The Best Herbs to Grow for Summer Cocktails and Mocktails
Nothing says summer like a refreshing drink—whether you’re lounging by the pool, throwing backyard parties, or just sipping something cool after a day in the garden. And nothing upgrades those sips quite like fresh herbs straight from your own backyard.
At Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center, we believe homegrown herbs aren’t just for cooking—they’re for crafting unforgettable summer cocktails and mocktails, too. Whether you’re muddling mint for a mojito or infusing syrups with lavender, we’ve got the plantable herbs to take your drinks from basic to botanical.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about clipping herbs from your own container garden and dropping them into your drink. It’s a sensory joy—fresh aroma, vibrant color, and flavor that store-bought bundles just can’t match. From raised beds to small patio pots, a few thoughtfully planted herbs can turn any space into a fresh flavor oasis.
Peppermint & Pineapple Mint: Mojito Royalty
If you’re only planting one herb for your drink station, mint should be it. From classic mojitos to herbal iced teas and lemonade garnishes, mint brings a cooling, uplifting flavor that can freshen up just about anything.
- Peppermint adds a clean, crisp flavor that’s perfect for traditional cocktails.
- Pineapple mint offers a sweeter, fruitier twist—ideal for mocktails and tropical blends.
Try adding spearmint to a watermelon salad or freezing peppermint leaves into ice cubes for a stunning presentation. You can also simmer mint leaves with sugar and water to create a simple syrup that elevates everything from spritzers to sodas.
Tip: Mint grows like wildfire. We recommend planting it in containers to keep it under control.
Basil & Lemon Balm: Bright and Versatile
Basil – It’s not just for Caprese salads! Basil has a sweet, peppery flavor that works beautifully in drinks—think strawberry basil lemonade, cucumber gin spritzers, or even a watermelon basil mocktail.
Want to play with flavors? Try lemon basil or Thai basil for citrusy or anise-like notes.
Lemon Balm
Mild, lemony, and delightfully aromatic, lemon balm is great in spritzers, mocktail punches, and calming herbal teas. Its fresh scent alone is enough to lift your spirits.
🍋 Lemon Verbena: The Citrus Powerhouse
If you’re craving a bold, lemon-forward herb that packs serious flavor, lemon verbena is your MVP. Its leaves release a bright, almost electric citrus aroma that transforms even the simplest drinks.
Use it to infuse syrups, make lemony simple syrup, or muddle it right into sparkling water with fruit. It’s a top pick for both flavor and fragrance.
🌸 Lavender: Floral Sophistication
A little goes a long way with lavender—and a little is all you need to elevate a cocktail. Its delicate floral notes work best in syrups, infused waters, or as a fragrant garnish.
Thyme, Rosemary & Sage: Earthy Elegance
Thyme
Don’t let its tiny leaves fool you—thyme brings big flavor. From lemon thyme lemonade to thyme-infused gin cocktails, it adds a savory, citrusy depth that surprises and delights. Try pairing it with lemon or berries for an unexpected herbal twist.
Rosemary
Piney and aromatic, rosemary pairs beautifully with citrus drinks—especially grapefruit or blood orange. It’s wonderful in gin spritzes, whiskey lemonades, or used as a decorative stir stick. Rosemary sprigs also make elegant garnishes for frozen drinks or flavored waters.
Sage
Earthy and slightly peppery, sage works well in bold, bourbon-based drinks and fruit pairings like pineapple or blackberry. It’s an unexpected but excellent player in your cocktail garden. Try muddling sage with pear or apple juice for a fall-inspired mocktail.
Unique Additions: Cilantro & Dill
Cilantro
Polarizing? Maybe. Delicious? Absolutely. With a fresh, citrusy bite, cilantro shines in jalapeño margaritas or as a Mojito alternative for folks who prefer bold, herbaceous flavors.
Dill
Yes, dill—its feathery fronds and slightly tangy, licorice-like flavor are surprisingly good in cucumber drinks, savory mocktails, or paired with gin and lemon.
Planning Your Garden
Design your garden for compatibility and success based on how they grow by combining leafy, roots, stalks, and vining plants with these popular Goebbert’s selections:
Leafy & Cool Weather Crops
Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Brussel Sprout, Lettuce, Celery, Collards
Root & Stalk Vegetables
Beets, Onions, Parsley, Rhubarb
Warm Weather & Vining Favorites
Zucchini, Squash, Pumpkin, Beans, Eggplant, Okra
And don’t miss our specialty crops like cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes—each with a page of their own.
Pairing Herbs with Fruit: Flavor Combos to Try
Want to take your herb garden to the next level? Pairing herbs with seasonal fruits unlocks an even bigger world of flavor:
- Basil + Strawberry
- Mint + Watermelon
- Rosemary + Grapefruit
- Lavender + Blueberry
- Thyme + Lemon
Try mixing and matching based on what’s in season—or what’s in your fridge.
Quick Herb Hacks
- Freeze leftover herbs in ice cube trays with water or lemon juice for instant cocktail cubes.
- Strip leaves off woody stems like rosemary and thyme before muddling.
- Use herb flowers (like basil and mint blossoms) as elegant edible garnishes.
Where to Buy Herbs for Summer Drinks
Looking for plantable herbs that are fresh, flavorful, and locally grown? Visit Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center starting mid-April to shop from our wide selection of mints, lemon herbs, florals, and classic cocktail companions.
You’ll also find our full collection our plantable Herbs page.
Join our Loyal Gardening Club for seasonal perks, expert advice, and savings on your next herb haul.
Cheers to Fresh Flavors
Whether you’re crafting a signature cocktail, a low-key lemonade, or a sparkling herb spritzer, Goebbert’s has everything you need to sip in style this summer.
Come grow with us—and drink well while you’re at it
