Blueberry Lemon Thyme Smash.
The simplest Blueberry Lemon Thyme Smash…for your springtime Cocktail Saturday pleasure. Fresh blueberries and sweet blueberry jam, smashed together with thyme, lemon, bourbon (or tequila), and fizzy sparkling water. This makes for a simple and quick spring or summer cocktail. A sweet lemon sugar-rimmed glass really seals the deal and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Cocktail Saturday has really become my favorite recipe of the week. These drinks are just so much fun and I love creating them for you guys. Today’s berry-filled bourbon (or tequila) smash is probably the most “me” drink. Or the drink I’d remake for myself time and time again.
Ok well, actually? I’d also do this spicy cucumber margarita time and time again as well. Oh, and the (extra) dirty horchata too. You know what? Never mind. I love all these drinks equally and I just can’t choose a favorite.
The point is, I’m loving this berry smash for today. It’s the last Saturday of April and I felt the need to share something colorful and very springy + very easy to create.
Jumping into details and keeping this post short and sweet as always…because it’s Saturday and we have cakes to be baking, dinners, to make, and cocktails to mix up.
To make this blueberry smash…
It’s simple and so darn easy.
You need a few things. Blueberries for one, fresh thyme (but you could also do without if you don’t have), lemons, jam (blueberry or blackberry), bourbon (but tequila is nice too), elderflower liquor (also known as St. Germain), and sparkling water. Oh, and a little sugar too if you want to make a sweet and fun rimmed glass.
First, start with the sweet lemon lined rim. It’s simply lemon zest, thyme leaves, and a pinch of granulated sugar mixed together. It adds such a sweet and lemony touch to each drink. It’s that “extra special” touch your drink needs.
Next, find yourself a cocktail shaker or even just a mason jar. Muddle together the blueberries, thyme leaves, and fresh lemon juice until those berries are all smashed down. Muddling the blueberries with the thyme infuses the thyme’s flavor into the drink in a subtle, non-overpowering way.
Now, add the blueberry jam (or honestly any berry jam). This creates an intense, much more concentrated berry flavor. I love marrying fresh berries and sweet jam together. It’s a double the berries experience, and it’s beyond good. The jam also sweetens the drink.
Add the bourbon and elderflower liquor, and then shake, shake, shake.
At this point, strain the drink into your glass and top off with sparkling water for a touch of fizz.
SIMPLE. But also so pretty and so darn close to perfect.
Swaps and substitutes…use what you’ve got.
If you don’t have blueberries, but do have blackberries, raspberries, or strawberries, use either of these berries. Any berry is great and they’re all going to taste delicious. So use what you have or use what you love most.
No fresh berries? Use frozen, but let them thaw a bit so that you can easily muddle them down. Tip? Top the drink with additional frozen berries, they will help to chill your drink.
Same goes for the jam as it does with the berries. If you don’t have blueberry jam, use another berry jam. And if you don’t have jam at all? Use additional berries and sweeten the drink to your taste with honey or sugar.
And if you don’t love bourbon? Use tequila.
Elderflower liquor missing from your pantry? That’s a little sad to be honest…but just use additional bourbon or a dash of bitters if you have those (yum)!
Soo, now you have zero excuses (hopefully). You can make this berry smash today!
My Saturday suggestion?
Since we’re all stuck at home, let’s plan a fun Saturday night in the kitchen. Why not? We don’t have much else to do this weekend.
So, here’s my perfect Saturday night in…
Start with this blueberry lemon thyme smash…of course.
Then add a little dinner and serve up this week’s quick-cooking Thai black pepper chicken and garlic noodles.
But before anything else, you should actually start by making dessert. How about Tuesday’s skillet strawberry bourbon cobbler…it’s a double shot of bourbon kind of Saturday night.
And then? Switch it up, instead of Netflix, enjoy your smashes while playing some fun games with your “quarantine” crew, or maybe your zoom date.
Not too bad for a Saturday night at home…again.
Lastly, if you make this blueberry lemon thyme smash, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!x
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Blueberry Lemon Thyme Smash
A simple and quick spring or summer cocktail.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons fresh or frozen blueberries, plus more for topping
- 1-2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, plus a sprig for serving
- juice from half of a lemon
- 2 tablespoons blueberry or blackberry jam
- 1 1/2 ounces bourbon or tequila
- 1/2 ounce elderflower liquor (St. Germain)
- sparkling water for topping
Lemon Sugar (optional)
- zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon chopped thyme leaves
Instructions
-
1. To make the lemon sugar. Combine the lemon zest, sugar, and thyme on a shallow plate. Rim your glasses in sugar, then fill with ice.
