How to Make Thyme Tea: Recipe, Thyme Honey and Thyme Syrup
When the days grow shorter and the air turns raw, few things are as comforting as a warm cup of thyme tea. You may know thyme mainly as a small, fragrant plant in the garden, but in a teapot it shows a completely different side: herbal, lightly citrusy and surprisingly gentle.
In this guide you'll learn how to make thyme tea with fresh or dried thyme, how long to steep it and which ingredients to pair it with. You'll also find out how to make your own thyme honey and thyme syrup, two classics for the winter months.
What is thyme tea?
Thyme tea is a herbal infusion made from the leaves and flowers of thyme, usually common thyme (Thymus vulgaris). Like other herbal teas, it doesn't come from the tea plant and is naturally caffeine-free. Looking for more winter brews? Read Herbal Teas to Boost Your Immune System.
Thyme belongs to the mint family, along with rosemary, sage and mint. Its distinctive scent comes from the aromatic oils in its leaves, including thymol. That's exactly why thyme has been a beloved herb in teas, baths and home remedies for centuries.
What does thyme tea taste like?
Thyme tea is herbal, warming and slightly woody, with a fresh, lightly citrusy undertone. Fresh thyme gives a softer, greener cup. Dried thyme tastes fuller and a little more intense. Find it too strong? A slice of lemon or a spoonful of honey rounds it off instantly.
How to make thyme tea: the basic recipe
What you need (for 1 cup):
2 to 3 sprigs of fresh thyme, or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
250 ml water, just off the boil
Optional: a slice of lemon, a slice of ginger or a spoonful of honey
How to make it:
Briefly rinse fresh thyme and rub the sprigs lightly between your fingers to release the scent.
Place the thyme in a cup, teapot or herb sachet.
Pour over the hot water and cover the cup with a saucer. This keeps the fragrant oils in your tea.
Steep for 5 to 10 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger the flavour.
Remove the thyme or strain the tea, and add lemon or honey to taste.
Tip: add honey once the tea has cooled slightly. Dried leaves are tiny and like to float in your cup; with a herb sachet you can lift them out in one go.
Fresh or dried thyme?
Both work well. Fresh thyme is best picked just before or during flowering, when its aroma is strongest. Dried thyme is available all year round and more concentrated, so you need less of it. For tea, use thyme from your own garden or thyme sold as a culinary herb, rather than ornamental plants from the garden centre.
Want to dry your own? Read How to Dry Herbs at Home.
Lovely thyme tea pairings
Thyme, lemon and honey: the classic winter cup. Fresh, soft and warming.
Thyme and ginger: a few slices of fresh ginger make the tea spicy and extra warming.
Thyme and sage: robust and herbal, for those who like a bold flavour.
Thyme and rosemary: two Mediterranean herbs that complement each other beautifully. See also How to Make Rosemary Tea.
Thyme and mint: fresher and lighter, and lovely as an iced tea in summer.
Thyme, orange peel and cinnamon: a wintry blend reminiscent of a drinkable simmer pot.
How to make thyme honey
Thyme honey is honey infused with thyme. Delicious in tea, on toast or simply by the spoonful on a cold day. It's easy to make and a lovely little gift. For more ideas, see 5 Beautiful Herb & Flower-Infused Honey Recipes.
What you need:
A clean, dry jar of about 250 ml
A handful of dried thyme sprigs (or fresh thyme left to dry for a day)
Runny honey
How to make it:
Place the thyme in the jar.
Warm the honey very gently in a bain-marie until it's nice and runny. Don't let it get hot.
Pour the honey over the thyme so all the sprigs are covered.
Seal the jar and leave to infuse at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks. Turn the jar over now and then.
Strain the honey and spoon it into a clean jar.
Dried thyme works best: fresh herbs contain moisture, which shortens the honey's shelf life. If you do use fresh thyme, keep the honey in the fridge and use it within a few weeks.
Please note: never give honey to babies under 1 year old.
How to make thyme syrup
Thyme syrup is a fragrant herbal syrup you can mix with hot water for a quick cup, or with chilled sparkling water for a herbal lemonade. It's a simple sugar syrup infused with thyme.
What you need:
250 ml water
200 g sugar or 250 g honey
A generous handful of fresh thyme or 2 tablespoons of dried thyme
Optional: the zest of half a lemon
How to make it:
Bring the water and thyme (and lemon zest, if using) gently to the boil, then leave to infuse for 10 minutes with the lid on.
Strain out the herbs.
Using sugar: dissolve the sugar in the warm thyme water and simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes. Using honey: let the thyme water cool until lukewarm, then stir in the honey.
Pour the syrup into a clean bottle and keep it in the fridge. Use within 2 to 3 weeks.
For more herbal syrup recipes, see 5 Tasty DIY Syrups You'll Want to Pour on Everything.
What is thyme tea traditionally used for?
Thyme is one of the best-known herbs in traditional herbalism. Especially in autumn and winter, thyme tea, often with honey, has long been enjoyed for a tickly throat or a cold. Thyme is also known as a herb to enjoy after a meal.
Compounds in thyme are being researched, but think of thyme tea mainly as what it is: a warm, fragrant herbal tea and a lovely moment for yourself. If symptoms don't go away, please see your GP.
What to keep in mind
Drink thyme tea in moderation and alternate it with other herbal teas.
Pregnant or breastfeeding? Check with your midwife or GP first.
Allergic to plants in the mint family, such as mint, sage or oregano? Then be careful with thyme.
Taking medication, such as blood thinners? Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice first.
Never give honey or thyme honey to babies under 1 year old.
Never add thyme essential oil to tea or other drinks. It is far too strong to ingest.
The information in this article is for inspiration only and is not medical advice.
Thyme tea FAQs
How long should you steep thyme tea?
About 5 to 10 minutes, with a saucer over the cup. The longer you steep, the stronger the flavour.
How much thyme do you need for a cup of tea?
2 to 3 sprigs of fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme per 250 ml of water.
Can you drink thyme tea every day?
In moderation, most healthy adults tolerate a cup a day well. Alternate it with other herbal teas and check with your doctor if you're pregnant, take medication or have a health condition.
Does thyme tea contain caffeine?
No. Thyme tea doesn't come from the tea plant and is naturally caffeine-free, which makes it a lovely choice in the evening too.
What's the difference between thyme honey and thyme-infused honey?
Homemade thyme-infused honey is regular honey with thyme steeped in it. There is also thyme honey made by bees from the nectar of thyme flowers, for example from Greece. Both are delicious in thyme tea.
How long does homemade thyme syrup keep?
About 2 to 3 weeks in a clean, well-sealed bottle in the fridge. If the syrup turns cloudy or smells odd, throw it away.
Can you use thyme from your own garden?
Yes, as long as you're sure it's thyme and the plant hasn't been treated with pesticides. Common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and lemon thyme are the best choices for tea.
Discover more herbal teas
Thyme tea is a simple way to get through winter with a warm, fragrant cup. Want to explore more? Read on:
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