Citrus Thyme Shrub Sparkler

The Citrus Thyme Shrub Sparkler is a sophisticated non-alcoholic beverage that balances sweet, sour, and herbal notes perfectly. It is built around a homemade shrub, a colonial-era drinking vinegar, which provides a unique tangy depth of flavor. The combination of bright citrus and earthy thyme creates a complex profile that is both invigorating and refined. Topped with chilled sparkling water, it's a wonderfully effervescent drink suitable for any occasion.
Citrus Thyme Shrub Sparkler

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This drink is classified as a contemporary mocktail. It uses modern techniques like creating a shrub to build complex, non-alcoholic flavors. It fits into the broader category of sophisticated, alcohol-free beverages designed for adult palates.

Serving

Serve this completely non-alcoholic drink cold in a chilled, tall Collins glass filled with ice. It's a refreshing, medium-sized beverage perfect for sipping.
Serving size
Approximately 240 ml / 8 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Collins
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

This mocktail draws inspiration from historical "shrubs" or drinking vinegars, which were used to preserve fruit long before refrigeration. By reviving this old-world technique with a modern flavor combination of citrus and thyme, the drink bridges the gap between past and present. It represents the growing trend of crafting non-alcoholic drinks with the same care and complexity as traditional cocktails.
Origin
This is a contemporary creation, likely emerging from the craft mocktail movement in the United States and Europe in the 21st century. It doesn't have a single point of origin but is representative of modern mixology trends focusing on fresh, seasonal, and complex non-alcoholic options.

Citrus Thyme Shrub Sparkler

The drink is known by its descriptive name, Citrus Thyme Shrub Sparkler. Some may refer to it more simply as a Sparkling Citrus Thyme Shrub or a Thyme and Citrus Fizz, highlighting its key components. These names emphasize the herbal, citrus, and effervescent nature of the mocktail.
Original name
Citrus Thyme Shrub Sparkler
Alternative names
  • Sparkling Citrus Thyme Shrub
  • Thyme and Citrus Fizz

Characteristics overview

This drink offers a complex flavor profile that is citrus-forward and herbal, with a pleasant tang from the shrub. It has a light, bubbly texture and a clean, refreshing finish, making it an excellent choice for warm weather.
Flavor
Citrusy, herbal, tangy, slightly sweet, zesty, earthy
Aroma
Fresh thyme, bright citrus, subtle vinegar
Taste balance
Sour, sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, crisp, lingering herbal note
Fizziness
Bubbly, effervescent
Color appearance
Pale yellow, clear, sparkling
Texture
Light, crisp, fizzy
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is defined by a prominent sourness and moderate fruitiness, balanced by a subtle sweetness. It is a completely non-alcoholic and highly carbonated beverage with no creaminess, saltiness, or spice.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This mocktail requires a pre-made citrus thyme shrub syrup and chilled sparkling water. You will also need plenty of fresh ice to serve it properly chilled.
  • Citrus Thyme Shrub45 ml / 1.5 oz
    To make: Combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup chopped citrus (orange, grapefruit), and 5-6 thyme sprigs. Let sit for 1-2 days. Strain solids, then add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar. Shake and let age for a few more days.
  • Sparkling Water120 ml / 4 oz
    Chilled. Club soda can also be used.
  • IceEnough to fill the glass
    Fresh, clear ice cubes are recommended.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

Preparation is simple, requiring only a jigger for measuring and a bar spoon to gently mix the ingredients in the glass. No shaker is needed for this built drink.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for liquids.
  • Bar spoon for gentle stirring.

Instructions

This is a "built" drink, meaning you combine the ingredients directly in the serving glass. Simply add the shrub syrup to an ice-filled glass, top with sparkling water, stir gently, and garnish.
1. Take a chilled Collins or Highball glass.
2. Fill the glass completely with fresh ice cubes.
3. Pour the citrus thyme shrub syrup over the ice.
4. Top with chilled sparkling water.
5. Gently stir with a bar spoon to combine without losing excessive carbonation.
6. Garnish with a fresh thyme sprig and an expressed citrus peel twist.

Garnishing

Garnish with a fresh sprig of thyme and a twist of citrus peel. Expressing the oils from the peel over the drink before adding it as a garnish enhances the aroma.
  • Fresh thyme sprig to place in the drink.
  • Citrus peel twist (orange or grapefruit) expressed over the drink and used as a garnish.

Dietary Information

This drink is naturally free from common allergens, containing no alcohol, caffeine, dairy, eggs, gluten, nuts, or soy. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a relatively low-calorie mocktail, with most of its calories coming from the sugar in the shrub. The sugar and carbohydrate content are moderate for a single serving.
Calories
Averagely 60-80 kcal / 251-335 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15-20 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 15-20 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This versatile mocktail is perfect for daytime events like brunch or a garden party. Its refreshing qualities also make it an ideal choice for a warm summer afternoon or as a sophisticated celebratory toast.
  • Garden Party
  • Brunch
  • Summer Afternoon
  • Celebratory Toast

Pairing suggestions

The drink's bright, tangy, and herbal profile pairs well with light and fresh foods. It complements salads, cheese boards, and simply prepared grilled proteins like chicken or fish. It also works beautifully alongside a fresh fruit platter.
  • Light salads with vinaigrette
  • Goat cheese and herb crackers
  • Grilled chicken or fish
  • Fresh fruit platters

The Citrus Thyme Shrub Sparkler: A Modern Twist on a Classic Tradition

The Citrus Thyme Shrub Sparkler is a testament to the art of modern mocktail creation, offering a complex and satisfying drinking experience without alcohol. It utilizes a historic preservation method—the shrub—to create a tangy and sweet base that is beautifully complemented by the herbal notes of thyme. This effervescent and visually appealing drink is easy to assemble once the shrub is prepared. It's a perfect choice for those seeking a sophisticated, refreshing, and unique non-alcoholic beverage.

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