Looking for a refreshing and flavorful non-alcoholic drink option? This Grilled Lemon & Thyme Spritz is perfect for hot Summer days and outdoor gatherings! Made with thyme simple syrup and charred lemons, it's a sweet and savory blast of bubbly flavor that will make you feel like you're on the Amalfi coast.
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This Grilled Lemon and Thyme Spritz is what you get when a lemon smash and a backyard barbecue fall in love. Using only 4 ingredients, it's smoky, citrusy, and lightly sweet thanks to a thyme-infused simple syrup. Whether you're hosting brunch or just need a lemon and thyme mocktail that feels like a treat, this one's got your name on it.
This recipe reminds me of a limoncello spritz we once had with appetizers at an party. It was so refreshing and bubbly and light and I wanted to bring those flavors of Italy home with a bright lemon flavor, a touch of herb, and of course, some bubbles - but without the alcohol. Done and done!
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Smoky citrus flavor: Grilling the lemons caramelizes their sugars and adds a subtle campfire vibe that plain lemon juice could never match.
- Garden-fresh twist: A quick thyme-infused syrup layers in a gentle herbal note for a grown-up, non-alcoholic spritz that feels fancy enough for a party.
- Fast and make-ahead friendly: The syrup keeps for two weeks in the fridge, so the actual drink comes together in under a minute when the craving strikes.
- Customizable: Swap in sparkling water flavors, play with other herbs (hello mint leaves), or spike it for the cocktail crowd. This spritz flexes with whatever you're grilling.
This lemon and thyme mocktail is smoky, refreshing, and just sweet enough. With grilled citrus, herbal syrup, and bubbly fizz, it's the perfect summer spritz.
Ingredients & Substitutions
There are only four simple ingredients, but I've still got you covered if you need to make substitutions:
- Thyme syrup - If you don't want to use simple syrup you can make thyme honey by simmering a handful of fresh thyme with ¾ cup honey (or even maple syrup). For a different herbal note you can try rosemary, basil, or mint.
- Grilled lemon juice - Any mix of lemons, limes, or orange works. No grill? Sear in a cast-iron skillet.
- Base fizzy water - You can use lemon or lime sparkling water, ginger beer, or tonic water for extra bite.
- Garnish - I use extra thyme sprigs and charred lemon slices, but you can also garnish with edible flowers, rosemary sprig, fresh basil, or a twist of orange peel. You could even pop frozen berries like blackberries or blueberries on top for a fun Summer party vibe.
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Variations
This is a clean and refreshing lemon spritz that is perfect for any hot summer day when you need a bubbly cocktail with or without alcohol. Here are some amazing variations:
- Sparkling Arnold Palmer - Replace half the bubbly water with unsweetened iced tea for a bright backyard mocktail.
- Frozen slushy - Buzz the syrup, juice, and ice in a blender until frosty, then top with soda.
- Citrus swap - Use blood oranges in winter or grapefruit in spring for seasonal colors.
- Adults-only versions - Add 1 oz gin, vodka, or bourbon per glass, shake, then top with soda.
Cynthia's Recipe Review
"When life hands you lemons, throw them on the grill! This Grilled Lemon and Thyme Spritz is everything I want in a summer sip: bright, lightly smoky, and perfect as part of an outdoor grilled breakfast. Bonus points because my thyme plant finally feels useful."
Quick Recipe Video
Step-by-Step Instructions
Grill and your lemons and make your thyme simple syrup, both up to two weeks in advance. Heck you could make it months in advance and freeze them! Then if you've got a minute - you've got a delightful little lemon spritz:
Step 1: Heat grill to medium-high. Halve 6 lemons; slice one extra lemon into wheels for garnish. Place cut side down and grill 3-4 minutes until lightly charred and juicy.
Step 2: Juice the grilled lemon halves. You should have up to 1 ¼ cups of charred lemon juice. Chill.
Step 3: Combine sugar, water, thyme sprigs in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stir until sugar dissolves, and remove from heat. Let steep 20-30 minutes, strain, and chill. You should have about 2 ½ cups of thyme simple syrup.
Step 4: Fill a tall glass with ice. Add 2 oz thyme syrup (¼ cup).
Step 5: Add 1 oz charred lemon juice. (about 2 tablespoons).
Step 6: Top with club soda (about 3 to 4 oz).
Step 7: Stir gently.
Step 8: Garnish with a thyme sprig and a charred lemon wheel.
Cynthia's Helpful Tips
- Roll, then grill: Rolling lemons firmly on the counter before cutting releases more juice.
- Gentle heat for syrup: A slow simmer keeps the thyme's flavor fresh, not cooked.
- No grill access?: Sear lemon halves cut-side down in a dry cast-iron skillet until dark spots appear. Less smoke, but still great flavor.
- Adjust sweetness: Prefer a less sweet sip? Start with 1 oz syrup, taste, then add more if you like it a bit sweeter.
- Batch bevy: Make a batch ahead of time by combining thyme simple syrup and charred lemon juice in a large pitcher with ice. Stir well and let guests pour over ice and top with bubbly water as desired.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Store it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Freeze any extra in ice-cube trays for up to 2 months for easy single servings.
A quick char concentrates flavor without crossing into bitter territory. Minimize blackened edges and you'll keep things bright.
One batch of syrup and 1 cup charred lemon juice will make about 12 spritzes when topped with soda.
Fresh thyme is best. If you don't have your own home grown time, store-bought is fine and can be found year-round. If dried is all you have, use 1 tablespoon, steep only 10 minutes, and strain very well.
Perfect Brunch Pairings
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-Cynthia
📖 Recipe
Grilled Lemon & Thyme Spritz (non-alcoholic)
Ingredients
Thyme Syrup
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
- 15 to 20 fresh thyme sprigs
Grilled Lemon Juice
- 6 lemons large halved
- 1 lemon sliced into wheels for garnish
Per Spritz
- 2 oz thyme syrup 4 tablespoon
- 1 oz charred lemon juice 2 tablespoon
- 4 oz cold club soda
- Garnishes ice, thyme sprigs, and charred lemon wheels
Instructions
- Thyme Syrup: Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer, stir until dissolved, add thyme, cover, and steep 20-30 minutes. Strain and chill.
- Grilled Lemons: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill lemon halves and wheels cut-side down 3-4 minutes until lightly charred. Juice the halves; chill juice. (can also be done in a dry cast-iron pan)
- Assemble: Fill a tall glass with ice. Add syrup and lemon juice. Top with club soda, stir, and garnish with more thyme sprigs and charred lemon wheels. Repeat per serving.
Save This Recipe! 💌
I'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later, plus you'll get great new recipes from me every week!
Cynthia Christensen says
This mocktail is our new Summer obsession and I hope you'll love it too!