Unearthing the Key Ingredients to Crafting a Refreshing Mixed Drink at Home: Find the Perfect Blend in Your Backyard
** transformed article **
Craving a tasty, refreshing summer cocktail or mocktail? Level up your DIY game by growing your own mixers and garnishes!
No, you don't need to cultivate the spirits—though they originated from plants (like potatoes for vodka and agave for tequila). Instead, let's focus on growing the delectable ingredients that transform those spirits into heavenly concoctions.
Mint is a cinch to grow, even for those with a brown thumb. Don't be fooled; it may take over your garden if you're not careful, so plant it in a pot and keep it away from the soil. Pop it in the full sun and water it whenever it seems thirsty. In a few brief weeks, you'll be able to pluck its leaves to perk up your lemonade or mint julep.
To get creative, play around with various mint varieties. My top pick is spearmint, but peppermint is a classic choice. Chocolate mint, pineapple mint, and apple mint all have their charm, named for their tantalizing scents and flavors. There's even a specialty variety called Cuban mint, a must-have for authentic mojitos.
Basil, too, offers a variety of intriguing choices for cocktails. Genovese, the Italian type often mixed with tomatoes, complements beverages equally well, as do lemon and cinnamon varieties. Plant them in full sun and provide water, but bear in mind your climate and avoid over- or underwatering. Prune off flower stalks to prevent bitterness upon the leaves.
Lemon verbena boasts a heavenly scent and pairs exceptionally well with a gin and tonic as it does with sparkling water. Though most herbs don't typically require supplemental nutrients, lemon verbena benefits from monthly applications of organic liquid fertilizer. Water it when the soil begins to dry out, but be cautious to avoid overwatering, which may lead to root rot.
At parties, I often muddle sage leaves with one ounce each of vodka and ginger liquor, then add to a glass with four ounces of ginger beer, pineapple and lime juices to taste. Easy peasy—and just as impressive!
For a punch of flavor, harvest herbs in the morning, after the dew has gone, but before the sun gets too hot. In my garden, that's around 10 a.m. Place them, stem side down, in a glass of water indoors, out of direct sunlight, until it’s time for cocktails.
Don't overlook the strawberries (bonus: They come back year after year in horticultural zones 4-9) and cucumbers, essential components of a proper British Pimm's cup, a favorite summertime cocktail of mine.
I incorporate mine by packing a highball glass with thinly sliced cucumber, chopped strawberries, mint leaves, and a couple of sliced mandarin oranges, then top it with 1 ½ ounces of Pimm's No. 1 liquor and four ounces of lemonade or lemon-lime soda.
And if you're a fan of spicy drinks, muddle a ripe jalapeño slice with lime juice and pour an ounce of tequila over it, then add your preferred mixer. Or just drink it straight. I won't judge you. I'm just the garden lady.
Secret Tips for Growing Your Cocktail Garden
1. Mint
- Planting Conditions: Plant in a pot with moist, well-drained soil in a spot that receives partial shade.
- Space: Keep mint separate from other herbs in large containers to prevent overtaking.
- Care: Water regularly and avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
2. Basil
- Planting Conditions: Plant in well-drained, rich soil in a sunny location.
- Space: Depending on the variety, basil may grow compactly and can be planted close together in smaller containers.
- Care: Water regularly but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
3. Lemon Verbena
- Planting Conditions: Plant in a large container or a garden bed with well-drained, rich soil and full sun (6-8 hours/day).
- Space: Needs ample space for growth. Consider bringing indoors during colder months.
- Care: Fertilize monthly for healthy growth and prune regularly to maintain size.
4. Strawberries
- Planting Conditions: Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny location.
- Space: Use containers with good drainage and can accommodate for runners.
- Care: Frequent watering and regular fertilization is recommended during the growing season.
5. Cucumbers
- Planting Conditions: Plant in rich, well-drained soil and get ready for full sun!
- Space: Use a large container or provide a climbing structure for support.
- Care: Water regularly and provide good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Stick to these recommendations, and you'll have a bustling garden full of fresh ingredients for tasty, homemade summer cocktails!
- Plant mint in a pot with moist, well-drained soil in a spot that receives partial shade. Keep it separate from other herbs in large containers to prevent overtaking, and water it regularly while avoiding overwatering to prevent root rot.
- Basil can be planted in well-drained, rich soil in a sunny location. Depending on the variety, it may grow compactly, allowing for closer planting in smaller containers. Water it regularly but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
- Lemon verbena thrives in a large container or garden bed with well-drained, rich soil and full sun (6-8 hours/day). It needs ample space for growth, so consider bringing it indoors during colder months. Fertilize it monthly for healthy growth and prune it regularly to maintain size.
- In well-drained soil and a sunny location, strawberries can be planted in containers with good drainage. Since they come back year after year in horticultural zones 4-9, frequent watering and regular fertilization is recommended during the growing season.
- For cucumbers, plant them in rich, well-drained soil under full sun. Use a large container or provide a climbing structure for support. Water them regularly and ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Follow these planting conditions, spacing, and care instructions, and you'll have a thriving garden full of fresh ingredients for homemade summer cocktails!
