Try Cocktail Gardening for a New Twist on Favorite Drinks

Try Cocktail Gardening for a New Twist on Favorite Drinks

On a hot summer’s day, there are few things as refreshing as a cold cocktail or mocktail. Just thinking about a strawberry mojito with basil or a cucumber mint julep can give you the chills — in a good way.

But there’s nothing like having to run to the store to grab a bunch of fresh herbs or a cuke or two to put the urge on ice, which accounts for the rise in so-called cocktail gardens.

A fresh twist to enhance your home mixology game, planting a cocktail garden will ensure that flavorful, just-picked ingredients and garnishes are always ready.  A snip, a stir, a muddle, and a pour, and you’ll be the toast of your next backyard party.

Better Taste

Most store-bought ingredients can’t compare in freshness and flavor to homegrown herbs, fruits, and vegetables. But always having the makings for a noticeably more vibrant and delicious drink on hand isn’t the only reason people are drawn to cocktail gardens.

The fact is, cocktail gardens blend equal parts practicality, sustainability, personal satisfaction, and fun. Growing your own ingredients reduces reliance on commercially produced items (and the transportation emissions that go with them) and minimizes packaging waste. And not only can a cocktail garden be a beautiful addition to your yard, patio, or balcony, with proper planning and a selection of plants that thrive indoors or in greenhouses, you might even be able to extend your cocktail garden's bounty throughout the year.

Cocktail gardens are also a great conversation starter. By having a cocktail garden, you're not just cultivating ingredients for better beverages, you're also cultivating opportunities for sharing enjoyment with others. 

Success Plans

Of course, one of the great joys of cocktail gardening is tailoring your plants to your favorite cocktails. Love a sparkling watermelon cooler with rosemary? Go all in on that fragrant evergreen herb. Can’t get enough of the earthy flavor of a thyme and cucumber Collins? Double up on the thyme. 

Don’t limit yourself to herbs, though. Punch things up with: 

• Tomatoes, spicy peppers, cucumbers, and even snap peas and green beans. 
• Edible flowers, such as pansies and violets. 
• Citrus fruits and berries (these, of course, take a longer time investment and more space than other plants).

Planning a successful cocktail garden requires the same care you’d put into any other garden. You have to consider:

• Climate. Choose only plants that thrive in your region’s weather conditions.
• Sunlight. Some plants like more sun, others like less. Keep that in mind when you’re choosing plants and the location of your garden.
• Space. Unless you’re growing fruit trees, a container or raised bed can work perfectly well. Use hanging planters or vertical herb gardens to maximize space, especially on balconies or small patios. 
• Soil. Talk to an expert about how to amend your soil to suit your cocktail garden. If you’re container or raised bed gardening, choose a well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for herbs or vegetables.
• Planting. Follow the recommended spacing and depth guidelines for each plant you choose. Water your plants thoroughly once they’re in the soil. 
• Maintenance. Make sure you select plants that are right for your lifestyle and time commitment. Remember that frequent trimming keeps herbs bushy and frequent harvesting of vegetables encourages new growth. Water your plants regularly, especially during hot weather.  Most herbs don't require heavy feeding, but you can use a balanced fertilizer occasionally if needed.

Researching companion planting techniques can give your cocktail garden a boost.  For example, strong-smelling herbs like rosemary or mint can repel aphids and other insects, while planting flowering herbs or companion flowers alongside your cocktail ingredients can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies that are crucial for the reproduction of some herbs and fruits. Marigolds help deter nematodes and improve basil growth; planting basil near tomatoes can improve tomato flavor and deter thrips and hornworms.

Cheers!

If you’re new to gardening, there’s nothing wrong with starting small then expanding your cocktail garden as you get more experienced.

Most of all, don’t forget to have fun. Think about shaking things up by experimenting with new flavor profiles. As your cocktail garden flourishes, you might even be inspired to create bespoke drinks. But even if you’re sticking to the tried-and-true recipes, you can be sure that when you offer your guests a pitcher of margaritas with homegrown jalapenos in it, you’ve set the entertainment bar pretty high.