Let’s Talk Edible Flowers

Cocktails are not only about taste but also about presentation, and what better way to wow your guests than with edible flowers! Adding a touch of beauty to your drinks can add an extra level of sophistication and make them look like works of art. Not only do edible flowers add a pop of color to your drinks, but they also infuse a subtle floral flavor that can elevate the taste of your cocktails. They are the ultimate garnish for spring cocktails. Let’s explore some creative ways to use edible flowers in your cocktails and I’ll even show you how to buy or grow your own!

Most Popular Edible Flowers

Roses

The fragrant petals of roses can be used to add a sweet, floral flavor to desserts, teas, and cocktails. They come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, yellow, and white.

Lavender

This herb is known for its calming scent and flavor. Lavender flowers can be used to add a floral note to baked goods, teas, and cocktails. Lavender is really easy to grow yourself, even if you just have a windowsill.

Violets

These delicate purple flowers have a slightly sweet, floral flavor and are often used to decorate cakes and other desserts. They can also be used to garnish cocktails and salads.

Pansies

Pansies are super colorful and have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. They’re often used to add color to salads and desserts and can also be used to decorate cocktails.

Nasturtiums

These bright, peppery flowers are often used in salads and as a garnish for savory dishes. They can also be used to add a spicy note to cocktails. Nasturtiums are super easy to grow yourself!

Hibiscus

The tart, tangy flavor of hibiscus flowers is often used to make teas and cocktails. They also add a vibrant red color to drinks and desserts.

Chrysanthemums

These flowers have a slightly bitter flavor and are often used in teas and soups in Chinese and Japanese cuisine.

How to Use Edible Flowers as Garnishes

Not all flowers are edible, so it’s important to do your research and choose flowers that are safe to eat. Some popular edible flowers for garnishing cocktails include pansies, violas, roses, lavender, and hibiscus. You then want to make sure they’re clean and ready to add to whatever you’re garnishing. Remove any stems or leaves, and gently rinse the flowers with cool water. You can also trim the flowers to the desired size and shape for your cocktail.

There are many ways to use edible flowers as a garnish for cocktails. Here are a few ideas:

• Freeze the flowers in ice cubes: Add a few small flowers to an ice cube tray, fill with water, and freeze. Once the ice cubes are frozen, add them to your cocktail for a beautiful and refreshing garnish.
• Float the flowers on top of the drink: Simply place the flowers on the surface of the drink, allowing them to float on top. This works well with larger flowers like roses or hibiscus.
• Skewer the flowers: Thread a small skewer or toothpick through the stem of the flower, and rest the skewer across the rim of the glass. This works well with smaller flowers like pansies or violas.

Cocktail Recipes Using Edible Flowers

Edible flowers are the perfect garnish for cocktails. It’s such a simple and easy addition on top that makes the entire cocktail so much more elevated and beautiful. You can use edible flowers from Trader Joe’s, grow them yourself, or pick them up at your local farmer’s market or specialty food store. Lavender, nasturtiums, and pansies are especially popular edible flowers for cocktails.

Butterfly Pea Flower Gin and Tonic

Clementine Vodka Smash

Hibiscus Margarita Sour

1. Spring Negroni: A fresh and floral twist on the classic Negroni, made with Lillet Rouge, strawberry-infused Campari, and a floral gin. Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir to chill and dilute. Strain over a large ice cube and garnish with fresh grapefruit and edible flowers like pansies and nasturtiums.
2. Carrot Bourbon Spritzer: Edible flowers give garden vibes, so why not add them to a cocktail that features vegetables?! TO make this Carrot Bourbon Spritzer, add carrot juice, bourbon, ginger syrup, lemon juice, and chile liqueur to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake. Strain into a fresh glass filled with ice and top with soda water. Garnish with a marigold!
3. Elderflower Spritz: This elegant cocktail is made with elderflower liqueur, which has a delicate floral flavor that pairs perfectly with gin. To make this cocktail, fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add grapefruit juice, elderflower liqueur, basil syrup, gin, and white wine. Shake well and strain into a chilled wine glass. Garnish with a few edible flowers, such as violas or pansies.

How to Grow Your Own Edible Flowers

1) Choose the right location

Most edible flowers require full sun to grow, so choose a location in your garden or on your balcony that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. You can even grow some edible flowers in a pot on a sunny windowsill. Make sure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter.

2) Choose the right flowers

There are many types of flowers that are edible, but some of the most popular include pansies, violets, roses, lavender, and hibiscus. When choosing your flowers, make sure you have the right growing conditions for them to thrive a produce a lot of flowers. Here are a few flowers that I recommend growing:

• Pansies can be packed close together in a pot and they’ll do just fine. Water gently at the soil level and put off dead or faded flowers to encourage continued growth.
• Nasturtiums come in trailing or upright varieties, so choose the one that suits your space/pot the best. They would rather be under-watered than overwatered. Dead or faded flowers can be clipped off to continue more new growth.
• Calendula, also known as pot marigold, can handle a little less sun and heat. They are also easy to grow from seed compared to some other flowers. Keep the soil consistently moist and harvest fully bloomed flowers in the morning when it’s cool.
• Violas are cooler season flowers, so don’t place them in your sunniest, hottest spot. They are also ideal for container gardens no matter how big or small of a space you have.
• Roses are the most difficult edible flower to grow yourself and they require the most space, most particular soil, and need to be fertilized and pruned properly. For expert edible flower growers only.
• Lavender, on the other hand, is very easy to grow at home. They do best in sunny spots out in a yard, but you can start them in pots to get the hang of it. They’re also perennials so one plant will last years!

3) Start from seeds or seedlings

You can start your edible flowers from seeds or seedlings. If you’re starting from seeds, follow the instructions on the seed packet for planting depth and spacing. If you’re using seedlings, gently remove them from their container and plant them in your garden or container.

4) Water and fertilize regularly

Edible flowers need regular watering to thrive. Water your plants deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. Fertilize your plants with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer every 4-6 weeks, following the instructions on the fertilizer package.

5) Harvest your edible flowers

Once your flowers start to bloom, you can harvest them for use in your cooking and cocktails. Gently remove the flowers from the plant, being careful not to damage the stem or leaves. Rinse the flowers gently with cool water and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Where to Buy Edible Flowers

When purchasing edible flowers, make sure they are labeled as edible and have not been treated with any pesticides or chemicals. If you’re not sure which flowers are safe to eat, consult a reputable source or ask a knowledgeable vendor.

• Farmer’s markets: Local farmers’ markets often have vendors selling fresh edible flowers, especially during the growing season.
• Specialty food stores: Many specialty food stores, such as Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s, carry a variety of edible flowers in their produce section.
• Online retailers: There are several online retailers that specialize in selling edible flowers, such as Gourmet Sweet Botanicals, Marx Foods, and Melissa’s Produce.
• Local nurseries: Some nurseries carry a selection of edible flowers that you can grow in your own garden.

Adding edible flowers to your cocktails is an easy and creative way to make your drinks stand out. With their delicate flavors and bright colors, edible flowers can take your cocktail game to the next level. So, the next time you’re hosting a party or just want to treat yourself to a fancy drink, don’t forget to add some blooms to your beverage.

Xoxo, cheers!