Strawberry Thyme Lemonade

This Strawberry Thyme Lemonade tastes amazing, made with sweet strawberries, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of thyme. It's a delicious version of classic lemonade that will help you beat the summer heat & have you cooling down in no time! Make it a cocktail by adding a splash of vodka for the sweetest happy hour!

Fresh strawberry recipes

I love strawberries and they come at the perfect time of year to give you a burst of flavor on a hot summer day. They're sweet and juicy and just begging to be used in all kinds of recipes. But when the summer heat hits, it's great to have a refreshing drink, like this Strawberry Thyme Lemonade, sitting in the fridge to cool you down.

There are so many things I love to make with fresh strawberries but it is always hard to choose. You know, things like Strawberry Lemon Sorbet, Strawberry Lemonade Bars, Strawberry Smoothies, and Strawberry Bellinis and so many more.

But now that the thyme in my garden is going crazy, I thought the addition of homemade thyme-infused syrup would give a subtle hint of herbaceous flavor to this cool beverage! It's the perfect summer drink for the family but you can always add a splash of your favorite vodka for a refreshing cocktail hour drink too. Either way, it's amazing!

Why you'll love this easy sipping strawberry lemonade with thyme

This summer season sipper is easy to make although it takes a little time to make the thyme 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 takes regular lemonade up a notch.

And then there's the fresh strawberries! Sweet strawberry flavor coupled with zesty fresh-squeezed lemon juice creates the perfect blend of sweet and tart.

Ingredients

The first thing to do is to gather up what you need to make this easy lemonade recipe. Here's a handy list and note there's a printable recipe card below with all the exact measurements.

For the thyme simple syrup:

• White Sugar
• Water
• Fresh thyme sprigs

For the lemonade:

• Thyme simple syrup
• Fresh strawberries
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Water
• Thyme sprigs

To make a strawberry thyme cocktail:

• Vodka

How to make strawberry thyme lemonade

Thyme Simple Syrup

1. Place water, sugar, and thyme sprigs in a small saucepan.
2. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool.

Strawberry Lemonade

1. Slice the strawberries. Place them in a large pitcher and add the fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup. Pour in cold water.
2. Stir well. Place in refrigerator to cool.

When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and fill with lemonade. Garnish with a strawberry. If you want, add a splash of vodka for a refreshing cocktail. Cheers!

Recipe tips

Check Sweetness: Taste the strawberries to determine their sweetness. You can adjust the amount of simple syrup - less if they are super sweet and more if they are tart.

Maximize Lemon Juice: Roll your lemons on the counter with a bit of pressure before cutting them to juice. This trick helps you get the most juice out of each lemon.

Chill Your Glasses: Pop your serving glasses in the fridge or freezer for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This will keep your lemonade extra cold and refreshing.

Muddle for More Flavor: If you want to amp up the thyme flavor, muddle a few sprigs with the strawberries before adding the lemonade mixture. This releases more of the thyme's natural oils and enhances the overall taste.

Ice, Ice Baby: For a fun twist, make strawberry or lemon ice cubes! Simply freeze small strawberry slices or lemon wedges in ice cube trays filled with water. These not only keep your drink cool but also add a pop of color and flavor as they melt.

Cocktail Version: If you're making the cocktail version, try infusing your vodka with a few extra thyme sprigs overnight to add a subtle herby kick to your drink.

Make Ahead for Parties: This lemonade can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it in the fridge and add the ice and alcohol just before serving.

Recipe variations

Strawberry Thyme Lemonade is delicious as-is, but it's fun to experiment with different flavors. Here are a few ideas to shake things up:

Herbs: Give your lemonade a new twist by swapping the thyme for other herbs. Basil adds sweet, peppery notes, ginger gives a spicy kick, lavender lends a floral aroma, and mint brings a refreshing coolness.

Acai: Boost your lemonade with a superfood punch by adding a tablespoon of acai powder. It adds vibrant color, a subtle berry flavor, and extra antioxidants.

Hibiscus: For a tangy twist, substitute one cup of water with hibiscus tea. This will give your lemonade a slightly tart, cranberry-like flavor that's totally refreshing.

Fruit: Substitute some of the strawberries with other fruits. Blueberries, cucumbers, kiwi, mango, peaches, or raspberries bring their own unique taste or try a combo.

Alcohol: If you're in the mood for spiked lemonade, the sky's the limit! Add vodka as suggested above or swap it for different spirits.

• Hennessy: Adds a rich, warm flavor.
• Gin: Infuses a botanical, juniper note.
• Bourbon (Jack Daniels): Gives a smoky, caramel undertone.
• Rum: Pairs perfectly with the sweetness of strawberries.
• Malibu Rum: Adds a tropical coconut twist.
• Tequila (Patron or Jose Cuervo): Creates a vibrant and zesty margarita-like drink.
• Prosecco: For a sparkling treat, add a splash of prosecco. It makes the lemonade fizzy and festive, perfect for celebrations!

Frozen strawberry thyme lemonade

Transform your Strawberry Thyme Lemonade into a refreshing frozen lemonade treat. Here's how you can make it:

1. Follow the original instructions to make the thyme simple syrup and let it cool.
2. Spread the strawberries on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Pour about 2 cups of the prepared lemonade into ice cube trays and freeze until solid.
3. Once the strawberries and lemonade are frozen, add them to a blender. Pour in the remaining lemonade and blend until smooth. If you prefer a thicker consistency, add more lemonade ice cubes.
4. If making the cocktail version, add 1-½ ounces of vodka per serving to the blender and blend again until well combined.
5. Pour the frozen lemonade into glasses and garnish with a slice of lemon, a strawberry, and a sprig of thyme. Enjoy this fun and frosty twist on the classic recipe!

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 pour  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 ounces 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.

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.

Find lots of refreshing drink recipes right here on 2CM!

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This post has been updated with new photos, step-by-step instructions, and more helpful information. It was first published on June 30, 2013.