Grilled Lemon & Thyme Spritz (Non-Alcoholic) Recipe
This refreshing non-alcoholic Grilled Lemon & Thyme Spritz combines the smoky flavors of charred lemon with sweet and fragrant thyme syrup, topped with fizzy club soda. Perfect for warm weather or as a sophisticated alcohol-free option at gatherings, this cocktail delivers a delightful balance of citrus brightness, herbal notes, and effervescent sparkle.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Thyme Syrup
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
- 15 to 20 fresh thyme sprigs
Grilled Lemon Juice
- 6 large lemons, halved
- 1 lemon, sliced into wheels for garnish
Per Spritz
- 2 oz thyme syrup (approximately 4 tablespoons)
- 1 oz charred lemon juice (approximately 2 tablespoons)
- 4 oz cold club soda
- Ice, thyme sprigs, and charred lemon wheels for garnish
Instructions
- Make Thyme Syrup: In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of granulated sugar and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely. Once dissolved, add 15 to 20 fresh thyme sprigs. Cover the saucepan and let the syrup steep for 20 to 30 minutes to infuse the thyme flavor. After steeping, strain the syrup to remove thyme sprigs and chill it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Prepare Grilled Lemons: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the lemon halves and the sliced lemon wheels cut-side down on the grill. Grill them for about 3 to 4 minutes or until they develop a light char. This charring imparts a smoky depth to the lemon juice. Once grilled, juice the lemon halves and chill the juice in the refrigerator. (Alternatively, you can char the lemons in a dry cast-iron pan if a grill is not available.)
- Assemble the Spritz: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour in 2 oz of the chilled thyme syrup followed by 1 oz of the grilled lemon juice. Top off the mixture with 4 oz of cold club soda. Stir gently to combine all flavors. Garnish with additional thyme sprigs and the charred lemon wheels for an elegant and aromatic finish. Repeat these steps for each serving.
Notes
- The thyme syrup can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- If you do not have a grill, using a dry cast-iron pan to char the lemons works just as well to develop that smoky flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of thyme syrup used in the spritz according to personal taste.
- For a stronger herbal aroma, add a fresh thyme sprig as a garnish inside the glass as well.
