Edible flowers have been used in culinary traditions across cultures for centuries, adding a touch of vibrancy and fragrance to dishes. But now, they have found a new home behind the bar, bringing a fresh twist to classic cocktails and introducing delightful new dimensions to the drinking experience.
Whether you’re a professional mixologist looking to push the boundaries of your craft or an aspiring cocktail enthusiast eager to impress your friends at your next gathering, join us as we uncover the wonders of incorporating these floral delights into your libations.
What are edible Flowers?
Edible flowers are just like regular flowers, but they’re edible. They have petals and everything! Edible flowers can be used in salads, as garnishes for drinks and foods, or just for decoration. Some people even eat them straight up!
Some of our favorite edible flowers include:
- Pansies
- Marigolds
- Lavender
- Sunflowers
Best Edible flowers for cocktails Garnishes
1. Marigold
Marigold flowers are bright and colorful and have a slightly citrusy flavor. They can add a pop of color and a hint of tangy taste to your drink.
2. Rose
Roses are not just pretty, but their petals are edible too! They have a delicate floral taste and come in different colors. You can use rose petals to give your cocktail a romantic touch.
3. Lavender
Lavender flowers have a sweet and floral aroma. They can add a relaxing and calming scent to your drink. Just a few lavender buds can make your cocktail smell amazing.
4. Hibiscus
Hibiscus flowers are vibrant and have a tart flavor. They can give your cocktail a beautiful reddish color and a tangy taste. Hibiscus flowers are often used to make herbal teas too.
5. Pansy
Pansies are small, delicate flowers with pretty colors. They have a mild flavor and are often used as decorative toppings for cocktails. You can eat the petals and leave the stem behind.
6. Nasturtium
Nasturtium flowers come in shades of orange, red, and yellow. They have a slightly spicy and peppery taste, similar to watercress. These flowers can add a zesty kick to your drink.
7. Violets
Violets are tiny, purple flowers that have a delicate and sweet taste. They can be used to garnish cocktails and add a touch of elegance. Violets are often candied and used in desserts too.
8. Dandelion
Dandelion flowers are common and easy to find. They taste slightly bitter but can be used in small amounts as a garnish. Dandelions are known for their bright yellow color.
9. Chamomile
Chamomile flowers have a pleasant, apple-like scent and a mild, floral flavor. They are often used to make soothing herbal teas but can also be used as a garnish in cocktails.
10. Elderflower
Elderflower is a fragrant flower with a sweet and floral taste. It can add a unique flavor to your cocktail. Elderflower is commonly used to make elderflower syrup, which is a popular ingredient in cocktails.
11. Chive Blossoms
Chive blossoms are the flowers that grow on chive plants. They have a mild onion flavor and can be used as a garnish. Chive blossoms are often snipped into small pieces before adding them to cocktails.
12. Borage
Borage flowers have a refreshing cucumber-like taste. They are blue in color and can be used to garnish summer cocktails. Borage flowers are also used in salads and other dishes.
13. Calendula
Calendula flowers have a bright orange or yellow color and a slightly peppery flavor. They can be used to add a spicy kick to your drink and make it visually appealing.
14. Dianthus
Dianthus flowers, also known as carnations, come in various colors and have a spicy, clove-like flavor. They can be used as a decorative touch to enhance the appearance of your cocktail.
15. Mint
Mint leaves are commonly used in cocktails, but did you know that mint flowers are edible too? Mint flowers have a milder mint flavor than the leaves and can be used as a unique garnish.
Why use edible flowers as a garnish for cocktails?
Edible flowers are a great way to add color and flavor to your cocktails. They’re also a beautiful garnish that adds a little something extra to your drink.
The flowers are usually edible and can be used in sweet and savory recipes. They’re often grown without pesticides or herbicides (organic), so they’re better for you than many of the other ingredients you’d find in your cocktail.
Flowers also have their own natural flavor profile, which can accentuate or complement the flavors of your drink. Some have spicy notes that can add depth to drinks with citrus flavors; others have floral notes that will make tequila-based cocktails taste sweeter.
How should edible flowers be used to garnish cocktails?
When it comes to garnishing, edible flowers are best used when they’re fresh. You’ll want to make sure that they’re clean and free of any dirt or bugs before using them in your drink. If you’re unsure about how fresh they are, feel free to ask your bartender or server!
If you want to use edible flowers in your cocktail, you can either drop them in there or add them after making the drink and stirring it with a spoon until everything is evenly mixed.
Where can you get edible flowers to use as garnishes for your cocktails?
You can find edible flowers at most grocery stores, but they are often sold in bulk. Try a flower market or florist if you’re looking for smaller quantities.
Final thoughts
Edible flowers add both an element of visual appeal and culinary value to adult beverages. Whether you want to enhance the visual appeal of your next cocktail soiree or simply like adding an unusual twist to your favorite drink, edible flowers are a surprisingly easy way to achieve both results.
