Life
7 Herb Cocktails To Drink On A Roof Deck This Spring — Can You Think Of Anything More Refreshing?
Warmer weather and longer days are finally here, and that means fresh herbs — even in your drinks. There's nothing quite like sitting on a patio and gazing at the buds on the trees while you sip on something minty, bubbly, and cool — like these amazing herb-infused cocktails. Springtime begs for refreshing, lighter beverages, and since I planted a window herb garden, I've been reaching out the window to grab handfuls of the stuff for some experimental bartending. These are a few concoctions that will tantalize your taste buds and get you in the mood for spring — or for that Kentucky Derby party. There's one with bourbon, one with gin, one with tequila, and one with vodka, so you can impress friends with myriad tastes, but feel free to mix and match your herbs and spirits. Get those creative springtime juices flowing, and add some alcohol.
For those of you without a window herb garden, it is tough to buy a whole bushel of those green fronds without guiltily throwing some sad, wilted, unused piles of them into the waste basket. These recipes will help you get rid of that leftover cilantro, mint, or basil in just about the best way possible. Herbs are good for you, and they make everything — food, drinks, tea, water — taste and smell better. So why not drink them? I can feel my blood pressure dropping already.
Image: The Kitchn
Bourbon Lovers' Blackberry Mint Julep
With the Kentucky Derby around the corner, Bobby Flay’s Blackberry Mint Julep is a surefire crowd pleaser. It’s super easy to put together, and absolutely delicious — almost decadent. The key, of course, is the mint. And the berries. And the bourbon. Yeah, I think it’s the bourbon. The Kitchn also has a version that’s to-die-or.
Image: The Kitchn
Peach Lavender Sangria
This fruity floral pairing shouts springtime from the rooftops. Or roof decks. Peach and lavender sangria from My Baking Addiction is smooth, herbal, and sweet… but not cloying. It’s the perfect way to brighten your spring day.
Image: My Baking Addiction
Shortcut Mojito With Mint (Or Basil)
What’s cooler than a mojito? Making them for your friends with a cucumber strip decorating the glass, that’s what. This shortcut mojito recipe from Tori Avey shows you how to create a cooling, minty, not-too-sweet beverage in a flash. I used basil instead and it turned out amazing, so if you have a bunch you need to get rid of, use that!
Image: Tori Avey
Coconut, Ginger, and Cilantro Cocktail
This is tropical and light — it makes me think about sitting on a beach in Tahiti (which by the way, I’ve never even done). Even if palm trees don’t swing in your backyard, this drink will be the remedy for that first HOT day. It’s delicious, and I might even say nutritious — I mean, coconut and ginger are good for you, right? This recipe from The Kitchn pairs wonderfully with a spicy meal, or with a glass of ice and your wandering thoughts.
Image: The Kitchn
Rosemary Lime Cocktail
Joy the Baker mixes fragrant rosemary with lime to give your regular old vodka soda an amazingly refreshing twist. A few clinking ice cubes make this the best drink to have in hand as you sit on the patio to usher in summer.
Image: Joy the Baker
Herb-Infused Ice Cubes
How’s this for a brilliant move? The Merry Thought freezes herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme straight into ice cubes to add a splash of flavor to any drink of your choosing. Like I said: genius.
Image: The Merry Thought
Watermelon Mint Martini
Watermelon is the ultimate taste of warm weather. Make like Savory Sweet Life, and combine the fab fruit with a dash of mint for a martini you’ll want to sip on again and again.
Image: Savory Sweet Life
