cocktail
- Thyme Tom Collins
- Thyme & Lime Gimlet
- Fruity Drinks with Strawberry, Blackberry or Cranberry
More Syrups You May Like...
We love using flavored syrups to spice up our home bar. Here are some other syrup recipes we think you'll enjoy:
Recipe
Thyme Simple Syrup
ADJUST SERVINGS
Special Equipment
- Kitchen Twine (optional**)
Ingredients
- ½ ounce fresh thyme loosely bundled with kitchen twine**
- 1 Cup granulated sugar
- 1 Cup water plus more for blanching
Instructions
- In a small pot, bring some water to a boil. Remove from heat, add thyme and blanch for 30 seconds. Remove thyme and set aside. Discard the blanching water and rinse the pot.
- Bring 1 Cup water and 1 Cup sugar to a simmer. Stir until sugar is fully dissolved and the syrup is clear. Add blanched thyme and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Steep syrup in the refrigerator for 12 - 48 hours. When ready to use, discard the thyme sprigs.
Notes
* A Note About Salt
Unless otherwise noted, all recipes on The Sage Apron are developed using Diamond Crystal Kosher salt. It is a great all-purpose salt for cooking and baking. If using table salt, reduce quantities by about half.
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