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Toshi's Table » Recipes » Drinks

Thyme Simple Syrup

Published: Feb 4, 2023 by Emily Toshiko · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

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Thyme simple syrup is so easy to make and is perfect for cocktails or mocktails! It pairs well with gin or vodka based cocktails such as this cranberry thyme fizz. Thyme simple syrup also mixes well with lemonade or ice tea! It will certainly evaluate your beverage of choice and bring flavors to a whole other level!

Overhead view of a mason jar on a wooden coaster filled with thyme simple syrup and garnished with thyme leaves.

Simple syrup is a key ingredient in many homemade cocktails. While you can purchase it in a store, I find that homemade simple syrup is easy to make! It requires a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water plus a few sprigs of thyme or your herb of choice!

This thyme simple syrup is sweet and herbaceous. If you're a fan of sweet, herbaceous flavors I recommend checking out this honey lavender simple syrup as well!

Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love This Recipe
  • Equipement Notes
  • Ingredient Notes
  • Substitutions and Variations
  • Step by Step Instructions
  • Tips and Tricks
  • Storage
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Cocktail Recipes You'll Love
  • Did you try this recipe?
  • Thyme Simple Syrup

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • It only takes 15 minutes to make and you only need 3 ingredients!
  • Thyme simple syrup pairs well with both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks.
  • This is a great way to use up fresh herbs you're unsure what to do with!

Equipement Notes

  • Fine mesh strainer - to strain out any thyme leaves.
  • Mason jar or jar with a lid - for easy, airtight storage.

Ingredient Notes

Cane sugar in a small bowl, water in a small bowl and fresh thyme scattered around.
  • Fresh thyme - you can use it fresh from the plant or from the refrigerated section of the grocery store.
  • Sugar - I recommend using white cane sugar.
  • Filter water - this will help the simple syrup to last longer.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Sugar - feel free to use your sugar preference whether it be raw sugar, cane sugar, coconut sugar or brown sugar. I like to use cane sugar because it has a neutral sweetness that allows the thyme flavor to be showcased.
  • Honey thyme syrup - use honey or agave (for a vegan version) in place of the sugar.
  • Berry thyme syrup - add ¼ cup of berries to the saucepan with the water, thyme and sugar. Mash the berries and bring the mixture to a simmer for a few minutes. Let it cool for 15 minute then strain. You can use blueberries, raspberries, strawberries or blackberries!
  • Rosemary thyme syrup - add a few sprigs of rosemary to the saucepan along with the thyme.
  • Dried thyme - add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of dried thyme leaves in place of the fresh thyme. Make sure to strain well before using.

Step by Step Instructions

A saucepan with water, sugar and thyme leaves.

Add the thyme, sugar and water to a small to medium sized saucepan.

A saucepan with dissolved sugar and water with thyme leaves.

Heat over medium-low, stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves. Do not let the simple syrup boil.

Thyme leaves being removed using tongs from a saucepan.

Let the simple syrup cool for 15 minutes up to 1 hour to allow the favors to infuse together. After cooling, remove the larger thyme leaves using tongs or a fork.

Simple syrup being strained into a mason jar using a fine mesh strainer.

Strain the thyme simple syrup into a small jar using a fine mesh strainer. Let it fully cool before using in a drink. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

Make this a day ahead so the simple syrup will be cooled off and ready to use! I do not recommend using this while warm or hot because it will dilute the ice in your drink. Alternatively, if you are using this in a hot beverage such as tea, you may use it immediately.

A small mason jar on a wooden coaster filled with thyme simple syrup and garnished with thyme leaves.

Storage

Store the thyme simple syrup in an airtight jar for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. If the mixture starts to look cloudy or develops a strange oder please discard it. I do not recommend freezing this.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does herb infused simple syrup last?

Herb infused simple syrup such as thyme simple syrup can last for up to two weeks in the fridge.

Can you make simple syrup with dried herbs?

Yes you can, but make sure to use a smaller amount than you would if using fresh herbs. Additionally make sure to strain out any dried herbs before using the simple syrup.

More Cocktail Recipes You'll Love

  • A mason jar with brown sugar spiced simple syrup on a rustic wooden coaster with a sprig of rosemary.
    Brown Sugar Spiced Simple Syrup
  • Winter old fashioned cocktail on a square coaster garnished with cranberries, rosemary and orange peel.
    The Best Winter Old Fashioned
  • Small mason jar on wooden coasters filled with honey lavender simple syrup.
    Honey Lavender Simple Syrup (for Cocktails)
  • close up of cranberry cocktail
    Cranberry Gin Fizz

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Overhead view of a mason jar on a wooden coaster filled with thyme simple syrup and garnished with thyme leaves.

Thyme Simple Syrup

Emily Toshiko
Thyme simple syrup pairs beautifully with cocktails, lemonade and iced tea! It is easy to make any only requires 3 ingredients!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 49 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 10-15 Fresh thyme sprigs
  • ½ cup filtered water
  • ½ cup sugar

Instructions
 

  • Add the thyme, water and sugar to a small-medium sauce pan.
  • Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Do not bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Let the simple syrup cool for 15 minutes up to 1 hour. 
  • Remove the thyme springs using tongs or a fork. Strain the remaining syrup into a jar. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Let the thyme simple syrup cool to room temperature before using, otherwise it will dilute the ice in your drink.
  • This pairs well with vodka, gin, lemonade or ice tea.
Calories: 49kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.001gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 8mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 59IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 0.2mg

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below and tag @toshistable on social!

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Comments

  1. Em says

    December 06, 2023 at 5:04 pm

    5 stars
    I made this tonight for a gin cocktail and it was so easy to make!

    Reply

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Emily Toshiko Brackett from Toshi's Table standing in the kitchen holding a glass of red wine.

Hi, I'm Emily!

Welcome to my table! I enjoy creating colorful, tasty recipes that inspire you to eat more veggies. While I don't claim to be vegan or vegetarian, I find that I feel my best when eating a plant forward diet. Give one of these recipes a try, I dare you!

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