2. In a cocktail shaker or glass jar, muddle the blueberries, thyme, and lemon juice, squashing everything to release the juices. Add the jam, bourbon, and elderflower liquor. Fill with ice and shake until combined.
3. Strain into your prepared glass. Top off with sparkling water, then gently stir to combine. Enjoy 🙂
Recipe Notes
If You Don't Have Jam: use an additional 2 tablespoons blueberries and add 1-2 tablespoons honey or granulated sugar to sweet to your taste.
If You Don't Have Elderflower: omit it and use additional bourbon or tequila.
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Blueberry Lemon Thyme Smash Punch
A simple and quick spring or summer cocktail
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, plus more for topping
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, plus a sprig for serving
- juice from 2 lemons (about 1/2 a cup)
- 1/2 cup blueberry or blackberry jam
- 6 ounces (3/4 cup) bourbon or tequila
- 4 ounces (1/4 cup) elderflower liquor (St. Germain)
- 3-4 (12 ounce) cans sparkling water, for topping
LEMON SUGAR (OPTIONAL)
- zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon chopped thyme leaves
Instructions
-
1. In a pitcher, muddle the blueberries, thyme, and lemon juice, squashing everything to release the juices. Add the jam, bourbon, and elderflower liquor. Stir to combine. Chill until ready to serve.
2. To make the lemon sugar. Combine the lemon zest, sugar, and thyme on a shallow plate. Rim your glasses in sugar, then fill with ice.
3. Strain into your prepared glasses. Top off with sparkling water, then gently stir to combine. Enjoy 🙂
Recipe Notes
If You Don't Have Jam: use an additional 2 tablespoons blueberries and add 1-2 tablespoons honey or granulated sugar to sweet to your taste.
If You Don't Have Elderflower: omit it and use additional bourbon or tequila.
Our Favorite Recipes
Crispy Prosciutto, Asparagus, and Brie Toast.
Would it be okay to substitute mint for the thyme?
Hi Katie! I am sure that will taste great! I hope you love this recipe! xTieghan
This is absolutely delicious!!! Will be hard to only have a couple😳
Haha I am so glad you loved these!! Thank you for trying them, Jody! xTieghan
This drink was delicious! Refreshing and just perfect for Saturday cocktail night.
I am so glad you enjoyed this! Thank you for trying it! xTieghan
Can you do classic (not American) Greek salad, gyros with tzatziki and fries on your instagram stories? I really love your mini cooking shows on Instagram stories!😍😍😍 So it will be fun cooking Greek dinner with you☺️
Haha thank you taylor! I usually just make recipes I already have, but I would love to try out some other things! xTieghan
Hi! What sparkling water brand do you prefer in this recipe?
Hi Leigh! I usually use the la croix or perrier! I hope you lvove this recipe! Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Such a delicious and pretty cocktail! It was a great addition to our Saturday night.
I am so glad this turned out so well for you Nancy! Thank you! xTieghan
This looks soooooo good! I think I’m going to try it with peaches and peach jam. Sitting at home, I look forward to your posts each day. Thank you!
Aw that is amazing to hear! I hope you love this and continue to enjoy my posts, Jaclyn! xTieghan
Looks so refreshing. What kind of bourbon do you use?
Hi Julie! I usually use Bulleit or Woodford Reserved! I hope you love this recipe! Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Made the punch recipe yesterday- delicious! I couldn’t bring myself to discard the blueberries & saved them. This evening we added lemon zest and more frozen blueberries, ice and a healthy swig of tequila. Quickly ran the mix through the blender for a blue margarita! Yummm – we were ok with all the seeds! 😄
I am so glad this turned out so well for you Susan! Thank you for trying it! xTieghan
Had this last night. Amazing! Great combo of flavors.
Thank you Julie! xTieghan
I used frozen blackberries and blackberry jam. They were delicious. On our second one (yes we each had two) I threw in a little grand marnier. Delicious!
Amazing!! I am so glad you both loved this, Amanda! Thank you! xTieghan
Hi! Do you have a link to your glasses? Or know where they are from? They are beautiful!
Hi Natalie! They are from Williams Sanoma! xTieghan
Do you think you could substitute Rum? I have a bottle of both light and dark rum and i need recipes.
Thanks Tieghan!
Hi Toni,
You could totally use rum! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Yum! I didn’t have elderflower liquor so I subbed in some cointreau. It was delicious!
Thank you Natasha! xTieghan
Delicious drink!! The thyme gives it such an unusual flavor! Made us feel like we were at some swanky restaurant!
Aw that is so amazing! I am really glad you enjoyed this cocktail Lia! xTieghan
Very Yum!
We used blackcurrant jam and was so tasty!
