Lemon Thyme Cocktails Recipes

LEMON-THYME COCKTAILS

Steps:

• In 1-quart saucepan, heat lemon-thyme simple syrup ingredients over low heat until sugar is dissolved. Let stand 15 minutes. Strain to remove thyme and lemon peel. Use within 2 days.
• Place 1 sprig fresh thyme in cocktail shaker. Add vodka, cranberry juice, 1 oz of the lemon-thyme simple syrup and liqueur; muddle thyme with back of spoon. Add ice; place lid on shaker, and shake until cold and blended. Strain into 2 martini glasses.
• Garnish with lemon slice and sprig of thyme.

LEMON-THYME MARTINI

Steps:

• To make the herb-simple syrup for the martini, combine the water, sugar and lemon zest in a pot over medium heat. Gently simmer for 3 minutes until the sugar is dissolved, swirling the pot over the heat now and then. Do not allow to boil or get dark. Put the thyme in a mason jar or glass container and pour the sugar syrup on top; allow to steep while it cools for 1-2 hours to infuse the herb flavor into the syrup. Strain to remove the solids.
• In a martini shaker filled with ice, combine the vodka, Lemoncello, and 4 tablespoons of the herb-syrup. Shake well until frothy and strain into 4 chilled martini glasses. Float candied lemon rind in each glass for great presentation.

THYME OUT

Steps:

• Wipe the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking. Build a high-heat fire. Your high-heat zone should have embers 1 to 2 inches from the cooking surface, with occasional flames licking it.
• Place the lemons, cut side down, over high heat until they are charred and soft, about 3 minutes. While the lemons char, using tongs, hold 8 of the thyme sprigs over high heat just until they start to color and give off wisps of smoke.
• Add the remaining 8 thyme sprigs to a cocktail shaker, squeeze in the lemon juice, and add a couple ice cubes. Shake very well and strain into a pitcher. Add the ice water, vodka, and agave, and stir until the agave is dissolved.
• Serve the drinks in ice-filled glasses garnished with a charred thyme sprig.

GRAPEFRUIT-THYME COCKTAIL

Steps:

• Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan and heat to dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat. Add the thyme and peppercorns. Let steep for one hour. Strain and chill, reserving a few thyme sprigs for garnish.
• Mix grapefruit juice and vodka in a pitcher. (Chill if making ahead.) To serve, fill each 8-ounce glass with 1 tablespoon thyme syrup, add ice to fill the glass, and fill 3/4 of the way full with the grapefruit mixture. Top with club soda. Garnish with 1 sprig of fresh thyme and some cracked black pepper if desired.