Strawberry Thyme Recipe

Prepare thyme and strawberries

Strip one thyme sprig's leaves from the lower half for muddling; reserve one whole sprig for garnish. Hull and quarter 2 of the medium strawberries; reserve one strawberry for garnish.

In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, add the hulled and quartered strawberries and the thyme leaves (from 1 sprig). Add the simple syrup to help macerate.

Using a muddler, gently but firmly muddle the strawberries and thyme for about 10–15 seconds until the strawberries release juice and the thyme aroma is evident. Do not over-muddle to avoid bitter thyme stems.

Add 2 oz Tito's Handmade Vodka, 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.5 oz sour mix, and 0.5 oz simple syrup into the shaker with the muddled strawberries and thyme.

Fill the shaker with ice (about 1 cup) to chill and dilute properly.

Shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty and well chilled.

If you prefer a smoother drink, double-strain the contents through a fine mesh strainer into the serving glass to remove seeds and thyme bits. Otherwise, single-strain into the glass.

Fill a coupe or rocks glass with fresh ice (if using a rocks glass). Pour the strained cocktail into the glass.

Top with 1 oz club soda if you want a lighter, slightly fizzy drink (optional). Give a gentle stir once to combine.

Garnish with the reserved thyme sprig, a lemon wheel on the rim, and a strawberry slice on the rim or floated on top.

Serve immediately.

If making sour mix from scratch: combine 1 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/2 cup fresh lime juice, and 1.5 cups simple syrup in a jar. Stir or shake until blended. Store refrigerated up to 2 weeks. Use 1/2 oz in the cocktail as noted above.