Cherry Lemon Thyme Water: Recipe and Preparation

Cherry lemon thyme water is a chilled fruit-and-herb infusion that takes 2 hours 10 minutes total and yields about 1 liter (4¼ cups).

For another combination, try the AI infused water generator.

What is cherry lemon thyme water?

Cherry lemon thyme water is water steeped with pitted cherries, lemon slices and fresh thyme. The cherries lend a gentle fruit flavor, the lemon adds brightness, and the thyme gives the drink a subtle herbal note.

It is an unsweetened alternative to a flavored drink, and you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. For more fruit combinations, see these berry infused water recipes.

What ingredients and ratio do you need?

This recipe makes approximately four servings of 1 cup each. Allow about 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients, followed by 2 hours of refrigerated steeping.

1 liter (4¼ cups) drinking water
150 g (about 1 cup) cherries, pitted and halved
100 g lemon (about 1 lemon, or ½ cup sliced)
2 sprigs fresh thyme (about 5 g, or roughly 2 tablespoons loosely packed leaves and tender stems)

Use sweet or sour cherries, depending on the flavor you prefer. The amount of lemon is a starting point: use fewer slices if you want the cherry and thyme to be more noticeable.

How do you make cherry lemon thyme water?

Wash the cherries, lemon and thyme under running water. Scrub the lemon rind gently, since it will be in contact with the water.
Pit the cherries and cut them in half. Slice the lemon into thin rounds, removing any seeds.
Add the cherries, lemon slices and thyme to a clean pitcher. Pour in the water and stir gently.
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for 2 hours. Taste the water; for a stronger infusion, leave it in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours total.
Strain out the lemon by 4 hours to limit bitterness from the peel and pith. Strain out the cherries and thyme as well if you like, then serve chilled.

Halving the cherries exposes their flesh to the water without turning the drink into a purée. If the flavor is too mild after steeping, gently press the pitted cherry halves against the side of the pitcher before straining.

Why do cherry, lemon and thyme pair well?

Cherry provides a soft fruit flavor that balances lemon’s tartness. Fresh thyme adds a savory, aromatic edge without the intensity of a concentrated herb preparation.

For a simpler fruit-forward drink, see cherry infused water. If you prefer citrus on its own, try lemon water; for an herb-focused infusion, see thyme water.

The main benefit of this drink is hydration, especially if its flavor helps you enjoy drinking water. The liver and kidneys do most of the body’s detoxification; the fruit and herbs do not cleanse them. Some compounds may pass into the water during steeping, but their amounts are uncertain, and most of the fruit’s fiber remains in the fruit.

How should you store cherry lemon thyme water?

Keep the pitcher covered in the refrigerator during steeping and after serving. For the best flavor, drink it within 24 hours of preparation.

Discard any remaining water after 48 hours, or sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy or sour-smelling. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If you serve the fruit, check that all cherry pits have been removed.

How can you vary the recipe?

For a milder citrus flavor, use half the lemon and keep the cherry and thyme amounts the same. You can also remove the lemon peel before steeping if you find the rind bitter.

For a more pronounced cherry flavor, gently press the pitted halves before adding the water. For a lighter herbal flavor, start with one thyme sprig; you can add the second sprig during the refrigerated steep if you want a stronger taste.