If you are anything like me, you like to put a bit of effort into present ideas. For something unique, how about the gift of a Cocktail Garden?
What the heck is that? Let me explain. Think of it as a herb garden with a twist.
Herbs aren’t just wonderful for cooking, they are great for drinks too. Whether soft-tails or cocktails, a range of herbs can be used as ingredients and garnish. So whether apartment dwellers or renters, first home buyers or hard-to-buy for parents, your friends and loved ones don’t have to go without a gift of a special garden which will remind them of you. Awww.
Here’s how to create a Cocktail Garden:
Cocktail Recipes
Firstly you’ll need to start with cocktail inspiration! Scour the internet for cocktail recipes with herbs. Find a handful of recipes you think your recipient will love that includes their favourite tipple (if they don’t drink alcohol there are plenty of smoothie recipes that need herbs just the same).
These herbs aren’t only used for garnishing remember, they are fabulous for muddling too and releasing their oils in the process. Be creative.
- Mint — eg: Mint & Blackberry Bourbon, Koala Mojito
- Basil — eg: Strawberry Basil Lemonade
- Rosemary — eg: Rosemary Gin Fizz
- Dill — eg: Dilled Tequila
- Lavender — Try garnishing a champagne flute with a single flower stem!
When selecting your recipes be sure they are herbs that are likely to be found in your local plant centre. If in doubt, write a short list and go shopping before you put together you finalise your Recipe Scroll masterpiece. Some US recipes aren’t so user friendly so do a quick calculation and change an ‘ounce’ to ‘ml’ measure (1 oz = 20ml).
Personalise and print out your favourite recipe selection on a colour printer, curl into a scroll, tie with a ribbon, twine or raffia. If you’d rather keep your recipes flat, spray adhesive on the back and secure to a sturdy piece of cardboard. Trim edges to make sure it’s nice and tidy.
Seedlings
Buy seedlings from your local gardening store (or grow from seed if you want to be extra clever, although you’ll need to plan this 6-8 weeks ahead so they are big enough to gift). You can keep them in their container as they’ll be fine for ages in a small pot.
If you are overflowing with creativity but short on time, check out Mitre10 both for the cocktail carry (see below) but also herb seedlings as they have a huge range in their gardening section.
Cocktail Carry & Utensil
Choose a cute carry. Not only will it hold your wonderful Cocktail Garden seedlings, but if the recipient wants to transplant them into a more permanent garden, the carry can then be used for serving the cocktails later too. I selected this cute tin carry (approx $19.95 from Mitre10). Other options that would work well: a bamboo tray, shallow cane basket, a cute vintage silver plated platter, a wooden fruit crate, or even a mini chilly bin.
Choose a utensil or two to carry through the theme. I chose glass bottles (approx $3.65 ea from Mitre10) to complete the picture. Other ideas could include colourful straws, cocktail umbrellas, cocktail glasses, an ice tray, spirit measure or cocktail shaker. Mitre10 have a great range of gifting ideas and, with a creative eye, you collate an assortment of lovely additions to accompany your cocktail garden.
A fun gift to make. A personal and fun gift to receive.
