In the summer, the days are hot, and the drinks are best served cold. However, as the days grow colder, it’s nice to make the switch to drinks that warm you from the inside out.
Infusing cocktails with herbs is hardly a new practice, but carrying the creativity over into the winter is recent. There are plenty of amazing herbs you can grow indoors for cooking, natural recipes, and, most importantly, winter drinks. read about Martin Polanco
Here are four herbs and associated beverages you’ll want to try this winter.
Lemon Mint
Mint is one of the most common ingredients in cocktails. Its iconic flavor is well-known and loved around the world, and it’s refreshing, the clean taste makes it ideal for a seasonal pick-me-up.
Lemon mint has the same refreshing zing as regular mint, but with a mild citrus flavor. Like regular mint, growing lemon mint is foolproof. Use this lively leaf in tea and water for a flavor infusion you’ll love, or create this seasonal twist on a time-honored cocktail: the mojito.
Winter Mojito
For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 sprig lemon mint
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz spiced rum
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 5oz soda water
Muddle the lemon mint in the bottom of your glass. Add the simple syrup, rum, and lime juice and top with soda water. For an extra seasonal twist, line the rim in cinnamon sugar.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a herb with a natural, earthy flavor that pairs well with poultry. The pine-like essence makes it an ideal herb to use with gin-based cocktails.
To get the best of this flavor, create a rosemary simple syrup by boiling equal parts sugar and water with sprigs of rosemary added to taste. You’ll need this concoction for the base of the next recipe.
Rosemary Ginger Gin Fizz
A gin fizz is a classic drink that’s making a huge comeback. Take this beverage to the next level with a splash of rosemary and ginger. For this recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 tsp coarsely cut ginger root
- 1 oz rosemary simple syrup
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 4 oz soda water
Muddle the ginger at the bottom of the glass. Add simple syrup, lemon juice, and soda water to taste. Garnish with a lemon slice and sprig of rosemary.
Sage
Sage is distinct and peppery. This plant is a staple in holiday dishes, making it ideal for a winter herb garden. Be careful not to add too much sage, as its peppery essence can overpower the other flavors.
Sage Apple Cider
Apple cider is a fantastic fall drink that pairs well with spices for a delightful winter cocktail. For this easy recipe, you will need:
- 2 sprigs sage
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz lime juice
- 4 oz apple cider
- cinnamon to taste
For this easy winter drink recipe, combine the ingredients and stir. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple swirl for a classy touch.
Basil
Basil is a common ingredient in summer drinks, as it pairs well with sweet fruit for depth and dimension in flavors. Create a winter version of a summer special with a Winter Sangria.
Winter Citrus Sangria
For this heart-warming recipe, you will need:
- 1 bottle full-bodied red wine
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1 sliced blood orange
- 1/2 cup orange liqueur
- 2 cups of soda water
- 3 sprigs basil
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- cranberries for garnish (optional)
Muddle the basil at the bottom of a pitcher, then add blood orange spices and cinnamon sticks. Pour in the orange liqueur, red wine, cranberry juice, and soda water. Stir and store for two hours before serving to marry the flavors. Serve with a slice of blood orange and floating cranberries for garnish.
Add these easy-to-grow herbs to your indoor garden, and wow your guests with these incredible, home-grown winter cocktails.