If you enjoy a tasty, refreshing summer beverage, why not grow your own ingredients? It’s easier than you might think and adds a satisfying, homegrown touch to every sip. From vibrant berries to fragrant herbs like basil and mint, here’s a look at flavorful ingredients you can cultivate right in your home garden.
BASIL VARIETIES THAT SHINE IN MOCKTAILS:
Basil comes in several exotic varieties perfect for mocktails. Genovese, the Italian variety of basil often paired with tomatoes for salads, works equally well in beverages, as do lemon and cinnamon varieties. Plant in full sun, water appropriately based on your climate, and avoid over or underwatering. Remove flower stalks to keep the leaves from turning bitter. Toss into beverages as desired.
EASIEST HERB TO GROW? MINT:
Mint is easy to grow — so easy it might take over your garden if left unchecked. Keep it in a pot, place it in full sun, and water regularly. In just a few weeks, you’ll have fresh leaves to brighten up your lemonade. Want to mix it up? Experiment with different varieties: spearmint is perfect for lemonades, ice teas, and mojitos, while peppermint pairs with chilled cocoa and cucumber coolers.
EASY-TO-GROW BERRIES FOR SUMMER BEVERAGES:
Strawberries: Thrive in containers or garden beds; produce quickly and abundantly. Perfect for strawberry lemonade, mocktails, or blended with mint and ice for a refreshing cooler.
Blackberries: Low maintenance and resilient; choose thornless varieties for easier harvesting. Perfect for blackberry mojitos, lemonades, or muddled into sparkling water for a rich flavor.
Blueberries: These plants require acidic soil and full sun; once established, they’re quite easy to care for. Great for summer smoothies, blueberry-lime coolers, or infused into iced teas for a subtly sweet kick.
