Apple Thyme Old Fashioned

For the Thyme Simple Syrup

• 0.5 c water
• 0.5 c granulated white sugar
• 10-12 sprigs fresh thyme

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 water and sugar in a saucepan. Heat the water to a simmer and stir until the sugar has fully dissolved, then turn off the heat. Add the thyme and allow it to steep for 20-30 minutes, until the syrup has turned a pale yellow/green color.
2. Strain the simple syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the thyme leaves and stems.
3. Pour the simple syrup into 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 the cocktail into a serving glass with ice, then garnish with apple slices and a few thyme sprigs.