5 Best Herbs for Cocktails & Mocktails

Most people are aware of herbs for their culinary application, but fewer have explored their full range of potential as star players in a cocktail hour.  When consumed in a beverage, herbs have an opportunity to shine, especially when they’re sourced fresh and local from our farm.

If you’re curious about how to mix up a heady drink, we are about to deep-dive into five of the best herbs to use in beverages, being sure to elucidate their benefits.

Herbaceous Libations

Labeling anything “best” feels questionable, especially in a category like herbs, which includes so many tantalizing options from which to choose.  However, we’ll focus on five that deserve special recognition for their ability to elevate any elixir.

Mint

Just because it's common doesn’t make it ordinary. With hundreds of varieties worldwide, there’s a type of mint for every palate.  These range from chocolate to apple, with some spearmint in between. Long touted for its ability to soothe the stomach, mint has also been shown to improve mental function, provide pain relief, and relieve congestion. 

So, go ahead and curl up with a nice cup of mint tea, cook some down with sugar and water to make a Mint Syrup (perfect for adding to soda water or tonic), or mix up one of the classic mint cocktails like a Mint Julep, or Mojito.

Rosemary

Rosemary isn’t simply someone’s name or one of four herbs in an old rhyme.  For centuries, this herb made its way into kitchen gardens across the globe for many reasons beyond its distinct aroma and flavor.  

Rosemary boasts an array of health benefits, including boosting the immune system and improving circulation.  Studies show that it improves cognitive function, aids digestion, protects the brain, inhibits cancer cells, and protects the eyes from degeneration.

Now that you can feel wise in your choice to ingest more rosemary, it’s time to get creative with how you do so. Again, you can make tea or syrup or try your hand at mixology.  Or, combine methods and make a syrup to use in a cocktail, like a Bourbon Lemon Rosemary Cocktail.

Lavender

This powerhouse plant might be better known for its aromatherapy qualities (think diffusers, soaps, essential oils, candles, eye pillows, etc.), but it's also a prize component of many exceptional beverages. 

In addition, research suggests that lavender elevates mood, reduces depression, calms the nervous system, reduces blood pressure, aids sleep, acts as an antiviral and antimicrobial agent, and assists in wound healing.

Lavender can easily be infused into your favorite alcohol or boiled to create a potent decoction.  Mix these creations to suit your tastes and those of your companions.  You can use it in a Lavender Bee’s Knees or a spiked lavender lemonade.

Sage

The wise are well versed in the glory of sage, or they ought to be (hurray you, for informing yourself!).  It’s another plant of myriad varieties that have just as many benefits.  Though also in the mint family, this branch has unique qualities and uses.  

Studies have shown sage to contain “antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, free radical scavenging, and antitumor activities” as well as showing promise in preventing and helping to control minor health problems and serious diseases alike, including diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer's.

In addition to those superpowers, sage also makes lovely syrup or tincture. These can be enjoyed hot or cold, with or without alcohol. However, sage may shine its brightest in an oldy but goody, the Sage Brown Derby.

Basil

The smell of fresh basil probably makes you hungry, but it should make you thirsty as well.  Not only for tasty bevies but the benefits it can impart.  Basil is high in antioxidants, supports the liver, may help prevent cancer, protects the skin, helps manage blood sugar, supports the heart, improves mental health, and helps combat infection.

You can use basil in the same ways as the previously discussed herbs.  It serves as a delicious syrup, decoction, or any other creative concoction.  However, it is the only herb that can make the incomparable Basil Gimlet. It makes one thirsty just thinking about it.

The Takeaway

Our herb cocktails are just the beginning- you can also try our Buzz Button Cocktail. Each of these singularly incredible herbs brings a veritable cornucopia of delights into the life of the imbiber.  If you’ve been paying attention, you’ve also noticed that they each bring many immune-boosting, health-promoting qualities to fill your cup.

Even when sipping on a beverage, it's possible to derive valuable nutrients, highlighting the fact that local food can be medicine for our bodies.