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Cocktails with herbs are becoming more and more popular - you can find out which herbs are particularly suitable for cocktails in our article.

Herbal cocktails are a real trend

For a long time, people thought of cocktails primarily as sweet, fruity drinks. In the meantime, however, the delicious long drinks offer significantly more flavor facets. Herb cocktails in particular have enjoyed increasing popularity in recent years and come up with playful aromas and surprising taste experiences. So it's no wonder that in many bars, in addition to classic cocktail herbs such as mint, more and more unusual herbs can be found. The delicious herbal cocktail recipes can be imitated wonderfully at home and ensure astonished looks. Here you can find out which garden herbs should not be missing from any cocktail evening.

1. Cocktails with mint

Mint (Mentha) in cocktails is probably the best-known use of a culinary herb in making beverages. Cocktails with mint, such as the mojito or the caipirinha, are among the classics at the bar and are still very popular. The fresh, menthol-like taste goes particularly well with both sweet and acidic drinks. The combination of mint with citrus fruits is particularly popular, as are non-alcoholic cocktails with sweet elderflower syrup. If you want to grow mint yourself, you are spoiled for choice, as there are almost 600 different varieties known. But which mint is suitable for cocktails? Traditionally, when preparing cocktails, spearmint (Mentha spicata) or mojito mint (Mentha nemerosa) are used, which have a slightly milder taste . Peppermint cocktails (Mentha × piperita) are also becoming increasingly popular, even if the plant has a much sharper menthol taste.

Mint is one of the cocktail classics

Tip: The cocktail with mint becomes particularly exciting if you use exotic varieties: pineapple mint (Mentha rotundifolia variegata), for example, is convincing scores with its fruity aroma and orange mint (mentha piperita var. citrata).with a playful citrus note.

2. Cocktails with Basil

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is known to many as a classic herb in Italian cuisine. In recent years, however, the Mediterranean spice has also made it into the glass: cocktails with basil have become increasingly popular since the invention of the gin basil or basil smash (a cocktail made from gin, lemon juice and basil). The floral-spicy and grassy taste harmonises wonderfully with acidity, which is why basil is primarily combined with citrus fruits. But basil also develops a special note with fruit or strawberries. In addition, fresh basil is considered extremely decorative in cocktails - but you should make sure that you mix the basil into the drink as freshly as possible, otherwise its leaves will quickly turn brown.

The basil smash is slowly becoming a cult cocktail

Tip: Fresh herbs are not only more decorative in cocktails, they often develop their aroma better. The herbal cocktail is particularly delicious when you use dewy herbs from the garden. Fortunately, growing herbs is relatively easy, so you can cultivate them not only in the garden, but also on the balcony or windowsill. For new herb lovers, a growing kit is recommended, such as our Plantura Herb Growing Kit, as it contains everything you need to get started with herb growing easily and offers a diverse selection of aromatic herbs for cocktails.

3. Rosemary Cocktails

Most people probably know the fragrant leaves and twigs of the herbaceous rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) as a spice for hearty meat and potato dishes. Thanks to its unique taste, the plant is now one of the most popular herbs - so it's no wonder that many people grow rosemary in their own gardens. But did you know that rosemary can also be used in cocktails? In fact, rosemary has been an important ingredient in the production of traditional herbal liqueurs for centuries, but recently it has also been popularly used fresh. Cocktails with rosemary and gin are particularly popular, with the resinous-bitter, ethereal scent being particularly effective. The rosemary cocktail also cuts a fine figure without alcohol and is optionally combined with citrus notes, but also with fruity juices, for example with peach. But the plant can not only score with taste - in cocktails, rosemary with its woody branches is an extremely decorative oneSight.

Sprigs of rosemary in the drink are extremely decorative

Tip: Rosemary in particular, but also some other herbs on this list, are also suitable as herbs for grilling. With their cultivation, you can season your food as well as prepare the cold drinks that are served with it.

4. Lemon Balm Cocktails

With its aromatic and fresh fragrance, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is perfect for use in delicious cocktails. The aromatic and easy-care herb is known for giving drinks and food a special touch and can be wonderfully combined. Lemon balm in cocktails is often used with other citrus flavors, such as lime and lemon. Popular as a lemon balm cocktail, for example, is a modification of the mojito. But also mixed with simple sparkling water and ice, the lemon balm convinces as a refreshing summer drink.

