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Home Bar Essentials: Edible Flowers
It’s that time of year: when flowers bloom in our gardens, and the resulting blossoms adorn our cocktails!
There are countless reasons spring makes for the tastiest cocktails— the first glimpse of patio weather, a shift to bright & refreshing flavour palates, and the bounty of delicious (and beautiful) edible flowers.
Read on to explore a few of our favourite ways to incorporate our floral harvest in Empress 1908 cocktail recipes. From homemade simple syrups to the perfect spring garnish, the opportunities are endless!
Already an expert in edible gardening? Jump to some of our favourite spring cocktail recipes from recent blog posts!
1. First up: planting your edible flower garden
If you don’t come by your green thumb naturally, there’s no reason to worry! We’re rounding up a few fool-proof must haves for your cocktail garden this year.
For easy access & low maintenance, try:
- Rosemary
- Mint
- Thyme
- Lavender
- Violas & Pansies
If you’re feeling adventurous, try:
- Chamomile
- Lilac
- Borage
- Calendula
- Violets
- Nasturtiums
2. let’s get to mixing: flower-infused simple syrups
Longtime fans of Empress 1908 Gin know that infused simple syrups are a staple behind our bar. Edible flowers make for the perfect ingredient to add to your next simple syrup— check out some of our favourites below (using the some of the plants mentioned above!)
start with a simple syrup…
If you’re not familiar with the original simple syrup recipe, it’s easy to master for all your future creations. All you need is:
- Equal parts sugar and water (i.e. granulated sugar, brown sugar or runny honey)
- A small saucepan
Just combine the sugar and water in the saucepan over medium heat, simmer until combined, remove from heat, and cool!
then add your own floral twist!
To level-up your basic syrup for spring, try adding your favourite flowers to the recipes below. (Don’t be afraid to tweak the quantities to best fit your taste!)
Pictured from left: The Chamomile Collins, made with Chamomile Syrup, ingredients for the Lavender Sour by @afullliving, Lavender Syrup
3. The final touch: garnishing with fresh blooms
Perhaps the simplest way to put your spring blooms to use behind the bar is as a delicious, delightful garnish! Pressed pansies, delicate lavender buds and everything in between are sure to make an impression at your next cocktail party.
Explore a few of our favourite floral garnish examples below!
Pressed pansies and violas are ideal for garnishes that sit atop or inside your glass! We love how @theweekendmixologist carefully arranged them in this delicious ‘Garden Party’ cocktail. Press your own at home, or order from sellers like this one on etsy!
Find ‘The Garden Party’ recipe details here.
Dried lavender buds and other blooms like chamomile flowers make the perfect addition to egg white cocktails like @heartbeetkitchen‘s Gin & Jam Sour. The shaken egg white results in a frothy foam that should support any floral garnish of your choice!
Find the ‘Gin & Jam Sour’ recipe details here.
Make it low-maintenance with a little sprig of something! Lavender, rosemary & thyme, are good for a garnish on the go— no fuss, just pop one in the glass, and your cocktail’s aromatics and presentation will go unmatched!
Find @jamandbreadofficial‘s ‘Blueberry Lavender Smash’ recipe details here.
For more essential hom-bartending tips, be sure to check out our Glassware Guide and Must-Have Bar Tools! And as always, visit our Instagram Page or Cocktail Deck for all the delicious drinkspiration you need.
Sip responsibly!
