Cocktails are not only about taste but also about presentation. Adding a touch of beauty to your drinks can make them look like works of art. One way to add an extra level of sophistication to your cocktails is by incorporating edible flowers. Not only do they add a pop of color to your drinks, but they also infuse a subtle floral flavor that can elevate the taste of your cocktails. In this blog post, we’ll explore some creative ways to use edible flowers in your cocktails.

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.

• 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: These colorful flowers have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and are often used to add color to salads and desserts. They can also be used to decorate cocktails and cakes.

• 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.

• 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.

Ways to use your edible flowers as garnishes:

• Choose the right flowers: 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.

• Prepare the flowers: Before using the flowers as a garnish, make sure they are clean and free of any dirt or debris. 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.

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

• Use the flowers as a special addition to your ice. Before making your ice, fill your trays with your favorite edible flowers and water and place them in the freezer. I recommend using a clear ice cube device(which can be bought off amazon) to get clear ice with a beautiful edible flower inside.

Easy ways to use edible flowers in your drinks:

1. Lavender Gin and Tonic: This classic cocktail gets a floral twist with the addition of dried lavender. To make this cocktail, fill a glass with ice, add 2 oz of gin, a splash of tonic water, and a pinch of dried lavender. Stir well and garnish with a sprig of fresh lavender. Think a Spanish-style Gin & Tonic but with Lavender!

1. Rose Petal Sangria: This fruity and refreshing cocktail gets a romantic touch with the addition of rose petals. To make this cocktail, combine a bottle of red wine or Rose wine, 1/2 cup of orange liqueur or brandy, 1/4 cup of sugar, 2 cups of chopped fruit (such as oranges, strawberries, and raspberries), and a handful of fresh rose petals in a large pitcher. Stir well and let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour to let the flavors meld together. Serve in glasses filled with ice and garnish with a few more rose petals.

2. Elderflower Martini: 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 2 oz of gin, 1 oz of elderflower liqueur, and 1 oz of fresh lemon juice. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a few edible flowers, such as violas or pansies.

3. Hibiscus Margarita: This vibrant cocktail gets its pink hue from dried hibiscus flowers, which also add a tart and tangy flavor to the drink. To make this cocktail, steep 1/4 cup of dried hibiscus flowers in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid and mix it with 2 oz of tequila, 1 oz of fresh lime juice, and 1 oz of simple syrup. Shake well and serve in a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice. Garnish with a few hibiscus flowers.

How to grow your own edible flowers:

• 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. Make sure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter.

• 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 they are safe to eat and have not been treated with any pesticides or chemicals. Here are a few flowers that I recommend growing:

  • Pansies: Pansies are one of the most popular edible flowers, with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. They come in a variety of colors, from purple and blue to yellow and orange.

  • Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums have a slightly spicy, peppery flavor and are often used in salads or as a garnish for savory dishes. They come in a range of colors, from bright orange and yellow to deep red.

  • Calendula: Calendula, also known as pot marigold, has a slightly bitter, peppery flavor and is often used to add color to soups and stews. They come in shades of yellow and orange.

  • Violas: Violas have a delicate, sweet flavor and are often used as a garnish for desserts or cocktails. They come in a variety of colors, from purple and blue to yellow and white.

  • Roses: Roses have a sweet, floral flavor and are often used to flavor syrups and jams. They come in a variety of colors, from deep red and pink to yellow and white.

  • Lavender: Lavender has a sweet, floral flavor and is often used to flavor baked goods and desserts. It also has calming properties and can be used to make tea or sachets.

• 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.

• 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.

• Harvest your flowers: Once your flowers start to bloom, you can harvest them for use in your cooking and mixology. 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:

• Farmers’ 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.

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.

Adding edible flowers to your cocktails is an easy and creative way to make your drinks stand out. With their delicate flavors and colorful appearance, 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!