When the days are long and balmy and you’re sitting out relaxing on your brand new Trulawn the only thing that can make that experience better is a cool, refreshing cocktail in your hand. The key to a good cocktail is using fresh ingredients, and what’s fresher then the herbs growing in your own garden? With that in mind Trulawn gathered together the best cocktails to make for those sultry summer nights all using herbs you can grow at home.
Mint
Mint Julep. Mint, sugar, ice, bourbon. Muddled together in a glass. Mint juleps are popular in the American South and are associated with the Kentucky Derby. One for the type of lady that loves Royal Ascot Races.
Mojito. White rum, lime, mint, sugar, crushed on ice plus soda water. This Cuban cocktail is a bona fide classic, seen on any self-respecting cocktail list.
Pimms Pitcher. Pimms No.1, lemonade, mint, orange, strawberry, cucumber garnish. A British favourite, the mint offsets the sweetness of the liqueur and the additional fruit with aplomb.
Lillet Sin. Lillet Blanc, fresh ginger, lime, sugar and mint, topped up and cooled off with ice and sparkling water. Mint balances out this French citrus based aperitif, more commonly known as part of the Vesper, the drink invented by James Bond in Casino Royale.
Basil
Basil Bloody Mary. Tomato juice, vodka, lime juice, ice (optional tobasco for spice fans) and a stick of celery. Basil is a great addition for fans of Mediterranean flavours.
Strawberry Basil Margarita. Muddle strawberries, basil, lime juice and simple syrup in a glass with crushed ice. Strain and top up with Tequila and Cointreau. Garnish this with Basil leaves, aroma is all part of the charm.
Basil Lime Cooler. Basil syrup (created by one cup water, one cup sugar, and basil leaves mixed) Lime juice, vodka, basil, seltzer water. This is a refreshing drink both with and without the vodka.
Thyme
Thyme Lemonade. Thyme, sugar and water heated in a pan. Topped up with lemon juice, gin and cold water when cooled. A grown up twist on a classic, shouldn’t work but it does.
Bourbon and Thyme cocktail. Bourbon, lemon juice, water, honey-thyme syrup, honey and water mixed in a glass. It’s all about balance in this drink, too much thyme or honey can set this over the edge.
As ever remember to drink responsibly, otherwise enjoy those summer nights with a cocktail in hand!
Recipes inspired by liquor.com, anyoneforpimms.com, marthastewart.com, setthetableblog.com
