Happy Thyme Recipe

Prepare glass and herbs

Chill a highball or Collins glass by filling it with ice and setting it aside while you prepare the drink. Reserve 1 small sprig of lemon thyme for garnish and separate 1 sprig (or the rest) for muddling.

Muddle

In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, add the 2 lemon thyme sprigs and the agave syrup (0.5 oz). Gently press and twist the thyme with a muddler or the back of a spoon 6–8 times to release essential oils and aromatics. Avoid over-muddling to prevent bitter green flavors.

Combine and shake

Add Ritual Zero Proof Gin Alternative (2 oz), fresh lemon juice (0.75 oz), and a handful of ice (about 1 cup) to the shaker with the muddled thyme and agave. Shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until well-chilled.

Prepare serving glass

Discard the ice used to chill the glass and add fresh ice (cubed) to the glass, filling it about three-quarters full.

Strain and top

Double-strain the shaken mixture into the prepared glass to remove thyme bits and any ice shards. Top with club soda (about 2.5 oz) to taste, gently stir once with a bar spoon to integrate the soda without flattening it.

Garnish and finish

Gently slap the reserved lemon thyme sprig between your palms to release its aroma and place it on top of the drink along with a lemon wheel or twist on the rim. Optionally run the lemon twist around the glass rim before dropping it in for extra citrus aroma.

Serve

Serve immediately while cold and effervescent. Encourage the drinker to give the thyme a gentle stir before sipping to refresh the aromatics.