Cheers to the Garden!

There’s nothing more refreshing than a delicious drink enjoyed outside – especially during a hot Michigan summer! Got a lot of herbs in your garden? Try using some of our favorites in the drink recipes below. Herbs add a fun and flavorful punch to a variety of drinks that both adults and kids will love!

Check out the latest episode of Let’s Grow: Cheers to the Garden!

MINT

Mint adds a crisp, herbal touch to a lot of delicious summer recipes and is also super refreshing in water, lemonades and ice teas. The mint julep is a crowd-pleaser. The recipe below is alcohol free but can be enjoyed with bourbon for an extra punch!

Mint Julep Mocktail – serves 2

Ingredients

2 ounces simple syrup

1 ounce lemon juice

2 sprigs fresh mint + more for garnish

8 ounces ginger ale

Directions

1. Pour lemon juice & simple syrup in a small glass with the mint sprigs & muddle well
2. Refrigerate the muddled mint mixture for 30-60 minutes to infuse the mint flavor into the syrup
3. Fill low ball glass with ice
4. Pour 1.5 ounces of your mint/lemon mixture into each glass
5. Top with ginger ale to fill
6. Garnish with additional mint

BASIL

Basil deliciously pairs well with lemon, lime, mint and even cinnamon! With this lemonade recipe, it has found its match! This hand-squeezed basil lemonade is a nice twist on a summer favorite. If you’d like, add vodka to make this one for the adults!

BASIL LEMONADE – serves 4

Ingredients

Basil Simple Syrup

1 cup sugar

2 cups water

1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil

6-8 big slices of lemon peel

Basil Lemonade

1 part basil simple syrup

1 part fresh-squeezed lemon juice

1 part water

Directions

1. Add sugar and water in a medium pot along with basil and lemon rind.
2. Bring to a simmer and stir to make sure sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat, cover, and let cool to room temperature which will take probably 20-30 minutes.
3. Juice fresh lemons. 1 big lemon will give you about 1/4-1/3 cup of juice so plan accordingly.
4. To make a lemonade, combine 1/2 cup of simple syrup with 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice and 1/2 cup water. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

ROSEMARY

Rosemary has a distinct, almost peppery, flavor and is very aromatic. In drinks, it pairs well with sweet, acidic flavors like lemon, lime and grapefruit. This rosemary grapefruit mocktail will be a hit. Add in sparkling wine in place of the club soda for a different twist.

ROSEMARY GRAPEFRUIT MOCKTAIL – serves 6

Ingredients

Rosemary Simple Syrup

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

3-4 fresh rosemary sprigs

Rosemary Grapefruit Mocktail

1 cup rosemary syrup (you may have a little extra leftover)

1 1/2 cups 100% grapefruit juice

3-4 cups club soda

Rosemary sprig and citrus slice garnish

Directions

For the Rosemary Simple Syrup

1. Put water and sugar in a small pot over medium high heat.
2. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, until sugar is fully dissolved.
3. Remove from heat and add rosemary sprigs.
4. Cover pot and allow syrup to steep for about 30 minutes, until it is room temperature.

For the Rosemary Grapefruit Mocktail:

1. Combine rosemary syrup, grapefruit juice, and club soda in a pitcher, or in individual cups and serve immediately over ice.
2. Garnish glasses with fresh rosemary sprigs and a slice of grapefruit if desired.

For more information on growing herbs at home visit any English Gardens location and speak with an expert.