Strawberry Lemonade

Thyme-infused Simple Syrup

1. Add sugar and 1/2 cup water to a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, or until the sugar has fully dissolved.
2. Remove the pan from heat. Add sprigs of thyme, then cover the pan with a lid. Allow the herbs to steep in the syrup for 15 minutes. In the meantime, prepare the strawberry sauce.

Strawberry Sauce

1. Add strawberries, water and lemon zest to a small saucepan. Cook the strawberry mixture over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the fruit starts to break down and releases their juices. Remove pan from heat.
2. Use an immersion blender to puree the berries until smooth. If you don’t have this kitchen tool, carefully pour the berry mixture into a food processor or a high-speed blender. To remove the strawberry seeds (optional), strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve. Set the sauce aside until ready to use.

Prepare the Drink for Serving

1. After the simple syrup has cooled, remove the sprigs of thyme. Over a large pitcher, pour the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any loose leaves that may have fallen off the stems. Add 4 cups cold water and lemon juice to the pitcher with the syrup. With a long spoon, stir well to combine.
2. TO SERVE: Place 1 to 2 tablespoons strawberry sauce in the bottom of a glass. Fill the glass with ice. Pour lemonade into the glass. If desired, garnish with fresh strawberries, slices of lemon and/or a sprig of thyme.