10 Botanical Cocktails to enjoy in your garden this summer!

Summer is here, and as the sun shines brightly overhead, there's no better way to celebrate the summer season than hosting a garden party with your family and friends. We’re committed to embracing more of the outdoors and you can use flowers and herbs from your garden to make your summer drinks extraordinary- creating an immersive botanical experience!

To make your garden party even more memorable, we've compiled a menu of our favourite refreshments that will keep everyone cool and hydrated. Picture yourself sitting beneath a big parasol, basking in the warm weather and sipping on delicious drinks that perfectly complement the occasion. Whether you're a fan of flavour-bursting alcoholic cocktails or prefer zingy alcohol-free concoctions, we've got you covered.

Inspired by a vibrant outdoor scene of pools, parasols, and picnics, we’ve created a list of lovely cocktaisl and mocktails. Enjoy letting your creativity flow, and read on for our inspiring botanical recipes.

1. Cool and Classic Grapefruit and Hibiscus Mocktail

Summer is  here, and we're feeling enlivened by the warming temperatures and beautiful blooms popping up around our homes. From herb gardens to walkway borders and everything in between, we’re enjoying watching the world turn green again. And what better way to celebrate than with a creative libation inspired by the bounty of a spring garden? This beautiful non-alcoholic mocktail recipe is anything but boring and is perfect for a relaxed evening, shaded under a cool and classic parasol, surrounded by friends. Select some favourite herbs, pick a few lemons, grab your favourite crystal and check out this Garden of Eden Mocktail for a tasty non-alcoholic twist, skipping rum to create a refreshing blend that’s ideal for hot summer days.

The Garden of Eden Mocktail by the Cocktail Society:

https://thecocktailsociety.uk/garden-of-eden-mocktail-recipe/

• 50ml Grapefruit Juice
• 15ml Hibiscus Syrup
• 10ml Lemon Juice
• Top Soda

2. Lavender Lemonade

Lemonade is a quintessential summer beverage, and by infusing it with the delicate floral notes of lavender, you can take it to another level. Start by making a batch of homemade lemonade using freshly squeezed lemon juice, water, and a touch of honey or your preferred sweetener. Add a few drops of culinary-grade lavender oil or a tablespoon of dried lavender flowers. Stir well and let it chill in the refrigerator. Serve the Lavender Lemonade over ice, garnished with a sprig of lavender and a dainty purple cocktail parasol. This unique twist on a classic drink will captivate your guests with its enchanting aroma and flavour. All that’s left to do is sip, savour, and embrace summer bliss with a stunning cocktail under our equally stunning Rosanna parasol.

Lavender Rosé Spritzer from the Liquor Laboratory:
https://liquorlaboratory.com/botanical-drink-recipes/

• One 750 ml sparkling rosé wine
• 12 ounces of club soda
• 2 tbsp culinary lavender
• 24 organic rose petals
• Lavender stalks (garnish)
• Two teaspoons of organic rose water (optional)

3. Fruity Refresher: Watermelon Spritzer

Watermelon is synonymous with summer, and a Watermelon Spritzer is the perfect way to enjoy its juicy sweetness. Puree fresh watermelon chunks and strain the juice into a pitcher. Add a splash of sparkling water or lemon soda for some fizz and a squeeze of lime for a tangy kick. For an alcoholic version, spike it with a splash of vodka or white rum. Serve in chilled glasses garnished with a watermelon slice. This light and hydrating drink will keep your guests hydrated and ready to bask in the sun. Cheers to summer vibes and colourful pink parasols, making every cocktail moment extraordinary, and it couldn’t get much easier than this bright spritzer!

A watermelon spritzer from A Taste of Home:

https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/watermelon-spritzer/

• 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon
• 3/4 cup frozen limeade concentrate, thawed
• 2-1/2 cups carbonated water
• Lime slices

4. Bursting with Basil

There's something about summer that just makes a cocktail feel right. Hanging by the pool, chilling in the garden, finding peace under a stylish parasol or simply taking in the weather - it's all better with a frosty glass of something delicious in hand. As the weather heats up, cool off with a delicious basil-infused cocktail, made with the season's freshest ingredients. Basil is gorgeous with gin and vodka-based cocktails or a citrus base, and with its strong and intense flavours, just a single leaf can take your drink to another place! Encourage your guests to take a break beneath our Jane parasol while savouring this refreshing treat.

Strawberry Basil Gin Sour from the Moody Mixologist:
https://www.moodymixologist.com/blog/strawberry-basil-sour

• A gin of your choice
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• An easy homemade strawberry basil syrup
• Aquafaba or an egg white

5. Rosé Cocktails to Sip on All Summer Long

If you're looking for a new and exciting cocktail the Pomegranate and Rosé Paloma is definitely worth a try. From fruity spritzers to boozy punches, there's a rosé cocktail recipe out there for everyone. The addition of dried rose petals and a sugar rim make this cocktail visually stunning, adding pomegranate or berry juice, or gin and perhaps a little honey. This drink is perfect for a summer evening or a brunch with friend. With  the right ingredients and a little bit of creativity, you can easily whip up your own signature rose cocktail that's sure to be a hit at your next summer gathering. Wiith so many rosé-infused cocktail recipes out there, it can be tough to know where to start. We’ve found this lovely recipe to you get started, let its romantic flavours transport you to a sunny getaway under our Poppy Octagonal parasol.

