When one thinks of using herbs, it is usually for medicinal or culinary purposes. However, whether you have a large garden area or only a few planter boxes and a hodge-podge of pots, you also can enjoy the bounty of your gardening efforts in refreshing, flavorsome summertime beverages.
⢠Basil: Part of the mint family, this is a tender annual that thrives in moist, well-drained, medium-textured soil, full sun and wind protection. A fashionable herb in the cocktail scene, it adds great flavor to gin, tequila or rum drinks. Muddle, use as a garnish or in simple syrup.
⢠Cilantro: A short-lived annual herb, cilantro leaves look similar to flat-leaved parsley. It requires full sun, light and moderately rich soil kept moist but not constantly wet. Cooler weather encourages more leafy growth for a longer period. Warmer weather makes the plant âbolt,â bringing flowers and then seeds. People either love cilantro or hate it. If you are the former, make a simple syrup of chopped cilantro and lime juice, mix with vodka, tequila or gin, sparkling water and a lime wedge.
⢠Lavender: This is a semiwoody, perennial sub-shrub that prefers full sun and alkaline, well-drained soil. Water deeply in warm, sunny weather. Harvest as blossoms begin to open. Lavender is perhaps best prepared in a simple syrup using the flower buds only. It is the taste of springtime in front- porch drinks featuring vodka, gin or lemonade.
⢠Lovage: This large, vigorous hardy perennial grows 4-6 feet in deep, moist, rich soils and full sun or light shade. Leaves and flavor resemble celery. The stems are hollow and make great, flavorful straws in your bloody mary.
⢠Mint: Herbaceous perennials, mints grow well in full sun to partial shade with well-draining, moist soils. Varieties include chocolate, lemon, ginger, spearmint, and apple. Mint is probably the most commonly used fresh herb for cocktails. Think mojitos and juleps. Muddled or used as a garnish or infusion, mint is a winning choice for the gardenerâs cocktail, lemonade or iced tea.
⢠Rosemary: A member of the mint family, rosemary is a shrubby, tender perennial best grown as an annual in Colorado. It requires full sun with moist, well-draining soil. The rich, woody flavor of rosemary can be added whole or muddled in gin or vodka or to add pronounced depth to bourbon. Try adding a sprig to your next gin and tonic or whiskey sour.
⢠Sage: This is a perennial in the mint family that requires full sun and moist, well-draining soil. Earthy, woody and vaguely peppery, sage has a wonderful, distinctive flavor, but should be used sparingly. Muddled and infused into spirits or prepared in a simple syrup, sage adds savory complexity to mixed drinks. Add some to your next gin fizz for a summer drink with unmistakable garden taste.
Submit gardening questions to [email protected] or call 719-520-7684. The in-person help desk is open 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at 17 N. Spruce St. Find us on Facebook at Colorado Master Gardeners – El Paso County.
Submit gardening questions to [email protected] or call 719-520-7684. The in-person help desk is open 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at 17 N. Spruce St. Find us on Facebook at Colorado Master Gardeners – El Paso County.
