A TASTE OF SUMMER
Cocktail ingredients you can grow in your garden
There’s nothing quite like summer to bring out the cocktail connoisseur in all of us.
But have you ever considered growing your own ingredients? Having fruits, herbs and plants on-hand in your garden or on your balcony can bring a unique twist to your cocktails and give you some inspiration for what to grow.
There are plenty of ingredients and Crown Gardens and Landscapes have selected some of the easiest and space-saving ones to give you a head-start. Plants like elderflower (not the stalks, these are poisonous), basil and rosemary are also great fragrant ingredients or alternatively you could try your hand at growing edible flowers to make your cocktails look pretty.
Dust off that cocktail shaker and get ready to grow some great ingredients, whatever your outdoor space looks like.
Lavender
One of the easiest plants to grow in your garden – hardy, drought resistant and great for attracting bees. It will survive in pots or in the ground. Lavender can be very bitter, so it’s best to create a simple lavender syrup with sugar and water to bring a wonderful fragrant tone to your cocktails.
Mint
Mint is also very easy to grow, either in pots on your windowsills, as it can get out of control really easily and take over your garden. Perfect in Mojitos, Mint Julep and Old Cuban cocktails.
Cucumber
Cucumbers require a warm, sheltered spot in your garden or a greenhouse, it’s a great addition to your summer Pimms, gin and tonics and cocktails. Cool, refreshing and versatile, you can even freeze slices of cucumber to act as ice cubes to keep your drinks cool.
Strawberries
Despite what you might think, strawberries are relatively easy to grow and the plants last for about 3 to 4 years. And even if you’re limited on outside space, you can grow strawberries in hanging baskets too.
They can be used whole or blended down into a puree for cocktails, you can pop one in your glass of prosecco, use the puree to create a summery classic strawberry daiquiri or freeze to use as a fruity ice cube.
If you still need a little help, Crown Gardens and Landscapes can show you how.
Go to https://crowngardensandlandscapes.co.uk, email info@crowngardensandlandscapes.co.uk
or call 07879 552227