Apple Thyme Old Fashioned

For the Thyme Simple Syrup

• Handful of fresh thyme
• 1 c water
• 1 c granulated white sugar

For the Cocktail

• 2 oz high-quality bourbon
• 0.25-0.5 oz thyme simple syrup
• 3 dashes bitters
• Few apple slices
• Additional sprigs of thyme

1. To make the simple syrup, combine the thyme with the water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, and then reduce to a low boil. Boil until the mixture has reduced significantly and turned a pale yellow/green color. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Keep an eye on it and don't let it go too far.
2. Strain the simple syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove all of the leaf and stem bits.
3. Put the simple syrup in a jar or container and chill it for at least several hours.
4. To make the cocktail, combine the bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters in a cocktail stirring glass with ice and stir well. Feel free to adjust the sweetness level to your own tastes.
5. Strain into a serving glass with ice, then garnish with apple slices and a few thyme sprigs.