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.

Photo by Mary Craven Dawkins

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.