Lemon Thyme Tequila Cocktail

Ask anyone who knows me and they’ll likely tell you my favorite drink at the bar is a nice cold glass of wine. And they’re right- because most bars always disappoint me when making a cocktail with my favorite liquor- tequila!

I dislike the overly sweet and chemical tasting “sour mix” used by many places when I order a margarita or other tequila based cocktail. I love the taste of fresh citrus, sweetened with a bit of a simply syrup or agave nectar.

My love of lemons began in Positano, Italy where the lemons are larger than a Florida grapefruit and have a distinct smell and flavor captured in their beloved Limoncello. Today’s cocktail is a nod to my love of lemons and tequila, brought together with the gift of thyme shared from a friend’s garden. Make it with me and tell me it doesn’t taste like summertime in a glass! And if you want to just go ahead and call it a Pam-arita, well, who am I to stop you?

Here’s what you do:

Make an infused simple syrup by combining one cup of sugar (I use organic cane sugar), one cup of water, a few sprigs of thyme, a pinch of sea salt and the zest of one Meyer lemon (I love the fruity, less tart taste of this variety) in a small pan and simmer until the sugar is dissolved and the thyme wilts a bit. I cool this mixture in the refrigerator, without removing the thyme, so that it continues to steep it’s flavor in to the syrup.

In a short glass toss in two Meyer lemon wedges, a small sprig of fresh thyme, and ice cubes and muddle together. Add more ice to fill the glass, 2oz of your flavored syrup (more or less, depending on how tart or sweet or like your cocktail), 3 oz of silver tequila (trust me, it just tastes better!), stir and garnish with some thyme. Be sure to use cubed ice not crushed, crushed will melt fast and water down your yummy drink.

Lemon and thyme are a lovely summery and bright combination and make for a refreshing hot weather cocktail. If you choose to make a pitcher of this recipe please put your ice bucket nearby and muddle without the ice cubes, allowing guests to pour their cocktail over ice in their own glass. After all, you didn’t buy the good stuff just to have happy hour turned in to sad hour!

Have some kids or pregnant friends around? Mix your syrup with seltzer or sparkling water instead of tequila for a refreshing treat!