4-Step Guide To Making Winter Thyme Mocktail

This Winter Thyme Mocktail is a refreshing and cozy drink that’s perfect for those chilly winter days when you want something festive without the alcohol. With just a few simple steps, you can create a beautiful, herb-infused mocktail that feels like a seasonal treat. The combination of fresh thyme and citrus gives it a unique flavor, making it the perfect non-alcoholic option for holiday gatherings. Whether you’re hosting friends or just want to relax at home, this Winter Thyme Mocktail is a light, refreshing way to enjoy the flavors of the season. Plus, with only four steps, it’s easy enough to whip up anytime you’re in the mood.

Ingredients & Substitutions for Winter Thyme Mocktail

Thyme: Fresh thyme is key for the herbal, earthy flavor in this Winter Thyme Mocktail. If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can use dried thyme, but reduce the amount by half since dried herbs are more concentrated. Rosemary could work as a substitute if you’re in a pinch, though it will give a slightly different flavor.

Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright, zesty kick. Bottled lemon juice will work, but fresh is always better for flavor. You could also try lime juice for a different citrus twist, or even orange juice for a slightly sweeter version.

Honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and pairs well with the thyme. If you prefer, you can swap it out for maple syrup, agave, or even simple syrup. For a sugar-free version, a few drops of liquid stevia or monk fruit sweetener could do the trick.

Sparkling Water: Sparkling water gives the mocktail its refreshing fizz. You can use plain sparkling water or even a flavored variety like lemon or lime. If you don’t have sparkling water, club soda or tonic water will work too, though tonic will add a slightly bitter note.

Ice: Ice is optional but recommended if you want your Winter Thyme Mocktail cold and refreshing. You can skip the ice if serving it warm for a cozier, winter twist.

How to Make Winter Thyme Mocktail

Step 1: Make the Thyme Simple Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup of water, ½ cup of honey (or your sweetener of choice), and 4-5 fresh thyme sprigs. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the honey is fully dissolved. Once it’s done, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely. Strain out the thyme sprigs and set the syrup aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Juice
While the thyme syrup cools, squeeze 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice from a lemon. Freshly squeezed juice gives the mocktail a bright and refreshing flavor, but bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch.

Step 3: Mix the Mocktail
In a large glass or cocktail shaker, combine 2 tablespoons of the thyme simple syrup, the lemon juice, and a handful of ice. Stir or shake well to mix everything together. If you like it sweeter, you can add more syrup to taste.

Step 4: Add Sparkling Water and Serve
Pour the mocktail mixture into a glass and top it off with ½ cup of sparkling water. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with an extra thyme sprig and a lemon slice for a festive touch, if desired. Your Winter Thyme Mocktail is ready to enjoy.

Prep Time: 5 minutes, Cooking Time: 5 minutes, Total Time: 10 minutes, 70 Kcal per serving, Servings: 2

Honey

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Sparkling Water

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Is there a way to make this mocktail sugar-free?

Yes, you can easily make the Winter Thyme Mocktail sugar-free. Instead of using honey for the thyme syrup, you can substitute it with a sugar-free sweetener like liquid stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Just make sure to adjust the amount to your taste since these alternatives are much sweeter than honey.

Can I use lime or orange juice instead of lemon juice?

Absolutely. You can swap the lemon juice with either lime or orange juice depending on your preference. Lime will give the mocktail a more tart and zesty flavor, while orange juice will add a touch of sweetness and make the drink a bit less sharp. Both options work great and add a fun twist to the Winter Thyme Mocktail.

How long does the thyme simple syrup last, and can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make the thyme simple syrup ahead of time! Once you’ve made it, let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The thyme simple syrup will stay fresh for about 1 to 2 weeks. This way, you can easily prepare the Winter Thyme Mocktail whenever you’re ready, without having to make the syrup every time. Just give it a little shake before using it if it settles.

How to Serve Winter Thyme Mocktail

Serve the Winter Thyme Mocktail in a chilled glass for a refreshing experience. You can use a highball or lowball glass depending on how you want to present it. If you’re making this for a holiday gathering or special occasion, adding a sprig of fresh thyme and a slice of lemon on the rim makes it look extra festive. For a fun twist, you can also sugar the rim by dipping the glass in lemon juice and then rolling it in sugar.

If you’re serving it during colder months and prefer a cozier drink, you can skip the ice and serve the mocktail warm just heat the thyme syrup and lemon juice mixture, then top it off with warm sparkling water. It’s a versatile drink that works well cold or warm, depending on your mood or the season.

For parties, make a larger batch of the thyme syrup in advance, and let guests mix their own drinks. Have extra thyme sprigs, lemon wedges, and even pomegranate seeds or cinnamon sticks as garnish options so everyone can customize their own glass.

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