Lemon and Thyme Gin Cocktail - Main image

Share this with your friends

Lemon and Thyme Gin Cocktail

Lemon has always been a favourite garnish with gin.  Long before Gordon came up with the idea of using a wedge of lime, the perfect serve was ice and a slice and that would only ever come as a sliver or two of shary, citrusy lemon. 

Nowadays, gin's perfect serve is determined by the botanicals in the still, with each distiller careful to point out the very best flavour combos in order that we all enjoy the ultimate taste experience. And so we are advised to crush raspberries, make ribbons from cucumber or thinly slice apples into our drinks. 

We love it of course.  I am a connoisseur of a gin garnish and a lover of all things lush.  Which is why I am currently thinking of which gin glass I'll be using with Gill's fabulous Lemon & Thyme gin cocktail. 

Because the truth is, lemon pairs well with all gins, which is why Gill has left you free to choose which of the current artisan distillers you are most in love with.  Use the best quality gin that you can afford - a well crafted spirit is a class above anything you swiped from your mum and dad's drinks cabinet as a teenager!

How to Add Flavour To A Classic Lemon Gin?

That sharp, citrusy punch is why lemon works well the dry taste of gin, but if you like to mix things up a little then this is the cocktail for you. By making a syrup you balance the sour tang with a sweetness. The sprig of thyme then adds a subtle flavour, but it is wam, with a wonderful herby aroma and every so slightly minty overtones.  Luscious!

Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Serves: 1

Ingredients

  • TO MAKE THE THYME SYRUP
  • 500ml water
  • 250g sugar
  • 3 tablespoons fresh thyme
  • TO MAKE THE COCKTAIL
  • 40ml of your favourite Scottish craft gin
  • 20ml fresh lemon juice
  • 40ml thyme syrup
  • Tonic water

    Gin Cocktail Method 

    1. To make the syrup, put the water, sugar and thyme in a small saucepan and simmer for a few minutes. Remove from the heat and leave to infuse for 10 -15 minutes. Strain into a jar.
     
    2. In your glass, combine the gin, lemon juice and thyme syrup and stir well. Add ice to the glass and top with tonic water. Serve with a sprig of thyme. 
     
     

    Where To Buy Artisan Gin in Perth, Scotland?

    Provender Brown in George Street, Perth is undoubtedly the home of gin in Perth city centre. Boasting over 100 different gins and gin liqueurs this long-standing deli  has become the go-to outlet for any number of Scottish artisan distilleries. 

    In turn, they are now experts in all things juniper - and they do quite like a wee tipple themselves so its all first-hand knowledge! Ask about different varities, what mixers work best with what gin (unsurprisingly, they also stock premium mixers!), and how to plan your party nibbles around your favourite cocktail. 

    On Saturday 14th September, they will host their annual Wee G & T Festival at Dewars Centre.  At time of posting this recipe, there were still tickets to be had >>>