1-First, rinse and prepare all ingredients, including washing cranberries and thyme sprigs to remove any dirt. In a pot, combine cranberries and water; bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 10 minutes until cranberries soften, releasing their rich color and tartness. Remove from heat and stir in agave syrup and fresh lime juice to balance the flavors. Follow by adding fresh thyme sprigs and allowing the mixture to steep for 10 minutes, letting the herbal aroma infuse deeply.

2-Next, strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve to remove solids, ensuring a smooth texture that’s easy to sip. Chill the strained agua fresca in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to enhance the refreshment. Finally, serve over ice, garnish with a fresh thyme sprig and lime slice, and adjust sweetness by tweaking agave syrup for dietary preferences.

3-To make the cranberry thyme infused water, start by blending fresh cranberries with 3 cups of water in a high-powered blender for 3 minutes until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a pitcher, stir in honey until dissolved, then add fresh thyme sprigs and ginger. Allow it to infuse in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for stronger flavor, and remove the thyme and ginger before use.

4-For the cocktail version, fill a cocktail glass with ice, add 3 ounces cranberry infused water, 2 ounces fresh orange juice, 1 ounce elderflower liqueur, and 1 ounce vodka, then stir and garnish.