 Easy sparkling rosé cocktails from The Moody Mixologist:

https://www.moodymixologist.com/blog/pomegranate-rose-paloma-easy-sparkling-rose-cocktail

• Quality dry sparkling rose
• Premium grapefruit soda
• Pomegranate juice
• Grapefruit, mint, and rose petals to garnish

6. It’s Thyme to Mix

Bartenders are always looking for unusual elements to add to their cocktails, and what better way to do that than with herbs? Herbs like lavender, rosemary, and cinnamon can add a beautiful, fragrant touch to any cocktail. And thyme cocktails are full of bright, aromatic flavour-, they’re perfect for the at-home mixologist and can really elevate a drink. Thyme is delicious with citrus based drinks, or the juices of stone fruits or tomatoes.  Try the recipe below for a delicious alchol-free drink. Indulge in the perfect pairing of a summer botanical cocktail and our Lexham Teal Octagonal East London Parasol, an experience to savour.

Peach and Thyme Spritz from Zestful Kitchen:
https://zestfulkitchen.com/peach-thyme-spritz-recipe/

• 2 cups fresh diced peaches
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• ½ cup water
• ⅓ cup honey
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup chilled club soda
• Thyme sprigs and peach slices to serve

 

7. Sophisticated Elegance: Elderflower Sparkler

Fragrant, floral, and delicious, elderflower offers a delicate flavour that is perfect for a stylish  garden party. We’ve drizzled it on cakes, stirred it into ice creams but our all-time favourite way to enjoy this alluring hedgerow treat is in a cool cocktail or simple, homemade cordial. Mix elderflower cordial with sparkling wine or champagne for a refreshing Elderflower Sparkler. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel or a few fresh berries for a fun party tipple in a flash. For a non-alcoholic version, swap the sparkling wine with sparkling water or a non-alcoholic sparkling beverage. This drink adds a touch of sophistication to your gathering and pairs wonderfully with a variety of canapes. Take a sip, soak up the sun, and let the pastel coloured Hugo parasol add a touch of elegance to your summer cocktail affair. Our classic prosecco, vodka and elderflower cocktail with a hint of jasmine and sharp grapefruit is an irresistible mix. To mix it up try adding a spoonful of a simple gooseberry crush for a light, fruity treat no one will turn down.

Floral elderflower, prosecco, and vodka cocktail from BBC Good Food:

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/winners-bouquet

• 8 edible flowers (such as violets or rose petals)
• 200ml cold jasmine tea
• 1 tsp orange blossom honey
• 25ml elderflower cordial juice
• 1 grapefruit
• 75ml vodka
• 300ml prosecco
• extra ice cubes

 8. Botanical Bee’s Knees

Botanical infusions take cocktails to the next level, adding a delicate and unusual taste to an otherwise simple drink. Plus, with the warm weather coming up, it’s definitely worth mentioning that this drink is a fresh flavour during the summer months. The Bee’s Knees – coined from the popular 1920’s phrase “It’s the bee’s knees,” meaning the best - is a contemporary take on a classic drink, with gin switched out for vodka, and floral flavours added to the mix. Super simple to make, strained it into a tall glass over fresh ice, and delicately garnished with a couple of lemon slices for that additional burst of flavour. Dainty, elegant and refreshing, it’s the perfect summer drink to enjoy in your garden over the warm months. Discover the art of relaxation as you enjoy this inspiring cocktail under our exquisite Dayla parasol. If you think that botanicals only pair perfectly with gin, then be prepared to think again, as these cocktails will prove that your favourite herbaceous, floral, and citrus flavours go great with all kinds of spirits! 

Botanical Bee’s Knees from Thortful:
https://www.thortful.com/blog/botanical-cocktail-ideas/

• 50ml vodka
• 100ml chamomile tea
• 25ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 15ml honey syrup
• Lemon slices to garnish

9. Sungold Zinger

This tomato-based cocktail is one of the most surprising drinks to add to your menu! Tomato juice is a common mixer for cocktails, but why not get creative with tomatoes themselves? As you start to muddle the sweet cherry tomatoes as the base to your cocktail, exciting things happen when the gin, elderflower liqueur and lemon juice is poured on the pulpy mush - the strong tomato flavour changes and becomes more earthy and subtle. The small amount of elderflower shines through and the sour lemon notes complement everything beauitfully. Under the shelter of a vibrant tangerine parasol, enjoy the art of mixology with this enlivening summer cocktail in hand. Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed!

Cherry Tomato Zinger - from Garden Cocktails (adapted from Savoury Cocktails by Greg Henry)

• 4 cherry tomatoes, halved
• Pinch coarse salt
• 2oz dry gin
• 1/2 oz elderflower liqueur
• 1/2 oz lemon juice

10. Faux Fizz

No party would be complete without something bubbly to hand. This clever faux fizz is perfect for raising a teetotal toast at any garden celebration. The flavours of pear, apricots, honey, lemon, and rosemary make a deliciously fruity and herbal base, with a hint of floral flavours. Elevate your glasses by rimming them with edible glitter or sugar; it adds a touch of glamour and sparkle to your drinks. This Pear, Apricot and Rosemary Fizz is a sophisticated tipple which will esnure your garden party sparkles and shines all summer. Raise your glass and your outdoor cocktail game with the captivating beauty of our Emma parasol.

Pear, Apricot and Rosemary Fizz from BBC Food: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/faux-fizz

• 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
• Sparkling water, to top up

For the base syrup:

• 1 sliced pear
• 4 dried apricots
• 75g golden caster sugar
• 25g honey
• 1 sprig rosemary, plus extra to garnish (optional)
• 1 strip lemon zest

As you gather with your friends beneath a big parasol, celebrating the sunshine and the joys of summer, these gorgeous botanical-inspired drinks will make your garden party truly memorable. From vibrant mocktails and delightful cocktails to herb infusions, there's a beverage to suit every taste. Take inspiration from the colourful East London Parasols and let your drinks shine alongside the bright sun rays.

So, raise your glasses, soak up the sunshine, and toast to a memorable and enjoyable gathering with your friends. Cheers to good company, warm weather, and the perfect summery garden party!