Nothing adds a touch of freshness and beauty to a beverage like a well-placed garnish.
And what better way to elevate your drink than by using garnishes straight from your own garden?
Growing your own garnishes not only guarantees their freshness but also allows you to experiment with unique flavours and designs.
In this blog, i'll explore a variety of garnishes you can grow in your garden to enhance the aesthetics and taste of your favourite beverages.
Let's dive in!
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Mint: Mint is a classic garnish known for its refreshing aroma and taste. It pairs well with various drinks like mojitos, iced teas, lemonades, and cocktails. Growing mint in your garden is relatively easy, as it thrives in both pots and garden beds. Ensure you give it enough space as it tends to spread quickly.
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Basil: Basil is not just for savoury dishes! This versatile herb can add a delightful twist to your drinks. Lemon basil and Thai basil work exceptionally well in cocktails, while sweet basil pairs beautifully with fruit-based beverages. Plant basil in a sunny spot in well-drained soil, and you'll have a fresh supply of fragrant leaves for your drinks.
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Rosemary: Known for its distinct aroma, rosemary makes a stunning garnish for cocktails and mocktails alike. Its woody stems and needle-like leaves lend a unique visual appeal. Rosemary also infuses a subtle earthy flavour into drinks. Grow rosemary in a sunny spot with well-draining soil and watch it flourish.
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Lavender: Lavender not only adds an elegant touch to drinks but also imparts a soothing aroma. Use fresh lavender sprigs to garnish lemonades, herbal teas, or even champagne cocktails. Lavender plants require well-draining soil, abundant sunlight, and occasional pruning to promote healthy growth.
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Thyme: With its delicate leaves and aromatic profile, thyme adds a wonderful savoury element to cocktails and mocktails. Lemon thyme and orange thyme varieties bring a citrusy note to drinks. Thyme thrives in sunny spots with well-drained soil and requires moderate watering.
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Edible Flowers: Nothing captures attention like a drink adorned with beautiful, edible flowers. Nasturtiums, pansies, and violets are popular choices. These vibrant blossoms not only create a stunning visual display but also contribute subtle floral flavours. Ensure you choose organic flowers and research which ones are safe to consume before using them as garnishes.
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Citrus Slices: When life gives you lemons (and oranges), use them as drink garnishes! Citrus slices provide a burst of colour and a zesty kick to a wide range of beverages. Lemon, lime, and orange slices can be added to water, soda, cocktails, or even herbal teas. Plus, they're incredibly easy to grow in most climates.
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Cucumber: Cucumber slices are not only a refreshing addition to spa waters but also lend a cool and crisp touch to cocktails and mocktails. Plant cucumbers in containers or garden beds with good sunlight and keep the soil consistently moist for optimal growth.
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Berries: If you have space in your garden, consider growing berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. Not only are they delicious on their own, but they also make delightful garnishes for fruity drinks. Simply pluck a few berries and place them on the rim or float them in the glass to impress your guests.
By growing your own garnishes in your garden, you can elevate your drinks to new heights. Whether it's the refreshing mint, the aromatic basil, or the colourful edible flowers, these garden-fresh garnishes add beauty, flavour, and a personal touch to your beverages. Experiment with different combinations and let your creativity flow.
Cheers to garden-to-glass delights!
Phil
Founder of All Gardening
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The Growing All Gardening podcast with Phil Argent. Short personal stories, moments, ideas discussed. Just you and me. No ads, no guests.
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