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Are you tired of the same old cocktails? Do you want to add a little zing to your beverages? Then it’s time to start your very own cocktail garden. And what better way to start than with these 10 herbs that will take your drinks to the next level? By cultivating your own ingredients, you not only have access to fresh produce, but you can also impress your friends with tales of your green thumb. So, let’s get started on your journey to becoming the ultimate mixologist.
To learn more about creating your own cocktail garden, check out this blog post to get started!
Here are some great herbs to grow for a cocktail garden:
Mint
This classic herb is a must-have for any cocktail garden. It adds a refreshing touch to mojitos, juleps, and other summery drinks. An aromatic sprig of mint is quite festive is most cocktails – especially in the Spring and Summer. Mint is also great for making tea and other herbal drinks.
Planting mint in a pot is the best way to keep it from spreading uncontrollably – although it will still be an abundant crop! For those looking to add an extra dimension of flavor to their garden, planting multiple varieties of mint together can be a lush choice—provided that you have the space to spare. Some of my favorites are pineapple mint, orange mint, and mojito mint. I have yet to find seeds for these varieties.
Basil
The versatile basil is a great addition to any cocktail garden. It’s earthy and sweet, with a touch of spice, making it perfect for infusing with vodka, gin or tequila. Basil also comes in different varieties, such as sweet, purple, lemon, and Thai, adding extra color and flavor to your garden. With a few simple steps, you can cultivate and navigate your own basil garden. If you have space, consider planting multiple varieties of basil together for an interesting visual effect.
Some of my favorite basil varieties are Cardinal, Lemon, Dark Opal, Thai, and Cinnamon.
Thyme
This herb may be tiny, but it packs a punch. Thyme has a delicate flavor that’s easy to confuse with rosemary, which also pair well in cocktails. Thyme’s earthy flavor makes it an excellent addition to whiskey or tequila-based cocktails. Thyme grows great in full sun, but make sure it doesn’t get too dry.
Rosemary
Rosemary packs quite a punch and shines in strong drinks due to its earthy and savory flavor profile that it imparts to your cocktails. This aromatic herb pairs well with gin and vodka-based cocktails, adding a woodsy flavor that balances out sweeter ingredients. It’s also great for garnishing cocktails with fragrant sprigs. Rosemary’s needle-like leaves may be a little tough to muddle, but their bold flavor is well worth the effort.
Lavender
The gentle and fragrant lavender may not work in every cocktail, but when it does, it’s a magical experience. Its sweet, floral flavor works great for tea-based cocktails or with gin and tonic. With its spicy yet sweet aroma and delicate flavor, lavender adds an interesting complexity to any drink! It’s great for garnishing drinks or adding as a finishing touch to a cocktail with a sprig on top. Plus, it provides a beautiful pop of color to your drinks. Try experimenting with lavender in new recipes and explore the flavor possibilities. Plant lavender in well-drained soil and give it plenty of sunshine!
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a fantastic herb to add to your summer cocktails. It has a lovely citrus flavor and pairs great with vodka and tequila. It’s also great for creating infused simple syrups to sweeten your drinks. Just add some lemongrass and your favorite water-soluble herbs or spices, like ginger or cardamom, to a pot of boiling water, let it steep for about 20 minutes, strain the mixture into a jar or bottle, and enjoy!
As I live in Florida and near wetlands, I’m continuously searching for ways to keep snakes from invading my patio. According to my research, this particular herb can repel snakes. Intrigued, I decided to try it out since I’ll take any chance to keep my outdoor space snake-free. So, in my household, lemongrass is like a triple all-rounder: keeping pests away, enhancing cuisine, and now even elevating our cocktails!
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is often used in tea, but it’s also perfect for adding a citrusy note to cocktails. It can be paired with vodka for a refreshing lemon martini or with gin for a lemony-citrus zing. It can even be added to vodka and soda for a flavorful twist on the classic. For something really special, add lemon balm to your favorite Champagne or Prosecco cocktail! The possibilities are endless with this versatile herb. Lemon balm grows best in partial shade and prefers moist soil.
Here’s where I purchased my Lemon Balm seeds.
Sage
Sage is great in autumnal cocktails, particularly those with bourbon or apple cider. The herb also pairs well with gin and other botanical spirits. Sage is also great when used sparingly in non-alcoholic punches to add depth. Try using it in a tea-based punch with honey syrup and a hint of lemon.
Bonus: Edible Flowers
Besides using herbs, edible flowers can also be utilized to garnish cocktails, adding a unique touch. These flowers bring a special zing to the taste and make for a visually pleasing cocktail garden. Check out this blog post about 7 edible flowers for your garden.
Cultivating herbs in your garden grants you frequent access to fresh ingredients for concocting scrumptious cocktails or mocktails. Moreover, caring for your plants can prove to be an enjoyable and soothing pastime that helps you unwind after a strenuous day.
Do you grow herbs for your cocktail garden? Which ones have you found to be the most versatile and delicious? Are there any herbs that we didn’t mention that you think we should try out?
Leave a comment below and let me know! Sharing our gardening experiences can help us all learn and grow together. Cheers to happy herb growing and even happier sipping!
