Looking for a refreshing drink to beat the winter blues? The Tangerine Thyme Refresher Cocktail is a bright and zesty option.
This citrusy cocktail blends tangerine juice, thyme-infused simple syrup, and vodka for a tasty treat.
The mix of sweet and tart flavors makes this drink perfect for sipping on a cold January evening. It’s easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.
The thyme adds a subtle herbal note that pairs well with the tangy tangerine.
This cocktail works great for parties or quiet nights in. It’s a nice change from heavy winter drinks.
The recipe can be doubled or tripled to serve more people. Give it a try for a burst of sunny flavor this season.
Tangerine Thyme Refresher Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Muddler
- Strainer
- Highball glass
- Ice
Ingredients
For one cocktail:
- 2 oz tangerine juice freshly squeezed
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme
- Soda water
- Ice
- Tangerine slice and thyme sprig for garnish
- Fresh tangerine juice is best but store-bought works too. You can swap vodka for gin if you prefer.
Instructions
- Put 2-3 thyme sprigs in the shaker and muddle gently.
- Add tangerine juice, vodka, and simple syrup.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake for 10-15 seconds.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
- Top with soda water.
- Stir gently to mix.
- Garnish with a tangerine slice and thyme sprig.
Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. For a stronger thyme flavor, let the muddled herbs sit in the liquid for a few minutes before shaking.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
The Tangerine Thyme Refresher Cocktail offers a bright and zesty flavor profile.
Its taste is a mix of sweet and tart, with citrus notes at the forefront.
The tangerine juice gives the drink a fresh, fruity sweetness. This is balanced by the slight bitterness of the tonic water.
The thyme adds an herbal touch that complements the citrus flavors well.
When sipping, the first taste is of tangerine. This is followed by the herbal notes from the thyme. The finish has a light fizz from the tonic water.
The cocktail has a smooth texture. It is light and refreshing, making it perfect for warm weather.
The drink is not too sweet, which allows the flavors to shine through.
This cocktail pairs well with light appetizers or grilled seafood. It’s best served chilled in a tall glass with ice.
Substitute
Can’t find tangerines or thyme for this refreshing cocktail? No problem. There are easy swaps you can use.
For tangerines, try oranges or clementines instead. Their sweet citrus flavor works well in this drink. You could also use mandarin oranges from a can in a pinch.
Fresh thyme can be replaced with dried thyme. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried herb compared to fresh. Rosemary makes a nice substitute too, giving a different but equally tasty herbal note.
No gin? Vodka can step in. It will change the flavor a bit, but still tastes great with the other ingredients.
For a non-alcoholic version, skip the gin. Add extra soda water or use tonic water for more flavor.
Here’s a quick list of substitutes:
- Oranges or clementines for tangerines
- Dried thyme or rosemary for fresh thyme
- Vodka for gin
- Tonic water for a non-alcoholic option
These swaps let you enjoy a tasty drink even if you’re missing some items. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have on hand.