A Guide to Flowers Used in Cocktails
Flowers have been a part of the culinary world for centuries, not only for their beauty but also for their ability to add unique flavors and aromas to dishes and drinks. When it comes to cocktails, flowers can be used in various forms—infused into syrups, muddled, garnished, or even turned into floral ice cubes. This Lover HK Florist guide will introduce you to some of the most popular flowers used in cocktails, their flavors, and how to incorporate them into your next drink.
1. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Flavor Profile: Floral, herbaceous, with a hint of citrus and earthiness.
Cocktail Uses: Lavender is one of the most popular flowers used in cocktails, known for its calming aroma and slightly sweet, herbaceous flavor. It pairs wonderfully with gin, lemon, honey, and even tequila. Lavender syrup is often used in cocktails like the Lavender Collins or Lavender Martini.
Pro Tip: Use sparingly as lavender’s flavor can be quite strong. A little goes a long way in creating a fragrant, soothing drink.
2. Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Flavor Profile: Tart, tangy, and slightly floral, similar to cranberry.
Cocktail Uses: Hibiscus flowers are vibrant in both color and flavor. They add a refreshing, tangy kick to cocktails, making them an excellent choice for tropical drinks. Hibiscus is commonly used in cocktails like the Hibiscus Margarita or Hibiscus Mojito. You can use hibiscus syrup or tea to infuse the drink with its color and tart flavor.
Pro Tip: Hibiscus pairs well with rum, tequila, or vodka. For a visually stunning cocktail, infuse the hibiscus flowers in water to create a rich, ruby-red color.
3. Elderflower (Sambucus nigra)
Flavor Profile: Light, sweet, and slightly musky with hints of honey.
Cocktail Uses: Elderflower is known for its fragrant, floral sweetness, making it a popular addition to many cocktails. The elderflower liqueur, such as St-Germain, is often used in spritzers and gin-based cocktails. Try adding elderflower syrup to create a refreshing Elderflower Gin Fizz or Elderflower Collins.
Pro Tip: Elderflower pairs well with gin, sparkling wine, or vodka. It’s perfect for lighter, effervescent cocktails.
4. Rose (Rosa spp.)
Flavor Profile: Sweet, aromatic, and floral with a slight fruity undertone.
Cocktail Uses: Rose is a classic floral note often used in syrups, garnishes, or infusions for cocktails. It pairs beautifully with gin, vodka, and champagne. A rose petal garnish or a dash of rose water can enhance cocktails like the Rose Martini or Rose Mojito.
Pro Tip: When using rose in cocktails, opt for rose water or rose syrup for a delicate flavor infusion. Fresh rose petals can also be used as an elegant garnish.
5. Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)
Flavor Profile: Sweet, floral, and slightly tropical, with hints of fruit.
Cocktail Uses: Jasmine flowers are often used in syrups, teas, or infusions. Their mild, tropical aroma makes them a fantastic addition to gin, rum, or vodka cocktails. Jasmine pairs well with lemon, honey, and citrus flavors. Consider a Jasmine Daiquiri or Jasmine Mojito for an exotic twist.
Pro Tip: Jasmine pairs especially well with rum-based cocktails for a tropical, floral experience. A jasmine-infused simple syrup can be used to sweeten cocktails with a unique touch.
6. Violet (Viola spp.)
Flavor Profile: Sweet, mild, and slightly floral, with an earthy undertone.
Cocktail Uses: Violets are delicate and can be used in cocktails as a garnish or infused into syrups and liqueurs. Violet-flavored liqueurs, such as Crème de Violette, are a great way to add a floral depth to cocktails like the Aviation or Violet Fizz.
Pro Tip: Crème de Violette is a popular violet liqueur that can be used in cocktails to impart a subtle floral flavor. Violet petals can also be used as an elegant garnish.
7. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Flavor Profile: Mild, sweet, and herbal with apple-like notes.
Cocktail Uses: Chamomile flowers lend a soft, calming flavor to cocktails. They pair well with gin, whiskey, and rum. Chamomile syrup can be used in cocktails like a Chamomile Old Fashioned or a Chamomile Sour.
Pro Tip: Use chamomile syrup in place of simple syrup to add a unique herbal sweetness to your drinks. Chamomile tea can also be used to infuse spirits.
8. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Flavor Profile: Slightly peppery and herbal with a mild sweetness.
Cocktail Uses: Calendula is often used for its vibrant color and subtle flavor. The petals can be used to infuse syrups or spirits, or as a garnish in light, herbal cocktails. Calendula pairs well with gin, vodka, or tequila and works well in drinks like the Calendula Gin and Tonic or Calendula Margarita.
Pro Tip: Calendula adds a pop of color and a gentle herbal note. Use it in cocktails where a delicate herbal infusion is desired.
9. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Flavor Profile: Peppery and tangy, with a slightly spicy kick.
Cocktail Uses: Nasturtium flowers add a unique, peppery flavor to cocktails, making them great for adding complexity to savory cocktails. Their peppery nature pairs well with gin and vodka, especially in cocktails like a Nasturtium Martini or Nasturtium Fizz.
Pro Tip: Use nasturtiums as a garnish for a peppery note, or muddle them into cocktails for a more intense flavor.
10. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Flavor Profile: Mildly sweet, with an earthy and honey-like taste.
Cocktail Uses: Dandelion flowers can be infused into syrups or used to make a floral liqueur. Dandelion syrup can be added to create a natural sweetness in cocktails such as Dandelion Mojitos or Dandelion Daiquiris.
Pro Tip: Use dandelion syrup to balance out tart cocktails, and be sure to pick dandelions from areas that are pesticide-free.
11. Orchid (Orchidaceae spp.)
Flavor Profile: Sweet, floral, and mild.
Cocktail Uses: Orchids are often used as a beautiful garnish for tropical or exotic cocktails. The flowers themselves are edible, with a subtle floral flavor. Orchids can be placed atop cocktails like the Orchid Martini or a Tropical Mojito for a visually stunning presentation.
Pro Tip: Orchids are often more decorative than flavorful, but they can be used to add elegance and a touch of floral beauty to any drink.
12. Lemon Blossom (Citrus spp.)
Flavor Profile: Sweet, light, and citrusy with floral notes.
Cocktail Uses: Lemon blossoms are fragrant and can be used to infuse spirits like gin, vodka, or rum. They also make a refreshing garnish for gin or citrus-based cocktails. Try using lemon blossom-infused syrup in a Lemon Blossom Mojito or Lemon Blossom Collins.
Pro Tip: Lemon blossoms pair especially well with other citrus fruits and can add a delicate floral flavor without overpowering the drink.
How to Use Flowers in Cocktails
Infusions: One of the easiest ways to use flowers in cocktails is by infusing them into spirits or syrups. Simply steep the flowers in alcohol (such as vodka, gin, or rum) or syrup for several hours to extract the flavor.
Syrups: You can create simple syrups using flowers to sweeten your cocktails. Infuse flowers in sugar syrup to create a floral base for your drinks.
Garnishes: Flowers can be used as beautiful garnishes to add visual appeal to your cocktails. Some flowers like lavender and roses can also enhance the aroma of your drink.
Muddling: Fresh flowers such as violets or nasturtiums can be muddled into your cocktail to release their oils and flavor.
Flowers can bring both flavor and beauty to your cocktails, creating an elegant, aromatic experience with each sip. Whether you’re making a floral-infused syrup, adding a fragrant garnish, or using flowers to elevate a classic cocktail, they offer endless possibilities for creative and delicious drinks. So next time you’re mixing up a cocktail, don’t forget to reach for some of nature’s most fragrant blooms!
