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Flowers for Cocktails: How to Turn Your Garden into a Mixologist’s Paradise?

Flowers for Cocktails: How to Turn Your Garden into a Mixologist’s Paradise?

Have you ever sipped on a fancy cocktail and admired the gorgeous little flower perched on the rim? Like me, you probably wondered one of two things: “Can I eat this” and I also want a pretty little flower like this in my small garden? Well… the good news is you can! Did you know that… you can plant wide a variety of edible flowers that are perfect for cocktails in your very own boozy garden. These flowers for cocktails will not only make your drinks strikingly beautiful but also make your cocktails absolutely yummylicious!

a glass with flowers for cocktails in a garden

So today my boozy loving friends you are in for a treat as today, I’ll be sharing 10 stunning edible flowers that you can grow right now in your garden. These flowers for cocktails are divided into two categories: 5 for adding an eye-catching garnish (non-toxic, of course) and 5 for their intense flavors that add real depth to your drinks.

BUT!!! And a massive BUT… Before we dive in, let me drop a super important disclaimer: Not ALL flowers are edible, and some are toxic… enough to ruin your day or even worse! So, I do encourage you to always do your research before munching on a bloom.

Here are 10 beautiful but yet toxic flowers to avoid like the COVID plague:

(Please people… I cannot stress this enough: These are only 10 examples and there are many more. Do your research. If in doubt… leave it out. And whatever you do don’t bring these flowers anywhere near food or should not be consumed.)

  • Lilies
  • Oleander
  • Foxglove
  • Daffodils
  • Poppies
  • Hydrangeas
  • Rhododendrons
  • Buttercups
  • Azaleas
  • Morning Glory

Now with that out of the way! Let’s get our hands dirty and get ready to grow some flowers for cocktails in our little gartender / boozy garden.

5 Flowers for Cocktails: Perfect for Pretty Garnishes

These flowers for cocktails look absolutely stunning in a glass, bringing elegance and a little je ne sais quoi to your boozy drinks. Don’t worry, these are not poisonous – in actual fact they are the complete opposite. They have added health benefits! Now our boozy drinks are considered health drink!

Nasturtiums

flowers for cocktails - nasturtiums

  • Looks, Smells & Tastes Like: These bright, trumpet-shaped blooms come in fiery oranges, yellows, and reds. They have a mild peppery taste, almost like arugula.
  • Health Benefits: Nasturtiums are rich in Vitamin C and have antibacterial properties—functional and fabulous!
  • How to Plant: Plant nasturtium seeds in spring. They thrive in poor, well-draining soil and love full sunlight.
  • Garden Benefits: Nasturtiums attract pollinators like bees and can also keep pests like aphids away.
  • Flavor Profile: Subtly spicy with fresh, green undertones.
  • Why Use in a Cocktail? The bright colors make cocktails look playful and vibrant, while the peppery taste adds a subtle kick.

How to use Nasturtiums in your cocktails?

  1. Gin and tonic with floating nasturtium petals.
  2. Spicy Bloody Mary with a nasturtium garnish.
  3. Cucumber vodka spritz with nasturtium leaves.
  4. Elderflower Collins garnished with nasturtiums.
  5. Citrus mocktail with colorful nasturtium blooms.

Viola (Violets)


  • Looks, Smells & Tastes Like: Violas are delicate flowers with five petals and come in a variety of colours ranging from purples and blues to yellows and whites. Violas are known for their gentle and sweet fragrance and are mild and slightly sweet, with a hint of floral notes.
  • Health Benefits: A good source of vitamin C, which is essential for a strong immune system. Viola flowers have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help reduce inflammation and fight infections.
  • How to Plant: Sow seeds indoors before transplanting them to your garden. They like well-draining soil and partial shade.
    Best Time to Plant: Late winter or early spring.
  • Benefit for the Garden: Attracts pollinators like bees, helping your garden thrive.
  • Flavour Profile: Subtle and sweet.
  • Why Use in Cocktails: Adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of color to drinks.
  • How to Use: Add a single viola flower as a garnish on top of your cocktail.

Viola Cocktail Ideas:

  1. Viola Vodka Lemonade
  2. Sweet Viola Sangria
  3. Viola Infused Martini
  4. Floral Viola Collins
  5. Sweet Viola Daiquiri

Borage


  • Looks, Smells & Tastes Like: Borage flowers are star-shaped and a stunning blue. They have a mild cucumber flavor.
  • Health Benefits: Known for anti-inflammatory properties.
  • How to Plant: Plant borage seeds in spring in full sun. It grows quickly and requires minimal care.
  • Garden Benefits: Borage is loved by bees and helps enrich soil quality.
  • Flavor Profile: Refreshing and slightly sweet cucumber.
  • Why Use in a Cocktail? They’re beautiful, refreshing, and perfect for summer drinks.

How to use Borage in Cocktails:

  1. Gin fizz with borage flowers.
  2. Cucumber cooler with borage-infused ice cubes.
  3. Lemonade spritzer garnished with borage.
  4. Vodka and elderflower tonic with borage blooms.
  5. Cucumber-lime mojito with borage leaves.

