Grilled Lemon & Thyme Spritz (non-alcoholic)

A glass of grilled lemon spritz with a sprig of thyme and a lemon slice.

5 from 1 vote

Grilled Lemon & Thyme Spritz (non-alcoholic)

If you’re looking for a refreshing mocktail that’s anything but boring, this Grilled Lemon and Thyme Spritz is about to become your new favorite summer sip. Charred lemons bring out rich, smoky and caramelized citrus flavors, while homemade thyme syrup adds a fresh, herbal twist. It’s basically a lemon smash, sparkling and smoky, with zero alcohol and all the vibes.

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Course: Beverage, Brunch

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 133kcal

Author: Cynthia Christensen

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.

Video

Notes

Grilled juice and syrup yield: This recipe results in about 1 ¼ cups of grilled lemon juice and 2 ½ cups of thyme simple syrup, or enough for 10 to 12 spritzes.

Storage and make-ahead: Syrup and grilled lemon juice can be made up to 2 weeks ahead and kept in the refrigerator or stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. If storing in a container, leave room at the top for expansion. Can also be frozen in an ice cube tray for single serving sizes.

For a pitcher: Stir together 1 cup syrup and ½ cup charred lemon juice. Keep chilled and add soda to individual glasses at serving time.

Nutrition