Want to add an extra touch of elegance and flavor to your summer drinks? Edible flowers are a fantastic addition! By growing them yourself, you get fresh and sustainable decorations for your cocktails.
Here are some flowers that are perfect for drinks and easy to grow in your garden or on your balcony.
1. Borage – Fresh and Summery
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Flavor: Similar to cucumber, mild and refreshing.
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Drinks: Perfect for gin & tonics, lemonades, and spritzers. Freeze into ice cubes for a decorative and cooling effect.
- Growing tips: Borage thrives in sunny locations and blooms all summer.
2. Lavender – An Aromatic Classic
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Flavor: Distinct and floral with hints of citrus.
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Drinks: Lavender pairs well with classic martinis, lavender-infused lemonades, or champagne cocktails.
- Growing tips: Easy to grow in well-drained soil and loves sun. Lavender is also a perennial plant!
3. Violet – Elegant and Delicate
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Flavor: Mildly sweet with a gentle floral note.
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Drinks: Violets are perfect for decorating prosecco, mojitos, or sweet desserts in glasses. They also work well in ice cubes.
- Growing tips: A shade-friendly flower that thrives in garden beds and pots.
4. Calendula – Vibrant and Spicy
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Flavor: Slightly peppery with a subtle spiciness.
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Drinks: Adds color and character to margaritas, bloody marys, or spicy mocktails.
- Growing tips: A simple flower to grow, thriving in both sunny and partially shaded spots.
5. Rose – Luxurious and Romantic
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Flavor: Fruity and aromatic.
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Drinks: Use rose petals in gin & tonics, champagne, or as a sugared rim on cocktail glasses. Rose petals can also be dried to create unique teas or liqueur bases.
- Growing tips: Plant roses in a sunny location with nutrient-rich soil for the best results.
6. Marigold (Tagetes) – Citrusy Freshness
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Flavor: Tangy with citrus undertones.
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Drinks: Perfect for mojitos, daiquiris, and other refreshing cocktails. Drop the flowers directly into the glass for a colorful twist.
- Growing tips: Easy to grow in pots or garden beds, blooming throughout the summer.
7. Chamomile – Mild and Beautiful
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Flavor: Subtle and sweet, with a hint of apple.
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Drinks: Chamomile is best used in tea-based cocktails or as a decoration for summer sangrias.
- Growing tips: Thrives in sunny spots and blooms abundantly with minimal care.
Tips for Using Flowers in Drinks
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Choose carefully: Only use edible flowers grown without chemicals.
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Decorative ice cubes: Freeze flowers into ice cubes for stunning details.
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Infusions: Flowers like lavender and rose can be used to flavor syrups or alcohol.
- Harvest at the right time: Pick flowers early in the morning when they are freshest.
With these flowers in your garden, you can elevate your drinks to a whole new level of creativity and elegance.
Grow edible flowers like lavender, violets, and borage to create stunning and flavorful drinks that will impress all summer long! Cheers!
