Here’s How You Can Grow A Cocktail Garden Filled With Herbs To Enjoy At Happy Hour
Picture hosting a sunny afternoon get-together with all of your friends, who can’t stop marveling over the drinks you’ve served – each beautifully garnished with herbs and fruits from your very own garden.
No, this isn’t some fantasy only lived out by Hampton’s moms during the summer months. Rather, creating a “cocktail garden” is completely achievable for anyone, allowing you to elevate your bartending game to a whole new level of flair and flavor.
So, no matter how much space you have – from a sprawling backyard to a modest balcony – curating a thoughtful cocktail garden can help add a personal touch to every sip.
What Is A Cocktail Garden?
A cocktail garden is a dedicated space, either in-ground or in containers, where you grow a variety of herbs, edible flowers, and fruits specifically chosen to enhance and garnish cocktails.
Unlike a typical vegetable garden, a cocktail garden focuses on aroma, flavor, and aesthetic appeal – traits that make each ingredient ideal for mixology.
From aromatic herbs that can be muddled or infused into drinks to vibrant fruits and flowers that add color and flavor, a cocktail garden is both a functional and beautiful addition to your home, offering fresh ingredients just steps from your door.
Planning Your Cocktail Garden
Before you even think about planting, you must consider your space and climate.
Caterina Trimarchi – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only
Most cocktail-friendly plants require plenty of sunlight, so be sure to choose a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
If you’re working with limited space, container gardening can also be a great alternative. You should opt for containers that offer enough depth for root development and ensure they have proper drainage.
Next, planning what to plant is just as crucial. Focus on herbs and fruits that you tend to enjoy in your drinks and that can grow well in your local climate.
The Best Plants For Your Cocktail Garden
First of all, basil is a must-have for its sweet and peppery aroma – which is perfect for adding a fresh twist to summer cocktails. This herb thrives in warm conditions and needs well-draining soil. Also, be sure to keep the soil moist and pinch off flowering tops to encourage bushier growth.
Thyme is another great addition, bringing a subtle, earthy flavor that’s ideal for cocktails like Bloody Marys or whiskey smashes. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Plus, this hardy herb requires less watering than basil, making it a great low-maintenance option.
Next, with its woody scent and a hint of lemon, rosemary is fantastic in gin-based drinks. This plant just needs full sun and can tolerate drought, making it perfect for gardeners in warmer climates. Additionally, be sure to plant it in loose, sandy soil and water infrequently.
We can’t forget about mint, either. This versatile and invigorating herb is a classic in mojitos and juleps. Just remember that it’s best to plant mint in separate containers as it can aggressively spread. Also, keep the soil consistently moist and harvest regularly to prevent it from taking over.
Last but not least, for a sweeter garnish, you should consider adding strawberries to your cocktail garden. They do require rich, fertile soil and plenty of sunlight. Regular watering and mulching will also help maintain moisture levels and suppress weeds, ensuring you get a juicy harvest.
Harvesting Your Cocktail Garden
The best part about growing a cocktail garden is you’ll get to harvest your herbs within just a few months. Plus, you only have to harvest what you need to create some stunning beverages for afternoon soirees, poolside lounging, or at-home date nights.
Just keep in mind that the best time to harvest herbs is in the morning when their essential oils are at their peak. You should use sharp scissors to cut what you need, allowing the plants to continue growing.
As for strawberries, you can pick them as soon as they’re ripe to encourage more fruit production.
Dry And Store Your Herbs For Extended Use
Drying herbs is also a simple, handy solution for extending their life. All you have to do is tie the stems together in a loose bundle and hang them upside down in a dry, ventilated area.
Then, once they’re dried out, store your herbs in airtight containers away from direct sunlight to preserve their flavors.
Crafting Cocktails From Your Garden
Getting to experiment with the fruits of your labor will arguably be the most exciting part of this gardening journey.
You can use fresh basil for a herbaceous twist on a classic gimlet or infuse your simple syrup with rosemary for a fragrant touch in a Collins.
You can even muddle strawberries and mint for a refreshing daiquiri or simply garnish your favorite tonic with a sprig of thyme. The possibilities are, quite literally, as vast as your garden.
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