Thyme Out

Thyme goes beautifully with sweet and citrus flavours, making it perfect for cocktails. This recipe multiplies easily for large groups; just blend the thyme and lemon juice in a blender and strain before adding to the other ingredients.

8 lemons, halved
16 sprigs fresh thyme
ice cubes
4 cups ice water
1½ cups vodka
½ cup agave or simple syrup

Wipe the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking. Build a high-heat fire. Your high-heat zone should have embers 1-2" from the cooking surface, with occasional flames licking it.

Place the lemons, cut side down, over high heat until they are charred and soft, about 3 minutes. While the lemons char, using tongs, hold 8 of the thyme sprigs over high heat just until they start to colour and give off wisps of smoke.

Add the remaining 8 thyme sprigs to a cocktail shaker, squeeze in the lemon juice, and add a couple ice cubes. Shake very well and strain into a pitcher. Add the ice water, vodka, and agave, and stir until the agave is dissolved.

Serve the drinks in ice-filled glasses garnished with a charred thyme sprig.

Makes 8 servings.

Cook's Notes: To make the simple syrup, just mix 2 parts sugar to 1 part water, bring to a boil just to dissolve the sugar, then let cool.