Strawberry-Thyme Lemonade Cocktail

Look no further for that perfectly refreshing summer cocktail you're dreaming of!
A closeup of a cup with floral ice cubes and a strawberry lemonade drink.
Flowers frozen in ice cubes added to colorful cocktails, including a delightful strawberry thyme lemonade.

This strawberry lemonade makes the perfect treat to stay refreshed. Add a little tequila (or vodka), and this garden get-together just became a party! For a mahjong party, Katie Jacobs served her Strawberry-Thyme Lemonade Cocktail with ice cubes filled with edible flowers.

Tip: Make two pitchers, one without alcohol and one with your favorite clear liquor.

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

Simple Syrup:

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered (½ pound)
  • 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme

Lemonade:

  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons)
  • 4 cups water

Cocktail:

  • 4 ounces tequila (you can also use vodka or gin)
  • Ice
  • Strawberries and thyme for garnish

Directions

1 | To make the simple syrup, stir sugar, water, strawberries, and thyme together in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring to a low simmer and cook, stirring frequently, for 10-15 minutes until sugar has dissolved and strawberries have softened. The syrup should turn a bright, rich pink color as the strawberries begin to break down.

2 | Remove syrup from heat and let cool for 20-30 minutes, then strain to remove all fruit and herbs.

3 | To make the lemonade, in a large pitcher, mix together lemon juice, water, and simple syrup. For a non-alcoholic version serve in cocktail glasses over ice and skip to step 5. For a cocktail, continue to step 4.

4 | To make the cocktail, add lemonade and 4 ounces of tequila (or your spirit of choice) to a large cocktail shaker. Shake over ice until chilled, then pour into cocktail glasses filled with ice.

5 | Garnish drinks with fresh strawberries and a sprig of thyme (optional), and serve immediately.

Dahlias in a white vase next to card themed stir sticks.
Mahjong tile stir sticks from Acrylic Sticks were clustered together in a small terra-cotta pot.

By Katie Jacobs | Photography by Mary Craven Dawkins

See Katie’s full menu and more recipes from this Winning Mahjong Party.

See more from Katie Jacobs on her website and Instagram.

Find more refreshing summer drink recipes from FLOWER contributors.