Summer is the perfect time to experiment with refreshing and vibrant cocktails that highlight the natural flavours of herbs. By incorporating fragrant herbs into your drinks, you can create unique and invigorating beverages that are perfect for entertaining or enjoying a relaxing evening at home.
In this blog, we'll share two delectable recipes for herb-based summer cocktails that are sure to impress your guests and quench your thirst on hot summer days. Let's dive in!
Jekka’s Basil Lemonade Mojito
The Basil Lemonade Mojito is a delightful twist on the classic mojito, infusing it with the fresh and aromatic flavours of basil. This herbaceous cocktail is both tangy and sweet, making it a perfect choice for summer gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 4-6 fresh basil leaves
- 60g white rum
- 30g freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 30g simple syrup
- Club soda
- Ice cubes
- Lemon wedges and basil sprigs (for garnish)
Steps:
- In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the basil leaves to release their flavour and aroma.
- Add white rum, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds to combine all the ingredients.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with club soda and gently stir.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge and a sprig of basil.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing flavours of this herb-infused mojito.
Want to know more about Basil? Read Jekka's blog "All about Basil", check out Jekka's Basils in Jekkapedia and grow your own with our Basil seeds.
Jekka's Purple Basil
Jekka’s Rosemary Grapefruit Spritzer
The Rosemary Grapefruit Spritzer is a vibrant and citrusy cocktail that combines the bright notes of grapefruit with the earthy aroma of rosemary. This fizzy and herbaceous drink is perfect for a summer afternoon or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 60g grapefruit juice
- 30g vodka
- 15g simple syrup
- Club soda
- Ice cubes
- Grapefruit slices and rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
Steps:
- In a glass, gently muddle one sprig of rosemary to release its aromatic oils.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Add grapefruit juice, vodka, and simple syrup to the glass.
- Stir the ingredients gently to combine.
- Top with club soda and give it another gentle stir.
- Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and a sprig of rosemary.
- Sip and savour the zesty grapefruit flavours complemented by the herbaceous twist of rosemary in this delightful spritzer.
Want to know more about Rosemary? Read Jekka's Guide to Rosemary, check out Jekka's Rosmarys in Jekkapedia and come to an Open Day to grow your own.
Summer is the perfect time to embrace the flavours and aromas of herbs in your cocktail creations. These two herb-based summer cocktails, the Basil Lemonade Mojito and the Rosemary Grapefruit Spritzer, offer refreshing and invigorating combinations that are sure to impress your guests and tantalise your taste buds.
Enjoy the warm (sometimes wet) weather, gather your favourite herbs, and experiment with these delightful recipes to elevate your summer cocktail game. Cheers to a season filled with delicious sips and memorable moments!
If you love the sounds of this recipe and herb-based cooking check out our Master Classes and other herb-based recipes.