Thyme Grapefruit Sparkling Cooler (with Honey)

Name: Thyme Grapefruit Sparkling Cooler (with Honey)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1.2 water water; 10-12 sprigs fresh thyme; 2 strips grapefruit peel (pink part only; no white pith); 180 ml fresh grapefruit juice (strained); 2-3 tbsp mild honey (to taste); 720-840 ml ice-cold club soda; item ice; item fresh thyme sprigs; item grapefruit wedges

Crisp, aromatic sparkling cooler infused with fresh thyme and grapefruit peel, balanced with bright grapefruit juice and a soft touch of honey. Dry, botanical, and unapologetically adult.

thyme grapefruit sparkling cooler served over ice with fresh thyme and grapefruit

Prep Time : 15 min

Cook Time : 5 min

Servings : 8

Prep Time :

15 min

Cook Time :

5 min

Servings :

Ingredients

Botanical Infusion Base

• 1.2 L water

• 10–12 fresh thyme sprigs

• 2 strips grapefruit peel (pink part only, no white pith)

Citrus & Balance

• 3¾ cup (180 ml) fresh grapefruit juice, strained

• 2–3 Tbsp mild honey, to taste — this one on Amazon

To Finish

• 3–3½ cups (720–840 ml) ice-cold club soda — this one on Amazon

To Serve

• Ice

• Fresh thyme sprigs

• Grapefruit wedges

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Directions

Prepare the Thyme
Rinse the thyme sprigs and gently clap them between your hands to release aroma. Do not chop or bruise aggressively — thyme turns heavy and dull fast.
Make the Botanical Infusion
Bring the water to a boil, then remove from heat. Add the thyme sprigs and grapefruit peel strips. Cover and let infuse for 8–10 minutes only, just until a strong but clean herbal–citrus aroma develops. Strain out both promptly to avoid bitterness and medicinal notes.
Sweeten Lightly
While the infusion is still warm, stir in 2 tablespoons of honey until fully dissolved. Taste and add up to 1 additional tablespoon only if needed. Let the infusion cool to room temperature.
Add Grapefruit Juice
Stir in the fresh grapefruit juice. This provides acidity and a natural bitter–sweet balance. Do not overdo it — this drink is meant to stay sharp and structured.
Chill
Refrigerate the base for 1–2 hours until fully cold.
Finish with Club Soda
Just before serving, gently stir in the ice-cold club soda. Mix slowly to preserve carbonation.
Serve
Fill glasses with ice, pour over the chilled thyme grapefruit sparkling cooler, and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and grapefruit wedges.

*Notes :

Thyme should be aromatic and green, never cooked or soup-like.
Grapefruit peel gives fragrance; juice gives structure — both are essential.
Honey is a softener, not a sweetener. If it tastes sweet, you missed the point.
Club soda is not optional — it’s what keeps this drink dry and adult.
Best enjoyed within 24 hours for clean aroma and bite.

Nutrition Facts

( per ~200 ml serving )

Calories

~30 kcal

Protein

0 g

Fat

0 g

Carbs

~7 g

Calories

~30 kcal

Protein

0 g

Fat

0 g

Carbs

~7 g

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