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Fresh Teas & Cocktails With Flavours from the Garden
Mar 18, 2016, 13:28 PM
A sweet or savoury sprig of an herb will lighten up your favourite cocktail or steep its way into your favourite nightly blend. Add a few key herbs to your garden for tastes that will inspire some new spring drink recipes.
Stick to the classics. With an array of herbs to choose from, it can be hard to select only a few for your garden. An old favourite like mint is a perfect way to test out garden drinks. Both peppermint and spearmint make calming teas while mint leaves make a classic mojito.
Pot your herbs. There are few things more satisfying than a hot cup of tea on a cool afternoon. Bring your potted herbs indoors during the winter and keep them in a place where they are sure to get sun. Rosemary, a low maintenance indoor plant, makes a unique brew of tea and a few sprigs creates a new twist on a gin and tonic.
Dry your herbs. If indoor plants aren’t for you, cut and bunch together your herbs and air-dry inside. Most dried herbs will keep flavour for anywhere from six months to a year. Try dried chamomile to steep a relaxing night-time tea.
Drink tea all year. Iced tea is a great way to quench thirst on a warm afternoon. Brew a pot of tea and stick it in the fridge over night. Add a few sprigs of herbs for a lovely garnish and to bring out hidden flavours. For a new spring and summer drink try pairing bergamot, the herb behind Earl Grey tea, with a handful of whole or puréed raspberries.
Muddle herbs. To make a drink that packs the most punch, muddle herbs with a pestle and mortar. This will release all of the herb’s natural flavours before they go in the cocktail shaker. Sweet basil is a versatile choice for your garden, add it to vodka or gin based drinks for a nice twist.
Get more ideas for your spring garden at the Ottawa Home & Garden Show, taking place at the EY Centre, March 25-28, 2016. Also, don’t miss the debut of the Living Landscapes garden series at the show – an enchanting garden taking up a 30,000 sq. ft. hall, featuring 11 creative gardens each with its own theme, inspiration and design. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to the show. We can't wait to see you there!
EY CENTRE
Stick to the classics. With an array of herbs to choose from, it can be hard to select only a few for your garden. An old favourite like mint is a perfect way to test out garden drinks. Both peppermint and spearmint make calming teas while mint leaves make a classic mojito.
Pot your herbs. There are few things more satisfying than a hot cup of tea on a cool afternoon. Bring your potted herbs indoors during the winter and keep them in a place where they are sure to get sun. Rosemary, a low maintenance indoor plant, makes a unique brew of tea and a few sprigs creates a new twist on a gin and tonic.
Dry your herbs. If indoor plants aren’t for you, cut and bunch together your herbs and air-dry inside. Most dried herbs will keep flavour for anywhere from six months to a year. Try dried chamomile to steep a relaxing night-time tea.
Drink tea all year. Iced tea is a great way to quench thirst on a warm afternoon. Brew a pot of tea and stick it in the fridge over night. Add a few sprigs of herbs for a lovely garnish and to bring out hidden flavours. For a new spring and summer drink try pairing bergamot, the herb behind Earl Grey tea, with a handful of whole or puréed raspberries.
Muddle herbs. To make a drink that packs the most punch, muddle herbs with a pestle and mortar. This will release all of the herb’s natural flavours before they go in the cocktail shaker. Sweet basil is a versatile choice for your garden, add it to vodka or gin based drinks for a nice twist.
Get more ideas for your spring garden at the Ottawa Home & Garden Show, taking place at the EY Centre, March 25-28, 2016. Also, don’t miss the debut of the Living Landscapes garden series at the show – an enchanting garden taking up a 30,000 sq. ft. hall, featuring 11 creative gardens each with its own theme, inspiration and design. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to the show. We can't wait to see you there!