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Updated: December 30, 2025
This Thyme Bourbon Cocktail is a family favorite of ours! It started as a twist on a classic Old Fashioned and slowly evolved into what I now consider the perfect cocktail for bourbon lovers who enjoy something fresh, aromatic, and just a little unexpected. This recipe is even more amazing when it’s smoked using our favorite Cocktail Smoker Kit!
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Why You’ll Love This Thyme Bourbon Cocktail
- It’s a bourbon cocktail that feels elevated but it’s very easy to make
- Fresh thyme and thyme sprigs add an aromatic, herbal complexity to this drink
- Lemon juice keeps the drink bright and balanced
- Can be smoked or served as-is depending on your mood
- Perfect for bourbon lovers looking for something a little different
What Does a Thyme Bourbon Cocktail Taste Like?
This cocktail is smooth, slightly smoky, and gently sweet with a fresh citrus finish. The bourbon brings warmth, the thyme simple syrup adds a subtle herbal note, and the fresh lemon juice brightens everything without overpowering the drink. If you enjoy a whiskey sour or a gold rush cocktail, you’ll love this. If you love a classic Old Fashioned, this cocktail will feel like its lighter, more aromatic cousin.
Ingredients for a Thyme Bourbon Cocktail
Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few helpful notes for each ingredient:
- Bourbon – Choose a quality bourbon you enjoy sipping. You can also substitute rye whiskey for a spicier finish.
- Fresh thyme – Use fresh thyme sprigs for the most aromatic flavor. Dried thyme won’t give the same result.
- Thyme Simple syrup – Made in a small saucepan with water and sweetener. This recipe uses thyme-infused simple syrup, but maple syrup or honey simple syrup (cup honey + cup water) also work beautifully.
- Fresh lemon juice – Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Meyer lemons are especially lovely here if you have them.
- Ice – Large cubes or spheres melt slower and won’t dilute the cocktail too quickly.
- Optional garnish – A sprig of thyme or lemon wedge for serving.
How to Make a Thyme Bourbon Cocktail
You can make this elevated bourbon cocktail in just four easy steps:
STEP 1: Prepare the thyme simple syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar (or honey or agave syrup). Add fresh thyme sprigs and simmer gently until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, let steep, then strain and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. (See the full thyme simple syrup recipe here)
STEP 2: Build the cocktail:
In a rocks glass (also called an Old Fashioned or lowball glass), add 1 oz thyme simple syrup, 2 oz bourbon, and 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice.
STEP 3: Add ice and stir
Place a large sphere ice cube into the glass and stir gently until the cocktail is well combined and chilled.
STEP 4: Infuse with smoke and garnish
Place the bottom smoke lid over the rocks glass. Add a small pinch of wood chips to the lid, then use a torch to light the chips for about 5-7 seconds.
Result
Tips for Making Bourbon Cocktails
Below are a few tips I’ve learned from various bartenders when it comes to making the best bourbon cocktails:
TIP 1: Use Quality Ice
Ice straight from the freezer melts quickly and can water down your drink. Ice molds made with filtered water make a noticeable difference.
TIP 2: Don’t Skip Fresh Ingredients
Fresh thyme and fresh lemon juice elevate this cocktail. Bottled juice just doesn’t deliver the same brightness.
TIP 3: Adjust Sweetness to Taste
Some bourbons are sweeter than others. Start with less syrup and adjust as needed.
The Best Simple Syrups for Bourbon Cocktails
Bourbon pairs beautifully with a variety of syrups. Here are a few favorites:
- Thyme simple syrup for herbal depth
- Maple syrup for warmth and richness
- Honey simple syrup for a soft floral sweetness
- Classic simple syrup if you prefer a cleaner finish
All can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
More Cocktail Recipes:
FAQ
Can I use rye whiskey instead of bourbon?
Absolutely! I find that rye whiskey adds a spicier edge that works beautifully with thyme.
Is this cocktail sweet?
It’s lightly sweet and well balanced. You can easily adjust the sweetness to your taste.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the thyme simple syrup ahead, but the cocktail itself is best made fresh.
Should I shake or stir a thyme bourbon cocktail?
This cocktail is best stirred, not shaken. Stirring gently chills the drink while keeping the texture smooth and clear, which is ideal for spirit-forward cocktails like bourbon drinks. Shaking introduces more air and dilution, creating a lighter, frothier texture that works better for cocktails with egg whites or heavier citrus, like a whiskey sour.
Smoked Bourbon Lemonade Recipe:
Bourbon Lemonade
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 1 oz Thyme Simple Syrup See Recipe Here: https://elicitfolio.com/single-post/2019/09/02/thyme-simple-syrup/
- .5 oz Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice About half a lemon
- Infused smoke from wood chips
Instructions
Thyme Simple Syrup:
- Thyme simple syrup truly gives this cocktail the edge and surprise your tastebuds didn't know they needed! Full instructions can be found here on the blog: https://elicitfolio.com/single-post/2019/09/02/thyme-simple-syrup/
How to Make the Cocktail:
- In a rocks glass (also called an old fashion or lowball glass), add 1 oz of simple syrup, 2 oz of bourbon, and .5 oz of fresh squeezed lemon juice. Place sphere ice cube inside the rock glass and stir.
- Place the bottom smoke lid on top of the rocks glass, add a dash of wood chips to the smoke lid, light and torch the wood chips for 5-7 seconds and place the top smoke lid on top to infuse smoke flavors into the cocktail mixture. Remove lid and enjoy!
Nutrition
Smoked Bourbon Lemonade Recipe Video Instructions:
Craving More?
If you try this Thyme Bourbon Cocktail, then you will absolutely love the other cocktail recipes on this blog. If you make this yourself, I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @elicitfolio, follow me on Pinterest, or leave a comment below and tell me how you made it your own.
Wow, that looks easy enough. I can’t wait to receive friends to our new house. Cocktails and mocktails are what I’ve been thinking of serving at the house warming.
Very cool description and instructions for making a Smoked Old Thyme Lemonade Cocktail. There’s a restaurant around me that makes a version of this – cool to see an at home version.
This sounds like something I would love!!! Pinning for later!
Now this is truly an adult drink. It seems very sophisticated and I would love to try it.
Wow! This looks really good and refreshing. Lemon is always an incentive for me. Hope to try those out.