How to Make the Perfect Thyme and Honey Lemonade
French · Easy · 18 min · 4 servings
This aromatic thyme and honey lemonade uses the subtle earthy flavor of fresh thyme combined with golden honey to create a sophisticated and naturally sweetened citrus drink. This herbal lemonade recipe is a wonderful remedy-inspired beverage perfect for sipping on a sunny afternoon.
Why this recipe works
This Thyme and Honey Lemonade recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 18 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 102 calories with 0g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme
- 0.5 cup raw honey
- 0.75 cup hot water
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 cups cold water
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make Thyme Honey Syrup
Stir raw honey into 0.75 cup of hot water until fully dissolved. Add fresh thyme sprigs and allow them to steep in the warm honey water for 15 minutes, then strain and discard the thyme.
Step 2: Juice the Lemons
Squeeze fresh lemons until you have 1 cup of juice, straining out any seeds. Use room temperature lemons for maximum juice yield.
Step 3: Combine and Stir
In a large pitcher, combine the thyme honey syrup, lemon juice, and 3 cups of cold water. Stir thoroughly and taste, adding more honey syrup or lemon juice to balance sweetness and tartness.
Step 4: Serve Chilled
Pour over ice and garnish with a fresh thyme sprig and lemon wheel. This lemonade keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- raw honey → maple syrup for a vegan-friendly sweetener with earthy undertones
- fresh thyme → lemon thyme for an even brighter citrus and herb flavor combination
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Boiling the honey which destroys its delicate flavor compounds and beneficial properties
- Over-steeping the thyme past 20 minutes which can create a bitter medicinal aftertaste
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 102 calories, 0g protein, 27g carbs, 0g fat, 0g fiber.
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