Adding spirits with herbs results in some unexpected distinctive features that would never really be noticeable in an alcohol beverage. For the construction of signature cocktails, these three herbs – basil, mint, and rosemary can offer some distinguished and varied tastes and scents from refreshing summer sips to warm winter cocktails.
Basil: An Herb with Character
Basil is often known for its cult importance within Italian food but it has definitely made its way into cocktails as well. With a hint of pepper and sweetness, this herb becomes versatile enough to create a nuance and warmth to any beverage. It combines beautifully with gin, vodka, and rum as well.Basil adds depth and pungency to cocktails, which is why many bars use it in their drinks. Brushing fresh basil quickly releases its properties and enhances the drink. Never forget to include basil in a shaker with your preferred alcohol, after placing it in the glass to release some of the aroma by gently pressing it.
Basil is a great addition to a variety of tropical drinks. A Basil Mojito is one great option. A Mojito is traditionally made with mint, however, basil has an almost identical but unique taste allowing for some creativity. A basil mojito provides more aroma and a greater level of taste but the drink still remains refreshing.
Mint: The Evergreen Pick for a Cool Drink
Mint has always been the widely used herb in the preparation of cocktails, especially those containing spirits and are served in cold conditions. It’s cool, greenish, and fresh which offsets the temperature of the body making it apt for summer. The herb is sweet and acidic meaning it can be used in both old timeless drinks and new age cocktails.The Mojito , a cocktail that takes the cake, has a prominent use of mint. Contrary to this belief, Mojito is actually Cuba’s drink that comprises mint, lime, rum, sugar, and soda water. What is more interesting is the fact that the mint in a Mojito does not affect the taste but rather adds a smooth crisp scent that enhances the overall experience. In regards to making a Mojito, it is regarded as important to lightly muddle the mint leaves in order to release the oil but do not rip the leaves as it evens out the taste.
Speaking of classic cocktails, the Mint Julep that has become a hallmark in the Kentucky Derby uses mint as well. This Southern classic on the other hand consists of bourbon, fresh mint, sugar, and water. The icing on the cake when based against the strong and rich bourbon flavor is the mint that softens the overpowering bourbon cream ends in a smooth breath. Mint Juleps are typically served in crushed ice further worsening the mood around the drink.
Rosemary: A Bold Twist
Derived from the bold Roman Empire, uses of rosemary lead to the same scent. Herbs such as basil or mint tend to have a strong scent but rosemary differs. Quite a handful of people avoid using rosemary with cocktails due to its overpowering scent. If used correctly rosemary does wonders and adds a layer of aroma that is hard to replicate.
The taste of rosemary can be introduced in cocktails using a rosemary simple syrup that is prepared by mixing sugar and water with rosemary, or by steaming the herb. This freshly prepared syrup can be used for many cocktail preparations, for example, a mixture known as Rosemary Gin Fizz , combining gin, lemon juice, and rosemary syrup with some soda water. The infusion of rosemary enhances the flavor of the gin, making the drink perfectly balanced.
Rosemary also complements the oaky notes of whiskey, an interesting marriage of flavors that can be enjoyed with a Rosemary Old Fashioned . The cocktail is infused with rosemary which carries strong aromatic undertones making it delicious with whiskey-based cocktails. Infusing this herb with whiskey can easily be done by mashing a branch of rosemary and leaving it for some time, then adding it to the rest of the drink.
An interesting alternative to gin and tonic and whiskey drinkers is Rosemary Lemonade , whereby fresh rosemary branches are added to lemonade. It has a good combination of sweetness and tartness with just the right amount of spice to add to the drink. Mixing it with small amounts of gin or vodka is recommended for summer or hot gatherings.
The Art of Mixing Drinks with Herbs and Spices
Basil, mint, and rosemary are not just ingredients in isolation, they can also form a fusion of new exciting drinks. Blending the spiciness of fresh basil with mint’s coolness and rosemary’s earthiness can alter one’s experience with a drink completely.A cocktail that you may be interested in is the Herbamido . In this variant, mint and basil are added to the usual mojito mix of lime and sugar, rum, and soda water—but instead of simply being blended into the solution, all the herbs are muddled with a lime and sugar mix before being added to the cocktail. This makes mojito add an unexpected twist on flavors as the mint works its magic along with the basil.
You may also want to try out Whiskey Sour with the addition of herbs instead of bread. Combine the lemon juice, simple syrup, and whiskey in a bottle. Add rosemary and basil. Shake them together and enjoy. Rosemary adds a depth of purity whereas basil cuts across the sourness of the lemons.
The Sensory Appeal of Herb Cocktails
A cocktail's sensation changes when fresh herbs are used in the preparation. For starters, it does not only improve taste. There is an intact mannerism that goes with it: herb muttering. It indeed is a whole experience. Essential oils that are pleasant and fragrant are contained within the herb leaves’ oils, and those oils are released when the plant is either nastily crushed or infused into the drink. Pleasant aromas twinkle the moment the glass touches the lips: if herbs are in the drink, they surely do improve taste. The undertone artistically incorporates together with the visually enhanced greeneries, the color, and texture in the drink.Herb cocktails will not go away. They are a good close of a glass that allows one to savor nature's taste and scent. Every herb adds its own uniqueness, be it how cooling mint is, the complexity of basil, or the fierceness that rosemary brings. The sole knowledge of how to incorporate these herbs into cocktails is enough to elevate your drinking experience and cater to your friend's impressively creative ideas.
