A refreshing twist on classic gin combines the bright citrus of fresh lemons with the earthy notes of garden thyme. This simple yet elegant cocktail needs just 4 ingredients and takes less than 5 minutes to make.
The fragrant herbs and zesty citrus create a balanced drink perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
The botanical flavors of the gin shine through while the lemon and thyme add layers of complexity.
This recipe works well for both casual happy hours and fancy dinner parties.
The garnish of fresh thyme sprigs and lemon wheels makes it look as good as it tastes.
Lemon Thyme Gin Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Hawthorne strainer
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Muddler
- Citrus juicer
- Cocktail glass
- Small saucepan (for syrup)
Ingredients
- 2 oz London dry gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz thyme simple syrup
- 2-3 fresh thyme sprigs
- Ice cubes
- Club soda optional
For thyme simple syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8-10 fresh thyme sprigs
Instructions
- Make the thyme simple syrup first.
- Add water, sugar, and thyme sprigs to a small saucepan. Heat until sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain and cool completely.
- Add one thyme sprig and syrup to the shaker. Then, muddle gently to release the oils.
- Pour in the gin and fresh lemon juice. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds.
- Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Top with a splash of club soda if desired.
- Garnish with a fresh thyme sprig and serve immediately.
Notes
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Tasting Notes
The Lemon Thyme Gin Cocktail offers bright citrus notes with a fresh herbal character. The gin’s juniper and botanical elements blend smoothly with the zesty lemon.
Fresh thyme adds an earthy, aromatic quality that makes this drink stand out. Its gentle woodsy notes complement both the citrus and gin perfectly.
Key Flavor Elements:
- Primary: Bright lemon, pine-like juniper
- Secondary: Fresh thyme, herbs
- Finish: Clean, crisp, slightly sweet
The texture is light and refreshing, with tiny bubbles from the soda water adding a pleasant effervescence. A subtle sweetness from simple syrup balances the tart lemon.
Each sip starts with a burst of citrus, followed by herbal notes from the thyme. The finish is clean and cool, making it ideal for warm weather.
The cocktail’s pale yellow color sparkles in the glass, with small thyme leaves adding visual interest. Garnished with a lemon wheel and thyme sprig, it looks as good as it tastes.
Substitutes
No lemon thyme on hand? Regular thyme with lemon zest makes an excellent replacement.
Mix 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves with 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest.
Can’t find gin? Vodka works well in this drink. The clean taste allows the herbal notes to shine through.
For a non-alcoholic version, replace gin with tonic water or club soda.
Add an extra squeeze of lemon juice to maintain the bright citrus flavor.
Other herb options that blend nicely with lemon:
- Fresh basil
- Fresh mint
- Fresh rosemary
- Fresh sage
Pro tip: When using dried herbs instead of fresh, use 1/3 of the amount called for in the recipe.
Dried herbs have stronger flavors than fresh ones.
Low on lemons? Try these citrus alternatives:
- Meyer lemons
- Limes
- Yuzu
- Citron
Simple syrup substitutes:
- Honey
- Agave nectar
- Maple syrup
Each sweetener will add its own subtle flavor notes to the drink.
Start with less and add more to taste.
