Herbs for cocktails: The tastiest drinks

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

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 the preparation of drinks. 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 Grow your own mint If you want, you are spoiled for choice, because there are almost 600 different known variations. But which mint is suitable for cocktails? When preparing cocktails, green mint (Mentha spicata) or the mojito mint (Mentha nemerosa) is used, the taste of which is somewhat milder. But also cocktails with peppermint (mentha × piperita) are becoming increasingly popular, even if the plant has a much sharper menthol taste.

tip: The cocktail with mint becomes particularly exciting when you use exotic varieties: pineapple mint (Mentha rotundifolia variegata) impresses, for example, with its fruity aroma and orange mint (Mentha piperita var. citrate) scores with a playful citrus note.

2. Cocktails with basil

basil (Ocimum basilicum) is known to many only as a herb in Italian cuisine. In recent years, however, the Mediterranean spice has also made it into the glass: cocktails with basil have been gaining popularity since the Invention of the Gin Basil or Basil Smash (a cocktail made with gin, lemon juice and basil) gained increasing popularity. 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 in the cocktail is considered extremely decorative - but you should make sure that that you mix the basil into the drink as freshly as possible, otherwise its leaves will turn brown quickly will.

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. A growing set like ours is recommended for new herb lovers Plantura herb growing set, because this contains all the necessary things for an easy start in herb cultivation and offers a diverse selection of aromatic herbs for cocktails.

3. Cocktails with rosemary

The fragrant leaves and sprigs of herbaceous rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) most probably know 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 Grow rosemary in your own garden. 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 sight.

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 scent, the lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) perfectly suited 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.

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 can be used with sage cocktails, a fruity-sweet one Opponents to choose from: pear, raspberry or melon aroma becomes pleasurable with the taste of sage rounded. The combination of sage with gin, lemon juice and vanilla syrup is also very popular.

6. Cocktails with thyme

As a Mediterranean medicinal and kitchen herb one finds thyme 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 is also suitable (thymus x citrodorus) for cocktail mixing: The slightly flowery and lemony fragrance is ideal for preparing cocktails.

7. Cocktails with lavender

The purple flowers of lavenders (Lavandula angustifolia) are particularly decorative and exude an extremely pleasant scent. No wonder, then, 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 The 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.

8. Lemongrass cocktails

With its fresh, spicy note, lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) a popular herb in Asian cuisine. The fresh taste paired with the relatively simple 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 is also suitable as an environmentally friendly stirring stick.

9. Cocktails with woodruff

Maibowle used to be with me woodruff (Galium odoratum) an absolute classic, 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.

Attention: 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. The consumption of real woodruff is only not recommended for children.

10. Cocktails with tarragon

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

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. Here you can by choosing a peat-free organic herbal soil, for example the Plantura organic herb and seed soil, which optimally supply 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 need to consider in our article on the subject harvest herbs.