Also, just as nice without the alcohol 🙂
Thank you so much Jess! xTieghan
Love love love!! Used vodka instead just because I’m not a bourbon girl, still awesome!! And where are these glasses from!! I’m obsessed
Hi Lexi! They are from Williams Sonoma! I am so glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
This was so yummy! I made the bourbon version for myself and the tequila version for a friend! Both delicious and very pretty! I didn’t have the elderflower but will get it for next time! Instead of the jam I added extra blueberries and a little sugar! Such a fun drink!!
Thank you Mona!! That is so amazing to hear! xTieghan
My daughters told me about your recipes over the holidays! They looked incredible and now I have the time to test them out! This cocktail was perfect for my husband and I as we Jazz Fested from home in NOLA! Just bought you book Super Simple and cannot wait to try more of your amazing recipes!!!
I am so glad you both loved this recipe Charlene! Thank you so much for trying this! xTieghan
I made this with gin, and it was delicious!
Love that! Thank you so much Allyson! xTieghan
loving all of your tasty treats. I am not a tequila drinker BUT I LOVED this drink. Will be my new House Cocktail for the summer:).
That is so amazing Georganne! Thank you! xTieghan
We thoroughly enjoyed this! Such a refreshing option for bourbon!
Thank you so much Dawn! xTieghan
Looks delicious. Love the glasses. Where did you get them?
What do you think about topping with ginger beer for a little extra tang (I love ginger beer with bourbon!) instead of sparkling water?
Hi Judy,
I love this idea! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Very refreshing and delicious. We picked a lot blueberries yesterday and we had these cocktails before dinner as a reward. The fresh thyme adds a nice herbal flavor. I did cut the amount of bourbon in half- it was a little too strong for my taste.
Thank you so much Susan!! I am really glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
I’ve never found a recipe that has been a hit with every.single.person I’ve made it for. Maybe I need to make more recipes that include alcohol. 🧐 If someone doesn’t ask you for the recipe, you made it wrong. Seriously the best! THX HBH ❤️
Thank you so much Leah!! I am really glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
I just made this after my sense of taste finally returned from Covid. It is fantastic!! Thank you for all of your delightful recipes!
Thank you so much Annie! That is so great to hear! xTieghan
I usually steer clear of bourbon, but I was feeling a little crazy so I tried this recipe. Wow! So glad I did. This is the first HBH cocktail I’ve tried making..I feel like a true mixologist. Thanks!!
Thank you so much Krista! I am really glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Love these cocktail glasses!! Where are they from?
Hey Abby,
Here is the link for the glasses. https://rstyle.me/+7RK4v39F9RqwbYmAZm0RCw
I just made this… well, kinda sorta. I had frozen blueberries but no jam.. so used all blueberries. Didn’t have elderberry but have a hibiscus simply syrup. I just luv using fruit, spices and seeing the creative drinks you’ve concocted! This was a winner!
Hey Jackie,
I am so glad that the recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! Have a great week:) xTieghan
This cocktail is INSANELY good. Tomorrow is going to be rough but so worth it. Thanks for the recipe!
Hey Kristin,
I am so glad this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it! Have a great weekend! xTieghan
I’ve been looking for some good cocktail glasses and love these. I know it’s been a while since you posted this, but do you remember where you got them?
Hey Courtney,
Here is the link for the glasses: https://rstyle.me/+7RK4v39F9RqwbYmAZm0RCw
Let me know if you have any other questions:) xTieghan
These are one of my go-to drinks when I want to do something fun. It is a bit involved but so worth it.
Recommendations:
– I would definitely go with tequila – my husband kept asking for them with bourbon and one day when we ran out I just made him one with tequila and he said it was the best one I had made lol prettyyy sure that had to do with the change in liquor.
– If you’re going off the single serving recipe, I just use 1 Tbs of blackberry reserves and it’s plenty sweet.
5/5 – this drink has been a favoite
Thanks so much Abbey!!
yummilicious 😋
Thanks so much Gina!
Love this cocktail! Yummy and fresh. I used frozen blueberries which acted as extra ice cubes.
Hey Kale,
Awesome!! Love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it! Have a great weekend:) xxTieghan
I made this last night to go with the Artichoke and Broccoli Pesto Brie Panini with Thyme Honey. This cocktail was so delicious and refreshing and will definitely be on repeat!
Hey Nicole,
Happy Monday! I am so glad this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a bunch for making it! xTieghan
Hi! This looks soo good! I am currently pregnant so I’m wondering if there is anything else I can add to it to substitute the alcohol? Thanks!
Hey Paige,
You can skip the alcohol and use some sparkling water. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan