Homemade Lemon Thyme Vinegar

If you have fresh thyme growing in your herb garden, this homemade lemon thyme vinegar is a simple way to enjoy its flavor in your kitchen.

This post may contain affiliate links.

The combination of fragrant thyme and bright lemon creates a delicious infused vinegar that works beautifully in salad dressings, marinades, roasted vegetables, and more.

I love making homemade herb vinegars because they are such an easy way to use fresh herbs from the garden.

A few sprigs of thyme and some fresh lemon peel can turn an ordinary bottle of vinegar into something special.

Lemon thyme vinegar is also pretty enough to package in a decorative glass bottle and give as a homemade gift.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Thyme Vinegar

Table of Contents

There are so many reasons to make your own flavored vinegars at home.

It’s an easy way to use fresh thyme from your garden.
Lemon adds a bright, fresh flavor.
It’s delicious in homemade salad dressings and marinades.
You can use it in place of regular vinegar in many recipes.
It makes a lovely addition to a homemade pantry gift basket.

Ingredients

2 cups white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar labeled 5% acidity
4–6 fresh thyme sprigs
2–3 strips of fresh lemon peel

White wine vinegar is my favorite for this recipe because its mild flavor lets the thyme and lemon shine. Apple cider vinegar will give you a slightly fruitier flavor.

Want to try making your own jelly at home?

Get my free guide with 8 easy, beginner-friendly jelly recipes you can confidently make.

Use a vegetable peeler to remove the lemon peel, avoiding as much of the white pith as possible.

How to Make Lemon Thyme Vinegar

1. Prepare the Thyme and Lemon

Choose fresh, healthy thyme sprigs from your garden. Rinse them gently under cool water and pat them completely dry.

Wash the lemon thoroughly and remove a few strips of peel with a vegetable peeler.

2. Add the Ingredients to a Jar

Place the thyme sprigs and lemon peel in a clean glass jar.

You can gently bruise the thyme between your fingers to help release its aroma and flavor.

3. Add the Vinegar

Pour the vinegar over the thyme and lemon peel, making sure the herbs are completely submerged.

Cover the jar with a nonreactive lid. If you’re using a metal lid, place a piece of parchment or plastic wrap between the jar and lid to protect it from the vinegar.

4. Let It Infuse

Place the jar in the refrigerator and let the vinegar infuse for about 1–2 weeks.

Give it a gentle shake occasionally. Taste it after a week and allow it to infuse a little longer if you’d like a stronger thyme flavor.

5. Strain and Bottle

When the vinegar has reached the flavor you like, strain out the thyme and lemon peel.

Pour the finished vinegar into a clean glass bottle using a funnel.

Keep the finished infused vinegar refrigerated. This is a homemade refrigerated infusion, not a tested shelf-stable canning recipe.

How to Use Lemon Thyme Vinegar

Lemon thyme vinegar has a fresh, savory flavor with just a hint of citrus. It’s especially good in recipes where you want a little brightness.

Here are a few ways to use it:

Homemade salad dressing: Combine lemon thyme vinegar with olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper for an easy homemade vinaigrette.

Chicken marinades: Mix it with olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs for a flavorful chicken marinade.

Roasted vegetables: Drizzle a little over roasted potatoes, carrots, zucchini, or green beans just before serving.

Pasta salad: Add a splash to your favorite homemade pasta salad dressing.

Potato salad: Use it in place of regular vinegar for a fresh lemon and herb flavor.

Grain bowls: A little lemon thyme vinaigrette is delicious drizzled over rice bowls, quinoa, and roasted vegetables.

Lemon Thyme Vinegar as a Homemade Gift

Homemade infused vinegars make thoughtful gifts for anyone who enjoys cooking or gardening.

Pour your finished lemon thyme vinegar into a pretty glass bottle and add a handwritten label. Tie a little ribbon or twine around the neck of the bottle for a simple finishing touch.

You could even put together a small gift basket with several different homemade vinegars, herb salts, and other kitchen goodies.

Keep the vinegar refrigerated, including when giving it as a gift, and let the recipient know it needs refrigeration.

More Homemade Flavored Vinegar Recipes

Once you start making homemade herb vinegars, you’ll probably want to experiment with all the herbs growing in your garden!

Here are some other flavored vinegar recipes you might enjoy:

You can also find more ideas in my collection of 7 Homemade Flavored Vinegar Recipes.

Making lemon thyme vinegar is such a simple way to bring a little of your herb garden into your everyday cooking.

Whether you use it in homemade salad dressing, marinades, or roasted vegetables, it’s a flavorful little pantry staple worth keeping on hand.

The next time you have extra thyme growing in your garden, save a few sprigs and make a bottle of this easy homemade vinegar!

Follow my from scratch living board on Pinterest.