By using a few simple tricks and techniques, you’ll be able to blend together fragrant herbs and beautiful flowers, and craft the ultimate summer refreshment!
Recently, Urban Roots Garden Market hosted Carissa Kasper from Seed & Nourish to present an informative seminar on how to mix and blend herbs and flowers straight from their garden to create refreshing and delicious cocktails!
If you missed the chance to join in, don’t worry! We’re going to share some fantastic recipe ideas, and a shopping list, to get you started.
Herbs, Flowers, & Cocktails – Unite!
When it comes to adding a little something extra to your cocktail, herbs and flowers are a great way to go. Not only do they add a touch of flavour, but they can also lend beautiful colour and aroma to your drink – and the best part is that there are so many different ways to infuse them into your favourite spirits and cocktails.
Herb-infused vodka, for example, makes an excellent base for all sorts of herbaceous cocktails. Or you could try adding some elderflower liqueur to gin for a summery twist on the classic G&T. Meanwhile, rosemary can be used to add a fragrant touch to a sweet cocktail, or mint can be muddled with sugar and lime to create a refreshing mojito.
Other popular herbs include basil, cilantro, and thyme. When using fresh herbs, it’s important to add them carefully so that they don’t overpower the other flavors in the drink – a little goes a long way!
There’s so much freedom to try out different combinations. When it comes to using herbs in cocktails, start with a small amount and then adjust to taste, and feel free to experiment until you find something you love.
Adding edible flowers can be a fun way to finish off the drink and add some flair and style to your summer parties. Picking the petals of dianthus or making ice cubes from the whole magnolia flower is a simple and easy way to add that extra touch. A sprig of lavender or thyme is a fun garnish to add on its own, or in addition to the other edible flowers in your summer cocktail. You can’t go wrong when incorporating these aromatic and colourful edibles from your garden and it’s a sure-fire way to thrill you and your guests this summer!
Recipes to Get Started
Rosemary Paloma:
- 1 part rosemary simple syrup (less simple syrup for a less sweet drink, recommended if using store-bought grapefruit juice!)
- 1 part fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice
- 1 part club soda
- 1 part tequila or other white alcohol of choice
Shake the following ingredients together in a mixer: Ice, grapefruit juice, and tequila. Add club soda and desired herb sprig or edible flower and enjoy!
Rosemary Simple Syrup Recipe
- 1 part granulated sugar
- 1 part water
- 3 sprigs of rosemary
Bring to a simmer for 1 minute or until sugar is dissolved, take off heat, and let steep for 30 minutes, then strain, bottle, and enjoy!
Garnish Options
- Sprig of thyme
- Sprig of lavender
- Flower of a dianthus
- Petals of a marigold
