Ingredients
Simple Syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 8 ounces fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered (1/2 pound; about half of a standard grocery store container)
- 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme
Cocktail
- 2 ounces simple syrup (prepared as above)
- 2 ounces lime juice
- 4 ounces tequila (can substitute vodka or gin)
- Plenty of ice (at least 3 cups)
- Extra fresh strawberries, for garnish (optional)
- Extra sprigs of thyme, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stir together sugar, water, quartered strawberries, and thyme sprigs. Bring the mixture to a low simmer, stirring frequently. Let it cook gently for 10 to 15 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely and the strawberries soften, turning the syrup a bright, rich pink color.
- Cool and Strain Syrup: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup cool for 20 to 30 minutes. Once cooled, strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove all the fruit pieces and thyme sprigs. Reserve the leftover strawberries for smoothies or other uses.
- Store Syrup: Use the cooled syrup immediately or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week. This recipe makes extra syrup to be used for several cocktails.
- Prepare the Cocktail: In a large cocktail shaker, combine 2 ounces of the prepared simple syrup, 2 ounces of fresh lime juice, and 4 ounces of tequila (or your chosen spirit).
- Shake and Serve: Add plenty of ice to the shaker. Shake vigorously until the mixture is well chilled. Pour the cocktail mixture into glasses filled with ice.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish each drink with fresh strawberry slices and a sprig of thyme, if desired. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Notes
- The strawberry thyme simple syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Leftover strawberries from the syrup can be saved and used in smoothies or desserts.
- You can substitute tequila with vodka or gin according to your preference.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of simple syrup added to the cocktail.
- For a fizzy twist, top the cocktail with club soda or sparkling water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American