Herbal cocktails are growing in popularity. Besides being the chic new mixed drink addition, however, herbs add a healthy and organic twist to our well-loved cocktail, particularly when plucked from a home garden free of pesticides and fertilizers. From the classic Cuban mojito to strawberry-basil martinis to authentic mint juleps, herbs are reasserting their place in the adult beverage world.
Thyme has a distinct herbal flavor that blends well with many standard cocktail ingredients, particularly herbal infused gins and smooth quality vodkas. Thyme has a place in most home herb gardens, so cut a few sprigs this spring and mix up some innovative and delicious cocktails at home!
A Very Berry Thyme Cocktail
This combination of juicy fresh berries, cucumber infused Hendricks gin, and the flavor of freshly muddled thyme creates an undeniably tasty treat.
Ingredients
- 2-3 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 handful (about 10) fresh raspberries or blackberries
- 2 slices of lemon
- 1 tablespoon sugar or simple syrup
- 2 ounces quality gin, such as Hendrick's
- Club soda to fill glass
Preparation
- Remove thyme leaves from stems and place in a tall glass. Add berries, lemon, and sugar. Muddle lightly to release essential herbal oils and fruit juice.
- Add a few ice cubes to glass and pour in gin. Add enough club soda to fill glass.
- Toss to mix and garnish with a sprig of thyme and a lemon slice. Enjoy!
The Thyme and Vodka Lemonade
This adult twist on the classic summertime drink will have everyone rethinking lemonade.
Ingredients
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs
- 4 slices lemon
- 2 ounces quality vodka, such as Grey Goose (citrus flavored if desired)
- 3 tablespoons sugar or simple syrup
- Ice and club soda to fill glass
Preparation
- Remove thyme leaves from stems and place in glass. Add lemon and sugar. Muddle lightly to release essential oils of herbs and lemon rind, and juices from the pulp.
- Add ice, vodka, and enough club soda to fill glass.
- Toss to mix and serve in a chilled glass with a rim of sugar if desired. Garnish with thyme sprig and lemon slice. Enjoy!
The Cucumber-Thyme Gin and Tonic
This refreshing and smooth cocktail is the perfect marriage between earthy herb and smooth cucumber, with all the fizz and floral fragrance of a Hendrick's gin and tonic.
Ingredients
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs
- 3 cucumber slices
- 1 slice of lime
- 1 shot (1.5 ounces) Hendrick's gin
- Ice and club soda to fill glass
Preparation
- Remove thyme leaves from stems and place in glass with cucumber and lime. Lightly muddle.
- Add ice, gin, and enough club soda to fill glass. Toss to mix.
- Serve in a large, chilled glass and garnish with a slice of cucumber. Enjoy!
Melissa Parks - Melissa M. Parks began her practice in writing with her first publication in the second grade, and now holds a BA in creative writing from ...
