Jamaican thyme (Mexican oregano) is a tropical spice commonly used in chicken and vegetable dishes. You can also add it to your meat, soup, rice, and or pea stew.
The spice is a key ingredient in the Jamaican jolt cocktail due to its minty flavor. As Jamaican cocktail culture continues to gain popularity, mixologies have found better ways of using Jamaican thyme in their cocktails and mocktails.
In this article, we take a look at some of the most common Jamaican Thyme-based cocktails and mocktails, including Thyme in Paradise and the Thyme and Tonic.
A Bit of Information About Jamaican Thyme
Jamaican thyme is native to the Mediterranean region, with its origins traced back to the Levant. This herb offers a unique fusion of mint and citrus flavors, complemented by floral and woody notes. This gives out a sweet and peppery taste similar to that of cloves.
Extracted essential oils from its leaves serve as a natural remedy for coughs. It is also rich in vitamins C and A and contains essential minerals such as fiber, copper, and iron.
Sourcing High-Quality Jamaican Thyme
When it comes to getting your hands on some flavorful Jamaican thyme, several options exist:
- Local Thyme Farmers: You can connect with local thyme farmers to ensure that you’re getting the freshest and highest quality Jamaican thyme.
- Specialty Stores: You can also swing by nearby specialty stores. They often carry a variety of herbs, including Jamaican thyme.
- Online Retailers: Probably the most relevant method in this digital age. Online retailers offer you the convenience of browsing and ordering from the comfort of your home, and in just a few clicks, you can have the spice delivered right to your doorstep.
Jamaican Thyme-Infused Cocktails
Lets now take a look at some popular thyme-infused cocktails.
1. Thyme in Paradise
A refreshing rum punch featuring Jamaican thyme, pineapple, orange, and lime juice. Thyme in Paradise was historically a working man’s drink and was consumed with water instead of ice, milk, or cheese.
While overproof white rum is the traditional choice, you can use other rum varieties mixed with grenadine, pineapple juice, and fresh orange and lime juice.
2. Spicy Thyme Margarita
This is a twist on the classic margarita. It is a combination of incorporates Jamaican thyme, jalapeño, tequila, and lime juice and has a distinctive floral flavor that comes from the thyme-infused simple syrup.
To prepare a Spicy Thyme Margarita, rim two glasses with kosher salt, fill them with ice, and pour 1.5 parts of tequila into each glass. Top with an equal amount of thyme syrup, add 1 part Cointreau, and 1.5 parts lime juice. Garnish with Jamaican thyme, gently stir, and serve immediately.
3. Thyme and Tonic
A simple and elegant gin cocktail with Jamaican thyme, tonic water, and a lime wedge. To make Thyme and Tonic cocktails, combine 15ml of lime juice and thyme syrup, 45ml of tonic water and soda water, and 3 dashes of Angostura bitters. Fill a rocks glass with ice, add lime juice and thyme syrup, stir until well combined, then add soda and tonic water. Top with bitters, garnish with Jamaican thyme, and serve.
4. Dark and Stormy Thyme
A smoky and flavorful twist on the Dark & Stormy, incorporating Jamaican thyme, dark rum, ginger beer, and lime juice. For this cocktail, you’ll need 2 ounces of Shellback spiced rum, 1-ounce fresh lemon juice, 0.5-ounce Jamaican thyme syrup, 2 ounces of beer, a lemon wheel, and a thyme sprig. Shake the rum, lemon juice, and thyme in a cocktail shaker with ice, strain into a tall glass over fresh ice, top up with beer, and garnish with a thyme sprig and lemon wheel.
Jamaican Thyme-Inspired Mocktails
These are suitable for non-alcoholic family gatherings or can be enhanced with an alcoholic complement for a more mature experience.
Let’s take a look at some of them.
1. Sparkling Thyme Cooler
Create a bubbly and refreshing mocktail by combining Jamaican thyme syrup, grapefruit juice, and sparkling water in a cocktail shaker. After a gentle muddle, garnish with a sprig of thyme. This results in a mint-flavored, sparkling beverage perfect for any occasion.
2. Tropical Thyme Punch
Craft a non-alcoholic punch by blending Jamaican thyme with pineapple juice, orange juice, mango juice, and a splash of grenadine. Simply add all the ingredients to an ice-filled glass, stir, and, for an added touch, garnish with a slice of lime or orange before serving.
3. Thyme-Infused Iced Tea
Prepare a simple and flavorful iced tea by combining Jamaican thyme, black tea, and a hint of honey. Brew a pot of black tea, remove the tea bags, and add Jamaican thyme sprigs and honey while the tea is still hot. Let it cool, chill in the fridge, and serve over ice, optionally garnished with fresh thyme sprigs.
4. Spiced Thyme Lemonade
Experience a refreshing and slightly tart lemonade infused with Jamaican thyme, ginger, and a squeeze of lemon. Combine 1 bunch of Jamaican thyme with 1.5 cups each of sugar, ginger, and water. Simmer in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. After cooling, strain the syrup into an ice-filled pitcher, add 2 cups of cold water and fresh lemon juice, then serve over ice with lemon slices and Jamaican thyme sprigs.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist, just starting your craft, or looking for ways to experiment with Jamaican Thyme at home, we believe that you’re now more aware of the different ways you can use the spice in your cocktails and mocktails.
We have explored some of the best out there, including Thyme in Paradise, Sparkling Thyme Cooler, Thyme and Tonic, and Dark and Spiced Thyme Lemonade. So if you’re looking for a new way to use Jamaican thyme, at least now you have a place to start.
If you want to learn more about Jamaican Thyme or purchase fresh and ethically sourced produce from FAVE Produce, you can check out our product pages. We have a wide selection of fruits, herbs, spices, and vegetables that we’re sure would be of interest to you.
