Herbs for Cocktails
Whether you are planting a dedicated edible cocktail garden, or keeping a fresh garnish collection on your windowsill, you can now harvest quality botanical ingredients to craft your own drinks. Find inspiration here using our herbs for cocktails and mocktails to transform simple mixers into sophisticated, artisanal masterpieces.
The Mixology Mints
Ideal for: Muddling, Garnishing, and Infusing.
Mojito Mint is the authentic choice for a Mojito. Grapefruit Mint and Lime Mint favourites for Gin. Try Grapefruit Mint to add a fruity undertone to a summery Pimms or Vodka soda.
Aromatic Spices & Basils
Ideal for: Complex, Savoury Cocktails and Syrups.
Thai Basil and Cinnamon Basil bring an exotic edge to drinks. Rosemary Barbecue provides long, sturdy stems that can be used as aromatic cocktail stirrers. Agastache Liquorice Blue to create a simple syrup.
Edible Floral Garnishes
Ideal for: Create the Wow Factor.
Borage flowers which taste like cucumber) and Viola tricolor are fabulous drink garnish. Freeze them into ice cubes for a stunning visual effect.
Browse Our Complete Range for Mixology
Need something specific? View all our potted herbs with filtering options, or go straight to
Mint varieties — essential for mojitos, juleps, and smashes
Thyme or Rosemary - earthy, savoury depth for whisky and gin
Five Ways To Use Cocktail Herbs
The Perfect Mojito:
- Use Mojito Mint—it has a milder, more rounded sweetness than standard garden mint, meaning it won't overpower your lime and rum. Or try Kentucky Colonel Mint for sweetness.
Herbal Syrups:
- Boil equal parts sugar and water with a handful of Lemon Verbena or Cinnamon Basil to create a custom simple syrup.
Aromatic Stirrers:
- Strip the lower leaves off a long stem of Rosemary or Lavender, leaving a tuft at the top, and use it to stir a Gin & Tonic.
Infused Ice Cubes:
- Place a single Borage flower or a small Mint leaf in each section of an ice tray before freezing. Fill half way and freeze, then fill further - this will keep the flower central in the cube.
Smoked Garnish:
- Lightly singe a sprig of Sage or Rosemary with a kitchen torch before placing it in the glass to release a sophisticated, smoky aroma.
Planting & care guide
Placement
Keep a Cocktail Herb Pot right outside your back door or on a kitchen windowsill so you can easily harvest whilst entertaining. Saves trudging down the garden mid flow.
Watering
Mints and Basils like plenty of water to keep their leaves succulent and juicy for muddling. Keep the Mint in a separate pot so it doesn't take over.
Harvesting
Always harvest the tip of the plants, cutting above the node directly above the leaves (no bear stem sticking up). This keeps them bushy and prevents them from flowering. Some herbs taste bitter if flowering, so this keeps them fresh and tasty.
Frequently Asked Questions: Growing & Using Cocktail Herbs
Which mint is best for a classic Mojito?
For an authentic taste, use Mojito Mint (Mentha x villosa). It offers a milder, rounded sweetness that complements rum and lime without the aggressive peppery bite of standard garden mint.
* Kentucky Colonel is another excellent sweet alternative for high-end mixology, although traditionally used to create the famed Mint Julep first served at the Kentucky Derby.
* Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is another altenative- it has a low menthol content, ensuring the drink remains sweet and refreshing rather than medicinal or peppery.
Tip:
Avoid Peppermints (Mentha x piperita)- these are too high in menthol and will over power the drink, instead keep with Mentha spicata cultivars.
How do I make edible flower ice cubes for drinks?
Place a single Borage flower or Viola in each section of an ice tray, fill halfway with water, and freeze. Once set, top up with more water and freeze again. This ensures the flower stays perfectly centered for a stunning visual effect that doesn't dilute your cocktail.
Can I use Rosemary as a cocktail stirrer?
Yes. Use a long stem of Rosemary Barbecue or another upright Rosemary. Strip the lower leaves to create a clean "skewer" and leave the aromatic tuft at the top. This adds a subtle evergreen scent to Gin & Tonics and savoury cocktails as you stir.
How do I make a herbal simple syrup at home?
Combine equal parts sugar and water in a pan and bring to a boil. Once the sugar dissolves, add a handful of fresh herbs like Lemon Verbena, Cinnamon Basil, or Agastache Liquorice Blue. Let it steep for 10–15 minutes, strain, and chill.
How do I keep my cocktail herbs from becoming bitter?
To maintain the best flavour, regularly harvest the "tips" of your plants. This encourages bushy growth and prevents the herb from flowering; once a plant flowers, the essential oils change, often making the leaves taste bitter or woody.
What is the best way to release the scent when creating a herbal garnish?
For woody herbs like Sage or Rosemary, lightly singe the sprig with a kitchen torch before serving to release a sophisticated smoky aroma. For leafy herbs like Mint, give the sprig a "slap" between your palms before placing it in the glass to bruise the leaves and release the essential oils.
Shop All Herbs for Cocktails & Mocktails
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Vendor: Thymus x citriodorusIn stock, ready to shipRegular price £3.95Sale price £3.95 Regular priceUnit price / per
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Vendor: Mentha x piperita f. vulgarisIn stock, ready to shipRegular price £3.95Sale price £3.95 Regular priceUnit price / per