{"id":14223,"date":"2025-04-30T03:06:35","date_gmt":"2025-04-30T07:06:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/miami\/?p=14223"},"modified":"2025-04-30T03:06:35","modified_gmt":"2025-04-30T07:06:35","slug":"garden-secret-to-refreshing-drinks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/miami\/2025\/04\/30\/garden-secret-to-refreshing-drinks\/","title":{"rendered":"Garden Secret to Refreshing Drinks"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Secret to Refreshing Cocktails and Mocktails<\/h1>\n

Introduction to Garden Fresh Drinks<\/h2>\n

If you enjoy a tasty, refreshing summer cocktail or mocktail, why not grow your own? No, you\u2019re not likely to grow the spirits \u2014 although they do come from plants (vodka from potatoes, tequila from agave and so on). But you can grow other ingredients that make those spirits delicious.<\/p>\n

Growing Your Own Ingredients<\/h2>\n

The easiest herb to grow for your cocktails or mocktails is mint. It\u2019s so easy it may take over your garden if you aren\u2019t careful, so plant it in a pot and keep the pot away from the soil. Place the pot in full sun and water it regularly. In a few short weeks, you\u2019ll be able to pluck its leaves to liven up your lemonade or mint julep.<\/p>\n

Tips for Growing Mint and Other Flavorful Herbs<\/h3>\n

Mint is available in several varieties. My favorite is spearmint, but peppermint is classic. Chocolate mint, pineapple mint, and apple mint each have their charms, named for the scents and flavors they impart. There\u2019s even a specialty variety called Cuban mint, an authentic choice for mojitos.<\/p>\n

Basil, too, is available in several cocktail-worthy varieties. Genovese, the Italian variety often paired with tomatoes, works equally well in beverages, as do lemon and cinnamon varieties. Plant them in full sun and provide water, but account for your climate and take care not to over- or underwater them. Remove flower stalks, if they appear, to prevent the leaves from turning bitter.<\/p>\n

Lemon verbena smells heavenly and pairs as well with a gin and tonic as it does with sparkling water. Most herbs don\u2019t usually require supplemental nutrients, but lemon verbena benefits from monthly applications of organic liquid fertilizer. Water plants when the soil begins to dry out; overwatering may lead to root rot.<\/p>\n

When I have guests, I often muddle sage leaves with 1 ounce each of vodka and ginger liquor, then add to a glass with 4 ounces of ginger beer, and pineapple and lime juices to taste. It\u2019s as simple as can be \u2014 and just as impressive.<\/p>\n

Harvesting Herbs for the Best Flavor<\/h3>\n

For the most concentrated flavor, harvest herbs in mid-morning, after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot. In my garden, that means around 10 a.m. Place them, stem side down, in a glass of water indoors, out of direct sunlight, until happy hour.<\/p>\n

Other Garden Fresh Ingredients<\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t forget the strawberries (bonus: The plants come back every year in horticultural zones 4-9) and cucumbers, both mandatory components of a proper British Pimm\u2019s cup, one of my favorite summertime cocktails.<\/p>\n

I make mine by packing a highball glass with thinly shaved cucumber, sliced strawberries, mint, and a couple of sliced mandarin rounds, then topping it with 1 1\/2 ounces of Pimm\u2019s No. 1 liquor and 4 ounces of lemonade or lemon-lime soda.<\/p>\n

And if you like your drinks spicy, muddle a red-ripe slice of jalapeno with lime juice and pour a shot of tequila over it, then add your choice of mixer. Or drink it straight. I\u2019m not judging you. I\u2019m just the garden lady.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

Growing your own ingredients for cocktails and mocktails can add a fresh and exciting twist to your summer drinks. With a little creativity and some basic gardening skills, you can create delicious and unique beverages that will impress your friends and family.<\/p>\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n