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Mint
Mint is easy to grow and you can use it for so many different cocktails. Also it smells great! There are many varieties of mint, but spearmint, peppermint, and chocolate mint are probably the most commonly found in nurseries. Definitely plant mint in containers as it will take over your garden if left to its own devices. Makes a great simple syrup!
Use in:
- Mojitos
- Mint Julep
- Southside
- As a garnish
Basil
A great culinary herb, basil also works well in cocktails, giving them a savory twist. Basil is a sun loving plant that’s sensitive to cold, so make sure there’s no risk of freezing temperatures where you plant it (or you can grow it indoors!). Add some basil to your next gin gimlet, garnish your Bloody Mary with a few leaves, muddle some basil with a few strawberries and make yourself a whiskey smash.
Use in:
- Mojitos
- Mint Julep
- Southside
- As a garnish
Rosemary
Rosemary Syrup Cocktails from Food and Wine
This Mediterranean plant doesn’t need much water once established and, while it can grow large if unattended, regular pruning will keep it the size you need. Especially great for fall cocktails, rosemary is perfect for garnishes and homemade syrups, and friendly with grapefruit and cranberry.
Use in:
- Mojitos
- Mint Julep
- Southside
- As a garnish
Lemon Verbena
Minty Cocktails for Summer from Imbibe Magazine
I love verbena because it smells amazing and is a slightly less common addition to the garden. It makes a lovely syrup or a fragrant garnish, and plays well with clear and floral spirits like gin and pisco. Makes a great addition to a spiked lemonade!
Use in:
- Mojitos
- Mint Julep
- Southside
- As a garnish
Written by Nat Harry
Nat Harry curates the spirits portfolio at Cask stores, including selecting many of the shop’s single barrels and agave club offerings. A career bartender, Nat fell in love with artisan spirits while running a farm to table bar program at Berkeley’s Revival Bar & Kitchen, and has received accolades including the East Bay Express award for Best Bartender in the East Bay.
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