Beyond the Garden Bed: How to Herb-Infuse Your Summer Drinks

There is nothing quite like walking through the greenhouse in late spring. The air is warm, the scent of damp soil is in the air, and everywhere you look, things are bursting into life.

Recently, we received our new Berry Blast Planters. If you haven't seen them yet, they are packed with everything you need to recreate a perfect summer afternoon in a glass. In fact, they contain almost all the ingredients for a killer Strawberry Thyme Lemonade.

Watching those planters fly out the door got us thinking: why stop at lemonade?

As garden lovers, we usually talk about herbs in terms of dinner, rosemary on potatoes, basil in pasta, sage in stuffing. But herbs possess incredibly complex flavor profiles that can completely elevate a drink from "tasty" to "unforgettable." Whether you are mixing up a weekend cocktail or crafting a sophisticated non-alcoholic mocktail, the freshest ingredients are sitting right on your patio.

Here is a look at some of our favorite garden herbs to drink, along with a few recipes to get your summer started.

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The Big Three: Mint, Thyme, and Basil

1. Mint

Let’s start with the classic. Mint is the king of the beverage world. It’s crisp, incredibly refreshing, and remarkably easy to grow (just keep it in a pot so it doesn't take over your yard!). While standard Spearmint is great, don't be afraid to experiment with varieties like Chocolate Mint or Mojito Mint for a subtle twist.

2. Thyme

Thyme brings an earthy, slightly floral, and woodsy note to drinks. It pairs beautifully with berries (like the strawberries in our Berry Blast planters), citrus, and stone fruits.

3. Basil

Sweet basil belongs in drinks way more often than it gets credit for. It has a distinct anise (licorice) and pepper undertone that contrasts with sweet fruits like watermelon, strawberries, and peaches.

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The Recipes

Here are three ways to bring your garden into your glass this weekend.

1. Strawberry Thyme Lemonade

Inspired by our Berry Blast planters, this is summer in a pitcher. It’s sweet, tart, and has a beautiful herbal finish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
• 4–5 sprigs of fresh English thyme
• 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–5 lemons)
• 1/2 cup honey or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 3 cups cold water or sparkling water
• Ice

How to make it:

1. In the bottom of a pitcher, muddle the strawberries and fresh thyme sprigs together until the berries are smashed and the thyme releases its oils.
2. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and honey/simple syrup, stirring well to combine.
3. Add the cold water or sparkling water.
4. Strain into glasses filled with ice, and garnish with a fresh sprig of thyme and a sliced strawberry.

2. The Backyard Cucumber Mint Cooler

A traditional Collins gets a refreshing, garden-fresh upgrade. Perfect for sipping after a long afternoon of planting.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Gin (or Vodka, if you prefer)
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 3/4 oz simple syrup
• 4–5 thick slices of cucumber
• 6–8 fresh mint leaves
• Club soda to top

How to make it:

1. In a shaker, gently muddle the cucumber slices and mint leaves with the simple syrup. (Be gentle with the mint—you want to bruise it, not shred it, or it will taste bitter).
2. Add the gin and lime juice, fill the shaker with ice, and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
3. Strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
4. Top with club soda and garnish with a slapped mint sprig (slapping it wakes up the aromatic oils!) and a cucumber ribbon.

3. Blackberry Basil Smash

This recipe works beautifully as a complex mocktail, but you can easily add 2 oz of Bourbon or Vodka if you’re looking for a cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 5 fresh blackberries
• 4 large sweet basil leaves
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz rich simple syrup
• Ginger beer to top

How to make it:

1. Muddle the blackberries, basil leaves, and lemon juice in a sturdy glass or shaker.
2. Add the simple syrup (and your spirit of choice, if using) and shake or stir with ice.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over crushed ice.
4. Top with a splash of high-quality ginger beer for a bit of spice, and garnish with a large basil leaf.

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A Quick Tip from the Greenhouse

When you're harvesting herbs for your drinks, the best time to pick them is in the morning, right after the dew has dried but before the heat of the sun hits them. This is when their essential oils are at their peak, giving you the maximum amount of flavor for your glass.

Cheers to a flavorful summer!