Botanical Cocktails – The Basics

BOTANICAL COCKTAILS THE BASICS Botanical cocktails - that is, Mother Nature-inspired mixology - look like they're here to stay, and we couldn't be happier about it. Budding botanist or aspiring botanical mixologist? Here's the basics on pairing your spirits and herbs for the most complementary flavours, plus a few recipes from some of our favourite bloggers to inspire your botanical concoctions. Spinkharb farings VODKA odka is quite light and one-dimensional, so it can be paired with pretty much anything. We love infusing vodka with strong herbs and other ingredients for a nicely V; bunal posemy munt forsley nogemany mint fanoley intense but nuanced flavour. GIN Depending on the distillery, gin is already quite botanical in its notes; it marries best with herbs that Conende Sage complement, not mask, this flavour. TEQUILA Tequila's earthy flavour is the perfect base for pairing with more fragrant, floral herbs. Infusions work well with some zesty fruit additions, too. Sage bacal nosemay Canender RUM The naturally sweet flavours in rum are best paired with contrasting cool, fresh flavours like mint (the mojito is a classic for a reason) or oregano, to balance out mint ongeno the sweetness. blogger Kecpes CORIANDER G&E Ingredients (for 1 serving) 50ml gin 5ml honey Elderflower presse Juice of half a lemon + a slice for decoration Handful of coriander + sprigs for decoration Ice @Little_Fickle www.littlefickle.com TROPICAL BASIL CRUSH Ingredients (for 1 serving) 50ml tequila 100ml orange juice 100ml pineapple juice Handful of bruised basil + sprig for decoration Ice @KatyGilroyBlog www.thelilacscrapbook.com vod ka STRAWBERRY & MINT SMASH Ingredients (for 1 serving) 50ml vodka 5 strawberries Handful of fresh mint leaves Juice of quarter of a lime 1 tsp sugar Lemonade @EnglishRoseManc www.englishrosefrommanchester.com rum BLUEBERRY & KIWI MOJITO 50ml rum 2 kiwis (1 for blending, 1 for slicing) Generous handful of blueberries 1 tsp sugar (add more or less to taste) Handful of fresh mint leaves Sparkling water to top up Ice @ZoboWilliams www.from1989.com Ness University of Liverpool BOTANIC GARDENS