Before we dive in to this Cranberry Thyme Gin and Tonic. It’s story time: When it comes to the beverage of choice, Thanksgiving has always been about wine. And beer. But mainly wine. Even growing up, Thanksgiving was that time when my parents would bust open the “fancy” bottle of wine a relative brought back from some region of Spain and we all discussed its legs and body like we knew what we were talking about.
Thanksgiving was the time when my parents would serve me a glass of wine at the ripe age of thirteen because that’s what you Latin people do – we give our kids wine! My fellow American friends always thought that was so strange and awesome, but in South America alcohol and kids isn’t that big of a deal. You give ’em a little sip because it’s a special occasion, you know? Sharing is caring.
Now, cooking is different. When you’re cooking it’s a cocktail time…and in this case, thyme. Cocktail thyme! (I’m annoying myself today, too, don’t worry.) I love a good spritzer. It’s because deep down I’m a grandma who loves her spritzers and maybe, just maybe when no one’s looking I put a few ice cubes in my wine, too.
This cocktail is perfect for Thanksgiving because it’s like a stragglers cocktail.
I’m sure you’ll have some extra cranberries, and some extra thyme leaves laying around. And let’s hope you have some gin in your cabinet and a decent bottle of tonic. It’s a leftovers, before leftovers cocktail!
If you don’t, here’s what I recommend:
-Make a double batch of this (minus the tonic water and ice). Triple batch even. Add it all to a pitcher and stick it in the fridge.
-You’ll probably be balancing it on various other containers and pots that are ready to be reheated.
-Right before serving, add a few ice cubes to each glass, pour it in, top it with tonic. And BOOM a delicious Thanksgiving cocktail.
Now, who’s giving their thirteen year a old a swig of wine?!! KIDDING.

Cranberry Thyme Gin and Tonic
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- Splash of orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Fresh English Thyme leaves
- Gin of choice I used St. George
- Tonic of choice I used Fever Tree
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, mix together the cranberries, sugar, water, splash of orange juice and vanilla extract. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, pressing the cranberries with the back of your spoon until they pop (beware--they'll splatter!). Add the fresh thyme and smash with the back of your spoon--this will release its aromatics. Note: The mixture should be much looser than traditional cranberry sauce. Pour the mixture through a strainer, discarding the solids, and reserving the cranberry syrup.
- To assemble an individual cocktail, add about 1 fluid ounces of syrup to each glass. Top with a few cubes of ice, 2 fluid ounces of gin and then top with tonic. Mix and garnish with fresh sprigs of thyme.
This looks wonderful! Would rosemary work as a replacement for thyme? They were out at the grocery store and I have all the other ingredients.
That should be delicious!
Looks yummy. Can I make the cranberry syrup in advance?
Yes that would work great!
How many g&t’s is the cranberry mixture recipe for?
Nevermind! Just saw at the bottom it says 4!
Holy yes! G&T is always my go to and this will be perfect for turkey day!!
How much thyme do you use?
You do realize that you don’t need to smash the cranberries with the back of a spoon? They will pop themselves if left to boil. That way, you don’t get cranberry all over your nice kitchen or clothing 🙂
Your recipe calls for 1/2 c of water but in the instructions it says a splash of water. Is the spash of water the 1/2c or am I reading this wrong?!
I’m making this right now so I’m going to add the full 1/2 c and hope it turns out. What a great idea! Thanks for sharing this!
Sorry about that! That was confusing. Just fixed it. It should be the 1/2 cup of water. Hope you enjoy!
I love the cranberry with the thyme. I actually saved my leftover pulp and added it to some chicken salad.
I would recommend, however, swapping the vanilla extract for a vanilla bean.
After friendsgiving here in Holland I sure could go for one of these in a quiet house : D
Have you tried this with pomegranate juice instead of the cranberries? Wonder how that would taste…
I haven’t but I bet it’d be great!
this looks amazing. My mom & I bond over gin & tonics, so this will be perfect for the holidays together!
Ugh. Fever Tree Tonic is my JAAAAM! Girl after my own heart! 😉
Well I need to make sure I have all of this on hand for Thanksgiving so I can drink like 7 of them.
this is the best color! I love herbs in cocktails, too.
AND, maybe I always put an ice cube in a glass of rose.
Your cocktails are pure perfection. Love these, they’re beautiful!