Bright, citrusy, and with a subtle flavour of thyme, this grapefruit thyme cocktail is the perfect springtime tipple!
Spring might be well underway but there is still a plethora of winter citrus fruits available. For my Spring Equinox dinner this year I wanted to create a cocktail that featured juicy ruby red grapefruit. I also wanted the cocktail to have herbaceous notes to reflect the new growth around us. Thyme is a natural pairing for grapefruit and in this spring thyme cocktail it adds an earthiness which balances all those sweet and tangy flavours fro1m the citrus. One sip of this refreshing grapefruit thyme cocktail is sure to shake off those winter blues!
Ingredient Notes
Thyme: Fresh thyme-infused simple syrup bestows herbal notes in this spring inspired cocktail. Thyme is a wonderfully versatile herb in the kitchen but often overlooked when making beverages. With several varieties of thyme available it would certainly be fun to experiment with the different cultivars in this recipe. Lemon thyme in particular would work well here. Be sure to use fresh thyme if at all possible.
Ruby red grapefruit juice: Sweet and juicy, grapefruit is my favourite citrus fruit by far and always makes me think of spring. Grapefruit and thyme are a wonderful pairing; their flavours work so well together in recipes. Use fresh squeezed ruby red grapefruits or ready-made juice if you prefer.
Gin: The botanicals in gin make it the perfect choice as a base alcohol in this cocktail. I love using Tempo Gin in my cocktails.
Lillet blanc: Lillet blanc is an aperitif wine produced in France. It is made from a blend of white wine and is slightly sweet. Lillet blanc is meant to be served chilled and is often served on its own or with a simple mix of tonic or sparkling water. With its strong notes of citrus and pine, it blends perfectly with the flavours in this grapefruit thyme cocktail.
Lemon juice: I realize that there is already one citrus fruit in this cocktail but let’s face it, ruby red grapefruit is fairly sweet. With the added sweetness from the thyme simple syrup and the Lillet blanc, there is a definite need to balance all that sweet with a good punch of sour.
How to make A Spring Thyme Cocktail
Prepare the Thyme Simple Syrup
Begin by preparing the fresh thyme simple syrup. In a small saucepan combine the water and sugar. Place over high heat and bring to a simmer – stir occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. When the syrup comes to a simmer, add the fresh thyme. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes then remove from the heat and cover. Let steep for 30 minutes.
After steeping, strain the thyme from the simple syrup. Let the syrup cool completely before using. This syrup will keep for 1 month in the fridge.
Mix and Shake the Spring Thyme Cocktail
In a cocktail shaker add the gin, Lillet blanc, thyme simple syrup, grapefruit juice, and lemon juice. Add ice, then cover and shake for 10 to 15 seconds. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a sprig of thyme if desired, and enjoy!
More Herb Infused Cocktails
If you love using fresh herbs and botanicals in your cocktails then try out these recipes:
