I know autumn is rapidly approaching, and many of us are thinking of harvesting rather than planting. This idea struck me when I recently had a cocktail garnished with a sprig of thyme.

We all know about using fresh herbs for cooking, but have you heard about herbs to help elevate your cocktail game? That’s right you can grow herbs that can be used in syrups, infusions, and of course as garnishes. This is gardening I can get behind!

The most popular cocktail herb comes as no surprise, mint. It is the principal flavor in Mojitos and Juleps. What you might not know is that there are over eight varieties that can be used in cocktails. These varieties include the usual suspects; peppermint, spearmint, and mojito mint. While doing my research I found three very interesting varieties, chocolate, ginger, and Yerba Buena.

Chocolate mint has the aroma of chocolate but a light citrus flavor. Use it in a Chocolate Mint Mojito.

Ginger mint has similar mint flavors but finishes with a spicy ginger kick. I would use this in a simple syrup or a vodka infusion for the Ginger Mint Lemonade cocktail.

Yerba Buena, I added this one because I love the name, it is Spanish for good herb! It also grows wild from Alaska to California. The flavor of Yerba Buena pairs perfectly with tequila and ginger beer.

Next up is basil. I am sure most of us are comfortable using basil in cooking but it is becoming more common in cocktails. There are six varieties, which are popular in cocktails, these are the three I found most interesting.

Christmas basil has a unique fruity mulled wine aroma. I would add this to Sangria or a hot tea cocktail.

Napoletano basil beyond being fun to say has a slightly spicy, anise flavor. This would be a great addition to a negroni or a spritz.

Dark opal basil is the most popular cocktail basil due to its dramatic color, it makes a beautiful garnish. It has a milder flavor than standard basil with hints of cinnamon, anise, mint, and cloves. Infuse it in gin to make an outstanding Gimlet.

Oregano is known for its uses in Greek cooking and pizza sauce but it can also be used in select cocktails. Be careful what you use oregano in as the flavor is quite powerful.

Hopleys or Purple Oregano has a milder oregano flavor which makes it a welcomed addition to a Caesar or Bloody Mary.

Mexican Oregano (sometimes referred to as Mexican Mint) has citrus and licorice flavors which would level up any tequila cocktail.

On to the herb that inspired this blog, thyme. As with all the herbs we have explored there are certain varieties of thyme which are best suited for cocktails.

Orange Balsam Thyme has a strong orange scent and flavor which will take your Old Fashioned or Manhattan from ordinary to sublime.

Caraway Thyme has the aroma and slight flavor of caraway. It makes an amazing addition to any Aquavit cocktail such as a Midnight Sunshine.

The final herb I want to mention is Shiso. I had never heard of this before, but I don’t frequent sushi bars. This herb imparts a spicy cinnamon note which I would use in whisky cocktails or anything that uses Angostura Bitters.

As you can see there is a lot of things to think about when planning a cocktail herb garden, which is why I writing about it now. What flavors do you enjoy? What cocktails do you make most often? What new flavors do you want to explore?

If you want to get started before next spring here are some tips for an indoor herb garden.

Herbs like full sun, so placement is important, think south-facing window.

Choose wisely not all herbs grow indoors. Save your basil for outdoors; the rest of the cocktail herbs will thrive inside.

Herbs need good drainage. Add gravel to the bottom of the pot for extra drainage.

Don’t overwater. Too much water is enemy number one for herbs.

Fertilize weekly with diluted liquid fertilizer.

Use them or lose them! Clipping herbs encourages growth and creates scrumptious cocktails.