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Home » Simple Syrup

Thyme Simple Syrup

Published: Jul 1, 2021 · Modified: Mar 10, 2022 by Ali

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Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy for more details.

This thyme simple syrup recipe is an easy and quick recipe to make an herb infused syrup that you can add to any type of drink. Make thyme flavored cocktails, lemonade with an herby twist, or stir it into your favorite hot tea. It takes less than 15 minutes to make and is a great way to use up any leftover herbs before they go bad.

A small container of thyme syrup next to fresh thyme, with green herbs and a white basket in the background.

Most often when we think of using fresh herbs for cooking meat dishes, side dishes or salads. But when you want to add an herb flavor to a drink, stirring the fresh herbs into a drink doesn’t work too well. Infused simple syrup is the best way to add a subtle thyme flavor, along with a little sweetness, to any drink creation.

Ways to use:

  • Cocktails: Add a couple tablespoons to give a classic cocktail a new spin, or come up with your own recipes for new cocktails. There are not a ton of recipes out there that include thyme simple syrup as an ingredient, but many recipes require regular simple syrup. You can replace this thyme flavored one in any recipe with simple syrup in a 1:1 ratio.
  • Thyme Lemonade: Make your own lemonade, but instead of adding plain sugar for sweetening, use this syrup instead. Adjust to your taste. If you want a fizzy drink, add in a bit of club soda.
  • Thyme Tea: Stir in a spoonful to your regular cup of hot tea — almost any flavor of tea would work well, but especially anything with ginger or lemon.
Overhead photo of a flat white dish holding fresh thyme sprigs, next to a purple-blue flower on a grey background.

Ingredients:

  • Thyme: You will need a large handful of fresh thyme to fully infuse the flavor into the simple syrup. Dried thyme will not work for this recipe.
  • Granulated Sugar: The sugar will be dissolved to make the flavored syrup. Use only granulated sugar, brown sugar won’t give the same result.
  • Water: Use filtered water if you have it, or just regular tap water.
White dish holding fresh thyme sprigs, a metal spoon in the foreground and a small jar of thyme simple syrup in the background.

Expert Tips:

  • Let it simmer. Let this syrup gently simmer for the full ten minutes, even if the sugar has already dissolved. If you were just making regular, plain simple syrup, you could stop at this point, but simmering for longer allows the thyme flavor to fully infuse into the syrup.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge. Store any leftover syrup in an airtight container or jar in the fridge. The syrup can last for several weeks before going bad. If the syrup looks or smells off, discard it.
  • Freeze in an ice cube tray. If you want the thyme syrup to last longer than a few weeks, you can freeze it in an ice cube tray. When you want to make a drink, you can pop out one or two ice cubes and let them thaw before using them in your drink.
  • Mix in other herbs. If you want more than just a thyme flavored syrup, you can add in other herbs for a mixed flavor. Try a thyme-mint, thyme-sage or thyme-lavender syrup!
Thyme simple syrup in a small container sitting in a metal carved cupholder, next to a white dish with fresh thyme, and blue flowers in the background.

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A small glass of thyme simple syrup in a lace metal holder, next to fresh thyme.

Thyme Simple Syrup


★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Alejandra | The Littlest Crumb
  • Total Time: 13 minutes
  • Yield: ½ cup syrup 1x
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

This thyme simple syrup recipe is an easy and quick recipe to make an herb infused syrup that you can add to any type of drink. Make thyme flavored cocktails, lemonade with an herb twist, or stir it into your favorite hot tea!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh thyme sprigs
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup water

Instructions

  1. Add the thyme sprigs, granulated sugar and water to a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium to high heat.
  2. Adjust the temperature to maintain a gentle simmer and continue to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sugar should be completely dissolved. 
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool to room temperature before using it in drinks. 

Notes

  • Let it simmer. Let the syrup simmer for at least 10 minutes, even if the sugar is already dissolved. This is to make sure the thyme flavor becomes strongly infused into the syrup.
  • Storage: Store the leftover syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to several weeks.
  • Prep Time: 1 minute
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Simple Syrup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 tbsp
  • Calories: 48
  • Sugar: 12.5g
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12.5g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Thyme, Simple Syrup, syrup for drinks

Leave a comment if you tried this recipe!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Edgar

    August 30, 2023 at 4:51 pm

    Simplicity at it's finest, thanks!!!

    Reply
  2. Jessica Formicola

    July 01, 2021 at 4:34 pm

    Oh my goodness, this simple syrup would taster great in a lemon drop martini! I can't wait to make it this weekend!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • The Littlest Crumb

      July 01, 2021 at 4:39 pm

      That sounds like a great idea!!

      Reply
    • Teresa

      October 17, 2021 at 9:08 am

      This would be a great sweetener to put in tea while fighting a cold. Thyme is awesome for that!

      Reply
  3. Dannii

    July 01, 2021 at 3:26 pm

    What a great way to use thyme. I have lots growing, so I will definitely give this a try.

    ★★★★★

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Ali! Full-time nurse, lifetime foodie. Join me as I create, eat and drink the most delicious brunch, cocktail & dessert recipes! More about me —>

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