Thyme Water: Recipe, Ratio and How to Make It

Thyme water is water infused with fresh thyme; it takes about 2 hours 10 minutes in total and makes about 1 litre (4¼ cups). Try the AI infused water generator for more flavour ideas.

What is thyme water?

Thyme water is a simple type of herb infused water made by letting fresh thyme steep in drinking water. The water takes on some of the herb’s aroma and flavour, and the thyme can be strained out before serving.

This recipe uses a cold infusion rather than a hot tea. Most of the preparation time is hands-off: the pitcher rests in the refrigerator while the thyme flavours the water.

What ingredients and ratio do you need for thyme water?

For about 1 litre (4¼ US cups), use:

• Drinking water: 1,000 ml (about 4¼ US cups)
• Fresh thyme: 2 sprigs (about 5 g, or roughly ⅛ US cup of loosely packed leaves)

This ratio makes a lightly flavoured drink. Sprigs vary in size, so use the weight and volume as approximate guides. You can adjust the amount of thyme in a later batch if you prefer a milder or stronger flavour.

Use fresh, food-grade thyme and drinking water. You’ll also need a clean pitcher or jar, a lid and a strainer if you want to remove the herb before serving.

How do you make thyme water?

1. Wash your hands and clean the pitcher. Rinse the thyme under cool running water, gently rubbing the leaves, and discard any damaged pieces.
2. Pour 1,000 ml (about 4¼ US cups) of drinking water into the pitcher and add the thyme.
3. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate it for 2 hours. Allow up to 4 hours if you want a more pronounced flavour.
4. Strain out the thyme if desired, then pour the thyme water into glasses and serve chilled.

The recipe takes about 10 minutes of active preparation and at least 2 hours of refrigerated steeping. It yields about 1 litre (4¼ cups), depending on how much water remains on the herb or in the pitcher.

How long should thyme water steep?

Steep thyme water in the refrigerator for 2–4 hours for full flavour. Taste it after 2 hours; if the flavour is already to your liking, strain it then. Leaving it for up to 4 hours gives the thyme more time to infuse.

You can serve it with the clean sprigs still in the pitcher, but straining makes it easier to control the flavour. Keep the pitcher refrigerated while it steeps.

How should you store thyme water?

Keep thyme water covered in the refrigerator and drink it within 24 hours for the best flavour. Discard any remainder after 2–3 days, or sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy or sour-smelling.

Do not leave the pitcher at room temperature for more than a few hours. Use a clean glass for each serving, and return the pitcher to the refrigerator rather than leaving it on the table throughout the day. Start the next batch with a clean pitcher and fresh thyme.

What variations can you make with thyme water?

For a different flavour, add a few cucumber slices or a slice of lemon, or pair the thyme with mint. If using lemon with its peel, strain it out after about 4 hours to help prevent bitterness. Keep the same refrigerated steeping and storage routine.

What are the benefits of thyme water?

Thyme water can make plain water more appealing, which may help you drink enough to stay hydrated. Steeped, unsweetened infused water is generally very low in calories; it does not contain all the nutrients listed for the whole herb.

There is no established clinical evidence that thyme water treats a condition or detoxifies the body. The liver and kidneys do most of the body’s detoxification, while the lungs and gut also help eliminate waste.

Who should be careful with thyme water?

Avoid thyme water if you have a known allergy to thyme. Stop drinking it if you develop symptoms that could be an allergic reaction; seek urgent medical help for trouble breathing or swelling of the mouth or throat.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take medication, ask a clinician before using thyme water for a medical purpose or using concentrated thyme products. This recipe calls for a small amount of the fresh culinary herb, not thyme essential oil; do not add essential oil to the water.

FAQs

Can you make thyme water with dried thyme?

Yes. Use a small pinch of food-grade dried thyme in a clean tea infuser, then strain it out after steeping. The flavour and appearance will differ from an infusion made with fresh sprigs.

Can you serve thyme water warm?

You can warm an individual serving just before drinking it. Keep the rest refrigerated rather than leaving the pitcher at room temperature.

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