Sweet meets herb in this easy thyme simple syrup. Versatile and fragrant, it’s perfect for cocktails and mocktails, drizzled over cakes or ice cream, or stirred into iced tea or lemonade to add bright, herbal depth.
Why I love this thyme simple syrup:
I love a special drink now and then, and this thyme simple syrup is an easy way to make everyday beverages more interesting. I keep coming back to the combination of herb + berry + lemon — it’s a favorite pairing that works beautifully with blackberries, citrus and many summer fruits.
Simple syrup really is simple: equal parts sugar and water, warmed until the sugar dissolves. From there you can infuse it with fresh herbs, citrus peel, ginger, or fruit to create many different flavor profiles. For this recipe, fresh thyme lends a subtle, savory note that enhances fruit flavors without overpowering them.
What you’ll need to make thyme simple syrup:
Thyme: fresh thyme sprigs from the produce section.
Sugar: plain granulated sugar (brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup can be used for different flavors).
Water: filtered water.
That’s it — just three ingredients.
How to make:
Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until the sugar dissolves. Add the thyme and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (do not boil) for 4–5 minutes so the herb can infuse the syrup.
Remove the pan from heat and let it cool slightly. Strain out the thyme and pour the syrup into a clean jar or bottle. Allow it to cool completely, then refrigerate. Properly stored in the fridge, the syrup keeps for 2–3 weeks.
How to use this herb simple syrup:
Cocktail recipes
- Thyme Gin Fizz – 1 oz gin, ¾ oz lemon juice, ¾ oz thyme syrup. Shake and top with soda water, serve over ice with a thyme sprig.
- Grapefruit Thyme Margarita – 1½ oz tequila blanco, 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 1 oz thyme syrup, a splash of triple sec. Shake with ice and strain over fresh ice.
- Thyme Cucumber Cooler – Muddle cucumber slices, add ice, water or club soda and thyme syrup to taste.
- Peach & Thyme Bellini – Combine equal parts peach purée and thyme syrup in a flute and top with prosecco.
- Meyer Lemon Gimlet – 1 oz Meyer lemon juice, 2 oz gin, ¾ oz thyme syrup. Shake with ice and strain.
- Thyme Mojito – Muddle mint, ¾ oz thyme syrup and ¾ oz lime juice. Add 1½ oz white rum, ice and top with soda water.
Non-alcoholic drinks
- Thyme & Blackberry Smash – combine thyme syrup with fresh blackberries and sparkling water for a bright mocktail.
- Herbal Iced Tea – Stir thyme syrup into fresh-brewed black or green tea.
- Lavender Thyme Sparkler – ½ oz thyme syrup and ½ oz lavender syrup in sparkling water for a floral, herbaceous soda.
- Ginger Herb Elixir – Add lemon slices, chopped fresh ginger and a splash of thyme syrup to hot water or tea.
- Thyme Lemonade – Add thyme syrup to lemonade for an herbal twist.
FAQs
Store the syrup in a clean jar with a tight lid for up to 2–3 weeks in the refrigerator. For longer-term storage, freeze the syrup in an ice cube tray, then transfer the cubes to a sealed freezer bag; a cube or two adds instant flavor to drinks.
Yes. The same method works with rosemary, sage, mint, basil, lavender or other herbs. Each herb will give a distinct character to the syrup.
Yes. Substitute one tablespoon dried thyme for the fresh sprigs and strain with a fine sieve to remove small bits.
If you love this thyme syrup you’ll love these other beverages
Blackberry mocktail
Matcha smoothie
Mango protein smoothie
Cucumber apple green juice
Blueberry pineapple smoothie
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Thyme Simple Syrup
- Author: Erica
- Prep Time: 1 minute
- Cook Time: 4–5 minutes
- Total Time: 6 minutes + time to cool
- Yield: 3/4 cup
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This thyme simple syrup delivers a delicate herbaceous note and just the right sweetness for beverages and desserts.
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 and whisk until the sugar dissolves. Add the thyme and simmer gently (not boiling) for 4–5 minutes to infuse. Remove from heat, cool slightly, strain out the thyme, and transfer the syrup to a clean jar or bottle. Cool completely and refrigerate for up to 2–3 weeks.
Notes
To freeze the syrup, pour about a tablespoon into each compartment of an ice cube tray. Once frozen, store the cubes in a sealed freezer bag and use as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (1 oz)
- 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