Thyme, or thymus vulgaris, is an herb used in antiquity and now grown around the world for multiple purposes. The aroma and flavor of thyme is due to thymol, a component of the essential oil. Thymol is antisceptic as well, and has uses in mouthwashes and alcohol-free hand sanitizers.
Thyme is a mainstay of the culinary world as well, with uses in Mediterranean, classical French, Spanish, Levantine, and Indian cuisines. It has a resinous, almost minty aroma, but does not overpower other herbs and spices. Some varieties of thyme are bred for citrus aromas.
In cocktails, thyme can be used to impart green flavors and a slight bitterness to cocktails, and can give the impression of [ingredient=gin gin] without the overt juniper flavor. It can counterpoint orchard fruit like apples, pears, or lemons.
Some popular cocktails containing Thyme
- Clemen-thyme Sour — Bourbon, Amaro Montenegro, Lemon juice, Citrus fruit, Egg white, Sugar, Thyme
- Rocksteady — Ginger liqueur, Rum, Allspice Dram, Bitters, Lime juice, Cinnamon syrup, Hellfire Habanero Shrub, Thyme
- Vermouth Cocktail (Hello Stranger) — Sweet vermouth, Brandy, Passion fruit syrup, Lemon, Thyme
- Thyme Machine — White port, Gin, Bénédictine, Poppy liqueur, Thyme
- Diamonds on My Windshield — Aquavit, Dry vermouth, Elderflower liqueur, Orange bitters, Thyme
- Violetta thyme — Gin, Elderflower liqueur, Crème de Violette, Maraschino Liqueur, Bitters, Lemon juice, Thyme
- La Mula — Gin, Campari, Lemon juice, Ginger beer, Guava syrup, Thyme
- Thyme and Thyme Again — Gin, Herbal liqueur, Orange bitters, Lemon juice, Simple syrup, Thyme
- Avenue Scotch — Scotch, Passion fruit syrup, Lime juice, Ginger syrup, Thyme
- Fizz de Provence — Genever, Gin, Elderflower liqueur, Crème Yvette, Peychaud's Bitters, Club soda, Heavy whipping cream, Meyer lemon juice, Lime juice, Rosemary, Thyme, Egg white