Garden Cocktails: Bringing Fresh Flavors to Your Glass

As the warm days settle in and sunlight stretches its reach, it's the perfect moment to explore your garden’s hidden treasures. Harness the essence of your garden, bringing fresh flavors right to your glass. First published in Edible Monterey Bay Magazine.

Words + Photography by: Paulette Phlipot

The Joy of Cocktail Hour

That cherished time of day has finally arrived; it’s time to slow down and relax with friends. When cocktail hour rolls around, I love to bring the garden to our glasses. I aim to create something refreshing and flavorful using just-picked ingredients, while also adding a bit of nourishment. In all my kitchen endeavors, preparation and techniques remain simple.

Utilizing Local Ingredients

Everything is rooted in making good use of the herbs and produce that have arrived in our weekly CSA farm share, what we’ve picked up at the farmers’ market, and what is growing in our backyard. Allowing locally grown, seasonal ingredients to drive my cocktail creations helps limit the number of decisions I need to make. Bringing the backyard garden to the glass does not need to be complicated.

Simple Garnishes Make a Big Impact

Simple garnishes from the garden can create exquisite results, even on the busiest weeknights. Calendula flowers are one of my favorite garnishes; they consistently bring sunshine to the glass. Adding a sprig of lavender to a drink instantly evokes calmness and tranquility. Any edible plant can be used as a garnish: rosemary, mint, purple Thai basil, and flowers like marigolds, nasturtiums, and borage.

Infusing Alcohol for Clean Flavors

Infusing alcohol with herbs, fruits, vegetables, and flowers produces clean flavors and often gorgeous colors. If you're short on time, blending herbs with alcohol and straining them works wonders for last-minute get-togethers. Other ingredients, such as beets, transfer their earthy flavor quickly and add vibrant color. However, be mindful not to let them infuse for more than a few days. Nasturtium leaves and flowers, on the other hand, benefit from a longer infusion period, often a few weeks, to transfer their trademark peppery flavor.

Crafting Flavorful Syrups

Infusing syrups with garden treasures is another way to elevate your cocktail skills. Start by making a simple syrup. Combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar and bring it to a boil. Alternatively, you can use 1 part local honey to 1 part warm water and stir to dissolve. After that, add 1/2 to 1 cup of your desired herb, such as mint, rosemary, or French tarragon, and let the mixture steep until cool. Then strain and store the syrup in the refrigerator.

These cocktails are crafted just like I approach making all of our meals—nothing too fussy, always whole ingredients, not too sweet, while always incorporating an element of fresh greens. I reach into our garden and rely on local farms to bring flavor and nourishment to the glasses that my friends and family gather to enjoy!

Elevating Your Cocktail Game

When trying to elevate your cocktail creations, don't hesitate to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. As you explore the vast landscape of your garden, you will discover new possibilities that surprise and delight your palate. Remember to keep your preparations simple and joyful; cooking and mixing should be a relaxing experience.

Seasonal Ingredients Shine

Taking advantage of seasonal ingredients is one of the best ways to create cocktails that are not only tasty but are also visually appealing. Each season brings its own unique flavors and colors. In the summer, for example, ripe tomatoes and robust basil can create refreshing summer cocktails. As autumn rolls in, the spices of the season, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, can add warmth to your drinks.

Importance of Presentation

Don't forget about presentation! The way you serve your cocktails can enhance the drinking experience. Serve your drinks in beautiful glasses. Garnishing your beverages with fresh herbs or edible flowers can make even a simple drink feel extraordinary. A well-presented drink often tastes better, as it engages more of the senses.

Sharing the Experience

Cocktail hour can also be an event that brings people together. Share your cocktail creations with friends and family. Invite them to join you in crafting their own cocktails. This not only fosters creativity but also creates wonderful memories. Sharing stories and laughter over homemade drinks makes for meaningful connections.

In conclusion, making garden cocktails is a rewarding experience that combines the beauty of nature with the joy of creating. By using fresh and seasonal ingredients, simple garnishes, and delightful syrups, you can transform your cocktail hour into a delightful celebration. So, gather your friends, embrace the bounty of your garden, and toast to good health!

Happy mixing!