Balm is often combined with citrus aromas

5. Cocktails with sage

Sage (Salvia) is particularly known for its beneficial effects as a medicinal plant, but is also often used to flavor Mediterranean cuisine. The distinctive, slightly bitter aroma of sage does not only unfold in dishes and teas - sage can also convince in cocktails. So that the drink does not become too bitter, it is a good idea to choose a fruity-sweet counterpart for sage cocktails: pear, raspberry or melon aromas are rounded off with relish by the taste of sage. The combination of sage with gin, lemon juice and vanilla syrup is also very popular.

Sage should be combined with fruity-sweet juices
6. Cocktails with thyme

As a Mediterranean medicinal and culinary herb, thyme can be found in almost every garden. A fresh, aromatic tone with a slightly bitter note makes up the unmistakable taste of thyme. Cocktails with thyme therefore harmonize particularly well with fruity-berry notes. Raspberries and blackberries are therefore popular additions to thyme in cocktails. But the sweet and sour taste of apples or rhubarb can also be combined well with thyme. In addition to the classic garden thyme, lemon thyme (Thymus x citrodorus) is also suitable for mixing in cocktails: the slightly flowery and lemon-like scent is wonderful for making cocktails.

Thyme can also be used for cocktails

7. Lavender Cocktails

Thepurple flowers of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) are particularly decorative and exude an extremely pleasant scent. So it's no wonder that lavender is also often used in the preparation of cocktails: Cocktails with lavender are not only beautiful to look at, but also convince with their taste. The heavily perfumed, gently soapy note of lavender harmonizes best with elegant, mature flavors such as bitter orange or tonic. But lavender also goes well with dry sparkling wine.

Cocktails with lavender are eye-catchers

8. Lemongrass Cocktails

With its fresh, spicy note, lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a popular herb in Asian cuisine. The fresh taste coupled with the relatively easy cultivation of lemongrass makes the herb a welcome guest in any garden. Lemongrass also cuts a fine figure in cocktails: the fresh herb can be wonderfully mixed with a variety of other ingredients. In particular, tart flavors such as tonic water, gin and ginger are popular in combination with lemongrass, but it can be used in fruity-sweet cocktails. A stalk of lemongrass can also be used as an environmentally friendly stirrer.

A sprig of lemongrass is great for stirring

9. Cocktails with woodruff

Mean punch with woodruff (Galium odoratum) used to be an absolute classic, but today the herb is rarely found in drinks. It's a pity really, because woodruff is still convincing with its unique aroma, which is reminiscent of a hint of forest and vanilla. Traditionally, the sweet taste of woodruff is often combined with strawberries, lemon aromas or sparkling wine, but also with the tart notes of whiskey, gin or brandy.

Walsmeister punch is a real classic

Warning: Woodruff contains the ingredient coumarin, which has a liver-toxic effect. However, high doses of woodruff have to be eaten in order to achieve a harmful effect - adults can therefore enjoy the herb in household-typical amounts with peace of mind. Only children are not recommended to eat real woodruff.

10. Cocktails with tarragon

With its strong seasoning power, tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is traditionally used to refine fish and poultry dishes. The fine anise taste with spicy and bittersweet aromas is also ideal forSurprising cocktail creations: the tart aroma of the tarragon develops into a fantastic taste experience, especially in combination with fruity-sweet aromas such as kiwi or cherry. But the combination with fresh-sweet citrus aromas and gin makes the herb an enrichment for every cocktail evening.

Tarragon is best combined with sweet fruits

Tip: When using herbs in cocktails, you should always pay attention to organic quality to avoid contamination of the herbs with pesticide and fertilizer residues. It is even better to grow the herbs in your own garden. By choosing a peat-free organic herb soil, for example the Plantura organic herb and seed soil, you can optimally care for the herbs without having to resort to chemical additives or mineral fertilizers.

In order for the herbs for cocktails to be particularly aromatic, the right time to harvest is crucial. You can find out what you have to consider in our article on the subject of harvesting herbs.

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Garden Design