There are so many advantages to living in Southern Florida, beautiful beaches, azure blue skies, palm trees, eating outdoors most of the year but, when the summer heat hits, you better have a host of refreshing drinks, like this Strawberry Thyme Lemonade, sitting in the fridge to cool you down.
This summer sipper is easy to make although it takes a little time to make the simple syrup. But the taste is well worth it! It gives it a nice herbal edge that your normal lemonade is missing. I guess you could say it lends a gourmet touch to regular lemonade. Not to mention the strawberries! We have them by the boatloads in the store now and Costco has a huge container that is inexpensive and just begging me to buy and make something yummy with it.
FAQs about simple syrup
What is the proper way to store simple syrup?
Place in an airtight jar and store in the refrigerator.
How long does simple syrup last?
A plain simple syrup, or one using just herbs or spices, will keep about 2-3 months in the refrigerator while flavored using fruits and purees will only last 1-2 weeks.
Do I have to sterilize the container that I store it in?
If you are not using the entire quantity right away, the jar needs to be sterilized by filling the container with boiling water then emptied. It is also a good idea to poor boiling water over the lid.
Can I make other flavors of simple syrup with this method?
Most definitely! This syrup is using the one to one method where sugar and water are equal parts. Just add about 8-oz of fruit to the mix and boil for about 20 minutes then strain and refrigerate. You can also add a bunch of mint or other herbs as well.
There are so many things to make with strawberries that it is always hard to choose. So I usually make them all in the span of a few months. You know, things like Strawberry Shortcake, Red, White & Blue Salad and Strawberry Spa Water. But now that the thyme in my garden is going crazy, I thought this cool beverage would be perfect! I made mine with vodka but you can easily leave it out for a go-to drink all day long. Either way, it's amazing!
You've just got to give it a try and I guarantee you'll be cooling down in no time!
More cool summer drinks
Top 20 Summertime Drinks - Everything from refreshing waters to lemonades to amazing cocktails to help you beat the heat all summer long.
Malibu Pineapple Sgroppino - A cool, refreshing combination of coconut rum, prosecco and pineapple sorbet. The perfect cocktail for summer and backyard BBQs.
Peach Lemonade - Bring your lemonade up a notch by adding peach syrup & ripe peaches to the mix. Nothing is better to quench your thirst on a hot summer days than a refreshingly sweet peach lemonade.
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Strawberry Thyme Lemonade
Ingredients
Simple Syrup (make ahead of time)
- 1 cup sugar
- 8 thyme sprigs
- 1 cup water
Lemonade
- 1 quart strawberries, hulled & sliced
- 1-½ cups fresh lemon juice
- 5 cups water
- Vodka (optional)
- Garnish: thyme sprigs, strawberries, lemon slices
Instructions
- To make simple syrup, place sugar, thyme sprigs and 1 cup water in a small saucepan and heat, stirring often, until sugar is dissolved.
- When sugar has dissolved, remove pan from heat and let cool. Once cool, discard thyme sprigs.
- To make lemonade, combine the simple syrup with remaining ingredients, except vodka, in a pitcher and place in refrigerator to cool.
- When ready to serve, pour into glasses filled with ice, add a splash (1-½ oz) of vodka, if using, then garnish with a slice of lemon, a strawberry and a sprig of thyme.
Notes
Nutrition
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