Pelargonium (Scented Geraniums)


  • Looks, Smells & Tastes Like: These blooms have delicate petals and come in various scents—lemon, rose, or mint. The flavor depends on the variety!
  • Health Benefits: Some varieties are used for their calming properties and as natural air fresheners.
  • How to Plant: Plant in spring in sunny areas with well-draining soil.
  • Garden Benefits: They repel mosquitoes and add a delightful fragrance to your garden.
  • Flavor Profile: Citrusy, rosy, or minty, depending on the variety.
  • Why Use in a Cocktail? They’re versatile and add both beauty and subtle flavor to drinks.

5 Scented Geranium Cocktail Ideas:

  1. Rose-Scented Gin SpritzGin, rose water, soda water, and a splash of tonic, garnished with rose petals for a floral twist.
  2. Lemon Geranium MojitoRum, lemon juice, geranium syrup, and fresh mint, garnished with geranium leaves for a refreshing herbaceous drink.
  3. Mint Geranium Iced Tea with VodkaVodka, iced tea, mint, and geranium leaves, garnished with fresh mint for a cooling summer drink.
  4. Gin Collins with Geranium Ice CubesGin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and soda water, with geranium-infused ice cubes to slowly release the flavor.
  5. Rosé Sangria with Scented Geranium GarnishRosé wine, citrus juices, and sliced fruits, garnished with scented geranium leaves for a fragrant finish.


Vygies

  • Looks, Smells & Tastes Like: Vygies are small, jewel-like flowers with bright pinks, purples, and yellows. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
  • Health Benefits: These hardy plants are known for being water-wise and excellent in drought conditions.
  • How to Plant: Plant vygies in autumn or spring in sandy, well-draining soil.
  • Garden Benefits: They’re low-maintenance and perfect for hot, dry climates.
  • Flavor Profile: Mild and fresh with subtle sweetness.
  • Why Use in a Cocktail? They add a pop of color without overpowering your drink.

How to use Vygies in a cocktail?

  1. Sparkling water and fruit punch garnished with vygies.
  2. Citrus gin spritzer with vygie petals.
  3. Summer sangria with edible vygies.
  4. Vygie-infused lemonade.
  5. Vodka cooler with vygie ice cubes.

5 Flowers for Cocktails: Pretty but Bursting with Flavour

Hibiscus


  • Looks, Smells & Tastes Like: Hibiscus flowers are bold, and come in a huge variety of bright colours. They are slightly tart very similar to cranberries.
  • Health Benefits: Hibiscus is packed with antioxidants and can help lower blood pressure.
  • How to Plant: Plant in warm spring soil with plenty of sun and water. Hibiscus thrives in tropical and subtropical climates.
  • Garden Benefits: Its large, eye-catching blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
  • Flavor Profile: Tangy, tart, and slightly fruity.
  • Why Use in a Cocktail? The vibrant colourful petals look stunning, and the tart flavor works perfectly for syrups and teas.

Hibiscus Cocktail Ideas:

  1. Hibiscus MargaritaTequila, lime juice, hibiscus syrup, and a splash of orange liqueur, garnished with a hibiscus flower.
  2. Hibiscus and Rum PunchRum, hibiscus tea, pineapple juice, and a touch of grenadine, garnished with hibiscus petals.
  3. Sparkling Hibiscus SpritzSparkling water, hibiscus syrup, and a splash of prosecco, garnished with a hibiscus flower.
  4. Hibiscus Iced Tea with VodkaHibiscus-infused iced tea, vodka, and a squeeze of fresh citrus, garnished with hibiscus petals.
  5. Hibiscus Gin SourGin, lemon juice, hibiscus syrup, and egg white, shaken until frothy and garnished with a hibiscus flower.

African Blue Basil


  • Looks, Smells & Tastes Like: This unique basil hybrid features purple flowers and leaves. It smells earthy, spicy, and slightly minty with a touch of cloves.
  • Health Benefits: Basil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
  • How to Plant: Plant in spring in well-draining soil and full sun. It loves warmth and grows well in pots.
  • Garden Benefits: Attracts bees, deters pests, and provides a beautiful aroma.
  • Flavor Profile: Strong and spicy with hints of clove and mint.
  • Why Use in a Cocktail? It offers intense, herbaceous notes that pair well with citrus and spirits.

African Blue Inspired Cocktails

  1. Basil Smash with African Blue BasilGin, lemon juice, and fresh African blue basil for a refreshing, herby smash.
  2. Basil-Infused Vodka LemonadeVodka, fresh lemonade, and African blue basil, garnished with basil leaves.
  3. Basil and Grapefruit Gin SpritzerGin, fresh grapefruit juice, and African blue basil, topped with soda water.
  4. Basil Mojito with LimeRum, lime juice, mint, and African blue basil for a unique twist on the classic mojito.
  5. Basil Margarita with Clove NotesTequila, lime juice, clove syrup, and African blue basil, garnished with basil leaves.

