Many consider mixology, a distinctive art form. Not only does it hold the power to uplift your mood but a well-crafted cocktail, with just the right blend of flavours and alcohol, can be a true crowd pleaser. So if you’re someone who loves their cocktails, we have a few ideas for you.
Ever tried mixology with edible flowers? They’re known to add fresh aromas, beautiful textures and even an enhanced taste to any classic cocktail. Use them raw, dried or as a garnish. Each adds its own recognizable touch. And the next time you’re hosting, personally or professionally, give it a try. And you’re sure to leave a lasting impression.
All you need is your basic cocktail-making essentials and edible flowers. If you’re upcycling them, that’s even better. So let’s deep-dive into some cocktail recipes and the best time to serve them.
1. Peony Rose Spritzer
A drink that’s best served and enjoyed on hot summer days, for brunch or during the sundowner. And its sparkling look adds to the celebration. Here’s a list of ingredients to get started.
Cocktail ingredients (Serves 1)
4 ounces rose wine
1 ounce vodka
1/ 2 ounce peony simple syrup, recipe below
Ice, as needed
Sparkling water, as needed
Peony syrup ingredients
1/ 2 cup sugar
1 untreated peony flower, petals only
Peony syrup method
Mix the sugar, petals and 1/2 cup water in a small pan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the sugar has dissolved.
Cocktail method
Fill a sturdy cocktail glass with ice. Add rose, vodka and peony syrup. Top with sparkling water, stir gently and serve.
2. Helios Margarita
The go-to choice to whet the palate before dinner, it’s considered a simple yet effective cocktail that’s perfect to be served for professional hosting. Ingredients
2 ounces tequila
¾ ounce Strega
½ ounce sunflower orgeat
¾ ounce fresh-pressed lime
Sunflower petals for garnish
Sunflower Orgeat ingredients
1 cup raw unsalted sunflower seeds
1 cup honey
1 ½ cups water
½ teaspoon orange blossom water
1 ounce vodka
Sunflower Orgeat method
Lightly toast sunflower seeds for 1 or 2 minutes. Cool and ground them finely. Mix the ground seeds and honey in a pan, over low heat. Stir until the honey bubbles and stir in the water. Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and infuse for 60 minutes. Strain the batch, stir in orange blossom water and vodka. Store in refrigerator.
Cocktail method
Add the liquid ingredients to a bar tin, add ice and shake for 10 seconds. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with sunflower petals or a dwarf sunflower blossom.
3.Lotus Flower Martini
Setting up a fun get-together in your backyard or balcony? This cocktail will elevate the charm of your occasion.
Ingredients
Ice Cubes
1 part Vodka
½ part lychee liquor
part blue curacao
part violet liqueur
1 part lotus flower
1 part mint leaf
Method
Simply as easy as it sounds, fill the shaker with all the ingredients, along with ice cubes. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with more lotus flowers and a mint leaf.