Cider, Thyme + Tonic Mocktail

It’s been a while since I’ve shared anything on the blog, but I have to say it’s good to be back! Life has been a little crazy lately…and it’s about to get a whole lot crazier!

My husband and I are soooo excited to announce that we’re expecting twins in March! To add to our excitement, we just found out the genders (I’m very impatient and too much of a planner to not know). We’re having a little boy and a little girl! During the ultrasound, we could see Baby Boy already attempting to punch his sister. Apparently, sibling rivalry starts way earlier than I realized.

Celebrations are in order at my house, which used to mean there’d be a spiked drink involved – but these little munchkins are requiring me to rejoice sans alcohol. Welcome to my world of mocktails for the next few months! (I also may or may not have acted upon my excitement by spending way too much time online looking at cute baby clothes. Fortunately, self-control kicked in, and I didn’t actually buy any…yet.)

Whether it’s babies, a new job, marriage, girls’ night in or just a really good day, I think it’s time to raise a glass. So here’s to you and whatever you have to celebrate!

Cheers!

Cider, Thyme Tonic Mocktail
Yields 4 mocktails

12 ounces apple cider
2 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 ounces thyme simple syrup (recipe below)
1 bottle (9.3 ounces) Fentimans tonic water or other high quality brand like Q Tonic or Fever Tree*
Additional thyme and lemon slices for garnish

1. Add all ingredients except tonic water to a pitcher and stir until fully incorporated.

2. Add ice to four glasses, filling each about halfway. Divide the cider mixture evenly among the glasses.

3. Top with tonic water. Stir gently. Garnish with a sprig of thyme and enjoy!

*For this particular mocktail, I think Fentimans tastes best, but feel free to experiment. You can also use sparkling water instead, but you’ll lose the unique flavor you can only get with tonic.

Thyme Simple Syrup
Yields about 5-6 ounces

½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup water
2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme

1. Add all ingredients to a small saucepan. Turn heat to low and stir until sugar dissolves.

2. Simmer an additional 5 minutes, or until syrup coats the back of a spoon. (While simmering, watch carefully so it doesn’t boil over or burn.) It will thicken a bit more when cooled.

3. Remove from heat. Take out the thyme sprigs and allow syrup to cool completely before using. Store leftover syrup in a jar in the fridge for up to 2-3 weeks.