Bergamot


  • Looks, Smells & Tastes Like: Bergamot blooms are bright, vibrant, and tubular, often in shades of red, pink, or purple. The scent is a mix of citrus and spice, and the flavor is herbal with a light citrus undertone.
  • Health Benefits: Bergamot is known for aiding digestion and reducing stress.
  • How to Plant: Plant in spring in moist, well-draining soil. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
  • Garden Benefits: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds while repelling pests.
  • Flavor Profile: Herbal, citrusy, and slightly spicy.
  • Why Use in a Cocktail? It’s bold and unique, with citrusy notes that pair beautifully with gin or sparkling drinks.

How you can add Bergamot to your Cocktail

  1. Earl Grey Gin and TonicGin and tonic with Earl Grey tea and bergamot petals for a sophisticated twist.
  2. Bergamot Lemonade Spritzer Sparkling water, fresh lemonade, and bergamot essence, garnished with bergamot petals.
  3. Bergamot-Infused Gin FizzGin, lemon juice, and bergamot syrup, topped with soda water.
  4. Citrus Martini with Bergamot Garnish Vodka, lemon juice, and a touch of bergamot, garnished with bergamot petals.
  5. Bergamot Iced Tea CocktailBergamot-infused tea, vodka, and a squeeze of fresh citrus.

Dandelion


  • Looks, Smells & Tastes Like: Often dismissed as a weed, the dandelion boasts bright yellow blooms with a slightly earthy, honey-like flavor. The petals are delicate, while the greens have a bitter edge.
  • Health Benefits: Despite its “weedy” reputation, dandelions are packed with nutrients like Vitamins A, C, and K. They’re known to aid digestion, act as a natural diuretic, and detoxify the liver. Who knew a “pesky weed” could be so healthy?
  • How to Plant: Dandelions practically grow themselves, but if you want to cultivate them intentionally, sow seeds in early spring in a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
  • Garden Benefits: Dandelions attract bees and improve soil health by breaking up compacted dirt with their deep roots.
  • Flavor Profile: Earthy, mildly sweet, and slightly bitter, with a floral note in the petals.
  • Why Use in a Cocktail? The petals add a sunny, whimsical charm to drinks, and the flavor can bring depth to floral syrups, teas, or infusions.

5 Uses of using Dandelion in a Cocktail:

  1. Dandelion Honey Whiskey SourA sweet twist on the classic, using dandelion-infused honey.
  2. Dandelion Gin FizzLight and refreshing, with dandelion syrup and a sprig of petals for garnish.
  3. Dandelion MojitoFresh mint, rum, and a splash of dandelion syrup for added complexity.
  4. Dandelion Lemon SpritzProsecco with dandelion syrup, lemon juice, and soda water.
  5. Dandelion Iced Tea CocktailBourbon or vodka mixed with dandelion tea, honey, and a squeeze of lemon.

Red Clover


  • Looks, Smells & Tastes Like: Red clover produces small, rounded clusters of purple-pink flowers that add a delicate pop of color to your garden and glass. The taste is subtly sweet with faint hints of vanilla and earthy undertones.
  • Health Benefits: Red clover is a powerhouse in disguise. It’s packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals and is traditionally used to improve circulation, balance hormones, and boost immunity. Did you know this pretty flower could be so good for you?
  • How to Plant: Sow seeds in spring or early autumn in well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight. Red clover is drought-tolerant and thrives in most South African climates.
  • Garden Benefits: Red clover is a nitrogen-fixing plant, meaning it improves soil quality naturally. It also attracts bees and butterflies, making your garden a pollinator’s paradise.
  • Flavor Profile: Lightly sweet, floral, and earthy, with a faint touch of vanilla.
  • Why Use in a Cocktail? Red clover petals add a beautiful blush of pink to drinks while offering a subtle sweetness perfect for syrups and garnishes.

Red Clover Inspired Cocktails

  1. Red Clover Lemon MartiniVodka, lemon juice, and a touch of red clover syrup for a floral twist.
  2. Red Clover SpritzerSparkling water, white wine, and red clover syrup, garnished with petals.
  3. Red Clover Honey Old Fashioned Classic bourbon cocktail sweetened with clover honey and garnished with petals.
  4. Clover Gin FizzGin, lemon juice, and red clover syrup, topped with soda water.
  5. Pink Clover Iced Tea CocktailRed clover-infused tea, vodka, and a squeeze of fresh citrus.

Conclusion

And there you have it! 10 beautiful flowers that will not only turn your garden into a dazzling oasis but will also take your cocktail creations to the next level! Just imagine sipping on a vibrant, spicy Nasturtium Margarita or a delicate Viola Vodka Lemonade, while impressing your guests that these pretty blooms came straight from your boozy garden. Growing flowers for cocktails is not only a fun and rewarding hobby but also practical. Not only do these beautiful flowers brighten up your garden, but they also attract helpful pollinators and add a pizzazz to your drinks.

So why not get started on this blooming boozy adventure today?

Stay tuned for Part II, where I’ll reveal even more beautiful flowers for your boozy or non-boozy cocktails and how you can elevate your drinks game to really impress your guests.

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