This Bourbon Thyme Cocktail is an herbaceous twist on an Old Fashioned. Made with a honey simple syrup infused with fresh thyme.
Ready for a drink? This old fashioned bourbon thyme cocktail might be just what you need.
You may have noticed when you came to the site today that things are a little clearer, easier to read, and the archives a little more functional.
Yesterday, Kathryne helped me fix and tweak a few things on the site that have bothered me for months, but I have little skill or know-how in making those changes.
She's a pure wizard when it comes to this stuff. So, nothing crazy, but hopefully your reading experience is a bit improved. (Thanks, Kathryne!)
At this point, you probably have your Thanksgiving sides and desserts figured out, but let's not forget the drinks!
This bourbon thyme cocktail was inspired by one of our favorite neighborhood restaurants, BLVD Tavern.
We're in walking distance, so we've tried their thyme-infused Old Fashioned on more than one occasion, and I felt it was high time I make a homemade version of the infused simple syrup and drink to add to my cocktail repertoire.
To make the simple syrup refined-sugar-free, I used honey to replace the white sugar. Unlike infusing alcohol, fresh thyme infuses in the syrup and makes enough for multiple cocktails.
The honey melds beautifully with thyme and bourbon, creating a warming fall sipper.
If you are vegan, agave would work as a replacement as it does in this tequila gimlet. I can see even maple syrup being good here.
Happy Thanksgiving, friends!
I hope your day is filled with great food and even better drinks. xo.
Make a Salted Plains recipe? I'd love to see! Tag your creations on Instagram with #saltedplains!
More Cocktail Recipes
Cinnamon Rosemary Old Fashioned
📖 Recipe
Bourbon Thyme Cocktail
Ingredients
- 4 teaspoons thyme simple syrup recipe below
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 ½ ounces bourbon
- 1 lemon peel for garnish
Thyme Simple Syrup
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup water
- 4 sprigs thyme
Instructions
- Start with making the simple syrup. In a small saucepan, combine honey, water, and thyme sprigs over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently until honey has dissolved into water. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. Once cool, remove thyme sprigs and transfer to an airtight container.
- When ready to make cocktail, add 4 teaspoons of the thyme simple syrup and the 3 dashes of bitters to an Old Fashioned glass. Swirl syrup and bitters around in glass. Add ice, bourbon, lemon peel, and stir. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Ruth Bagelhi
Awesome recipe!! The thyme leaves such an interesting aftertaste. I added .5 oz Jager and it really accentuates the herbal flavors. This might be my new go-to cocktail.
Tessa
That sounds great! So glad you enjoyed it, Ruth!
Duncan
Very tasty indeed. A very simple, but striking take on an Old Fashioned. Second time I tried this, I ended up grinding a little fresh nutmeg into the syrup, just as it cool, and strained it out with the thyme. A little more heat, but definitely re-inforces that Thanksgiving vibe. Thanks
Tessa
Thank you, Duncan! I love that you added fresh nutmeg to the syrup - I will have to try that the next time I make a batch. Sounds wonderful!
Sam @ SugarSpunRun
Gorgeous drink, and lovely photography! The combination of bourbon and thyme sounds absolutely perfect! :)
Tessa
Thanks so much, Sam! The two go together very well! ;)
Amanda Paa
love the little tweaks to the site! i totally know the feeling of having a few things that bug you about the functionality.
and i wish i was as good of a cocktail maker as you. i know it's an art! maybe that's what i should focus on this winter as the snow falls and there's nothing better to do. :) xo
Tessa
Oh, thank you! I'm so glad. Crazy how much better those little tweaks feel to me.
Wish we could have a cocktail together! At some point we will have to make that happen! :)
genevieve @ gratitude & greens
The site looks great and so do these cocktails! I don't drink much but I do appreciate a fun cocktail every now and then. Love the thyme simple syrup! I bet the syrup would be great for other tasty drinks, too, like a honey and thyme cocktail. xo
Tessa
Thank you, Genevieve! <3 I think you are right, the thyme simple syrup would be great in others drinks. (Also, I'm jealous you are headed to Edinburgh!!) xo.
Kathryn
Stunning! This cocktail sounds so good; I love the twist of thyme in there.
Tessa
Thank you, Kathryn!! <3 I wish we could get together and have a couple of these (or more) to celebrate your birthday. Was excited to learn you are also a November baby! ;)
traci | vanilla and bean
Oh this is great, Tessa! I love it when inspiration hits at a favorite stop. Bourbon is my favorite libation for so many reasons and thyme? Whats there not to love about it! This cocktail looks so refreshing and just delicious! Your photography is gorgeous, but my fave is the 4th one down! Delicious work my dear!
Tessa
Thanks so much, Traci!! That means a lot! <3 I am also partial to bourbon - I think all my years living in New Orleans had something to do with that. ;) We have been sipping on these all Thanksgiving weekend. My husband said he didn't want the thyme syrup to go to waste. Ha!