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Fall’s Prettiest Pour: Blueberry Lemon Thyme Smash

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As the leaves begin to turn and the air gains a crisp, refreshing bite, there’s no better time to settle in with a drink that captures the essence of the season. Our October Drink of the Month is the Blueberry Lemon Thyme Smash—a sophisticated and beautifully balanced cocktail that bridges the warmth of summer’s end with the spice of approaching fall.

This delightful smash boasts a stunning, rich magenta hue that is as captivating as autumn’s changing landscape. It pairs the deep, fruity sweetness of blueberries and elderflower with a bright, zesty kick of lemon. The thyme adds a subtle, herbaceous note that perfectly complements the rich character of bourbon, making it a complex yet utterly approachable sipper. Whether you’re enjoying a chilly evening by the fireplace or hosting a casual harvest gathering, this beautifully colored drink is guaranteed to impress.

Here is the recipe, along with a refreshing mocktail alternative so everyone can enjoy a taste of the season!

Blueberry Lemon Thyme Smash Recipe (Cocktail)

Rocklands blueberry lemon thyme smash cocktail

Ingredients:

  • 1 1⁄2 oz. Bourbon
  • 1 oz. Elderflower Syrup
  • 1⁄2 oz Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
  • 2 tbsp Blueberry Jam
  • 5 fresh Blueberries

Instructions:

  1. Muddle: In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the 5 fresh blueberries to release their juice.
  2. Combine: Add the bourbon, elderflower syrup, lemon juice, and blueberry jam to the shaker.
  3. Shake: Fill the shaker with ice. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until well-chilled (about 15-20 seconds).
  4. Serve: Strain the mixture into an old-fashioned or rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
  5. Top and Garnish: Top with a splash of sparkling water and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme and a few extra blueberries.

Blueberry Lemon Thyme Sparkler (Mocktail)

This non-alcoholic version maintains all the bright, herbal, and fruity flavors of the original.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 1⁄2 oz. Non-Alcoholic Bourbon (optional, for complexity)
  • 1 oz. Elderflower Syrup
  • 1⁄2 oz Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 tbsp Blueberry Jam
  • 5 fresh Blueberries
  • Sparkling Water or Club Soda

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Muddle: In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the 5 fresh blueberries to release their juice.
  2. Combine: Add the elderflower syrup, lemon juice, blueberry jam, and non-alcoholic spirit (if using) to the shaker.
  3. Shake: Fill the shaker with ice. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
  4. Serve: Strain the mixture into an old-fashioned or rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
  5. Top and Garnish: Fill the rest of the glass with sparkling water or club soda. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme and a few extra blueberries.

Plan Your Perfect Autumn Gathering

Ready to serve up this stunning drink—and an entire feast—at your next event? From holiday parties to corporate happy hours, and especially for your game-day tailgate spreads, our catering team is ready to bring the best of the season straight to you. Let us take care of the details so you can enjoy the festivities!

Request a Proposal

Need more ideas? Check out more of our drink recipes:

Jenn Carter

About Jenn Carter

Meet Jenn Carter, whose love of Rocklands spans more than three decades and made her love official in 2005 when she joined the Rocklands family as a Sales Rep in their Catering Department. There she worked with the team to create events: from intimate backyard gatherings to high-profile political fundraisers. Making sure every client’s event featured both Rocklands’ legendary barbecue and impeccable service. Though life has taken her from DC to Japan, to New Mexico, Tennessee and now to Oklahoma, where she lives with her husband Michael, son Jackson, and pup Francis, you’ll still find bottles of Rocklands Barbecue Sauce making their way to her doorstep. Some loves know no distance.