It’s been so sunny here in London, you would be forgiven for thinking it’s summer. As 2pm rolls around, I crave something clear, cold and refreshing. Pimm’s? White wine? If I did, I’d be asleep in a heartbeat, not so great whilst responsible for a toddler.
Last year I had great success with mint syrup and tonic over ice. Someone somewhere mentioned herb syrups the other day and my mind started whirring. I have a big thyme plant in the garden, thyme syrup. Over eton mess. *drool*
Actually that didn’t work so well, you could barely taste it, but did it ever taste amazing with tonic over ice. It’s even better than mint I’d say, as it has such a clean taste, borderline medicinal, that feels less cloying. I’m loving it.
Thyme syrup
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
A good fistful of fresh thyme
1. Pour the water into a saucepan, add the sugar. Stir over a low heat until sugar has dissolved. Bring to a boil for two minutes.
2. Take the pan off the heat and add thyme, pushing it down into the liquid. Leave to cool.
3. Decant into whatever is sterile and handy, keep in the fridge.
To make a thyme & tonic, pour two fingers of thyme syrup over ice in a highball glass, fill with tonic. I advise not to garnish with thyme flowers as I have in the photos, it just gets stuck to your tongue. Do enjoy sitting in the sun with your legs stretched out and a big, contented sigh.
Oh, this sounds really delicious! I’ll definitely be trying it this summer.
It’s ridiculously easy to make, but so lovely. It’s a good gift too if you have a nice bottle.
A taster writes: this was quite delicious