Looking for a refreshing drink that isn’t packed with sugar? This sugar-free lemonade with thyme is easy to make and has an irresistible flavor you can enjoy all summer!
Lemonade is one of those drinks that seems to scream for sugar. Most “diet” lemonades I’ve tried simply aren’t very good, but I love enjoying a cold glass in the summertime. That’s when I decided to create my own version.
This sugar-free lemonade with thyme is exactly what I’ve been searching for! I used stevia, which gave it just the right sweetness without having any effect on blood sugar.
I used lemon thyme because it was thriving in my garden, but other varieties of thyme or rosemary would be delicious as well. The subtle herb flavor really adds to how refreshing this drink is!
Best of all, it’s so simple to make. And you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator so you’ll be able to pour yourself a cold glass any time you like.
How to make sugar-free lemonade with thyme
This refreshing drink comes together in just three easy steps.
Step 1: Place 2 cups of water and the stevia in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Step 2: Once simmering, stir until the stevia dissolves. Add the thyme sprigs, cover, and turn off the heat.
Step 3: When the thyme mixture has cooled to room temperature, strain into a pitcher filled with ice cubes. Stir in the remaining 2 cups of water and lemon juice.
Now, all you have to do is pour your stevia-sweetened lemonade into ice-filled glasses and enjoy! I like to garnish mine with thyme sprigs and lemon slices.
Working with stevia
Over the years, I’ve learned that brands of stevia can vary wildly. The key to non-bitter stevia is to look for one that is high in steviosides, the sweetness component.
A little more than ⅓ of a cup of powdered stevia was the right amount for me in this recipe. However, your stevia could be more or less sweet than mine, so you may need to make adjustments.
If you use liquid stevia extract, start with ½ to ¾ of a teaspoon and adjust from there.
Storage
If you have any leftover lemonade, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to a week.
And who doesn’t love having a fresh pitcher of lemonade in their fridge? You can pour yourself a glass whenever the craving strikes!
Other healthy drink recipes
Looking for more refreshing drinks to enjoy when it’s hot outside? Here are a few more healthy, easy-to-make drinks that I think you’ll enjoy:
When you’ve tried this lemonade, please don’t forget to let me know how you liked it and rate the recipe in the comments below!
Sugar-Free Lemonade with Thyme
Ingredients
- 4 cups water (divided)
- 6 tablespoons Stevia (powdered)
- 10 sprigs fresh thyme (or lemon thyme — plus additional for garnish)
- 2 cups fresh lemon juice
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Place 2 cups of water and the stevia in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Once simmering, stir until the stevia dissolves. Add the thyme sprigs, cover, and turn off the heat.
- When the thyme mixture has cooled to room temperature, strain into a pitcher filled with ice cubes. Stir in the remaining 2 cups of water and lemon juice.
Unique recipe …. Never heard of Thyme Lemonade 🙂
Just the drink I want on this very hot day! Love the idea of thyme in my lemonade! 🙂
I love this! I have been thinking of trying lemonade with basil, the thyme sounds really refreshing:-) Hugs, Terra
First of all, lemonade is THE perfect summer cooler. I think I’m going to have to make a whole pitcher for myself just to get through today. And yours sounds really delicious. I love lemon and thyme together, so I know I’d like this! Second, we had one stevia plant growing in our community garden last year. I was amazed by the sweetness of the leaves (I just plucked one and chewed on it). When I thought about using it in another way, the plant had been picked clean and it never came back. I’m going to have to check to see if there’s any growing this year. It’s been so hot and I’m such a heat wimp that I haven’t been yet. If I find some, I’ll try steeping and let you know! =)
Thyme lemonade sounds so refreshing fo these steamy hot days. I am so happy to have found your website. Have a newly diagnosed member in our family. Always looking for new ideas to bring to the dinner table. Take Care, BAM
Oh I just love thyme! I have plenty around the house and this sounds like such a refreshing summer beverage.