When it comes to cocktails, herbs are the secret weapon that can take your drink from good to unforgettable. Whether you’re muddling mint for a mojito or crafting a rosemary syrup for your holiday gin fizz, herbs add aroma, depth, and flair.
But not all herbs are created equal in the bar world—and knowing which ones to use (and how to use them) makes all the difference.
I grow a lot of herbs in my little backyard. You don’t need a lot of space, as even herbs in pots on your window or balcony will work.
Start with the basics– basil, rosemary, lavender, and mint.
Before you get started
You need to make sure you are using herbs properly. Some parts of the plant may be toxic, while others are edible.
Always, ALWAYS double-check that you are using the correct variety in the right way. Do not accidentally poison yourself, please.
Here’s a full guide to the best herbs for cocktails, what they pair well with, and how to use them safely and deliciously.
Classic Herbs Every Home Bartender Should Try
Mint
Buy Fresh Mint | Mint Seeds
Flavor: Bright, cool, refreshing
Pairs with: Lime, rum, bourbon, watermelon, cucumber
Use it: Muddle gently—don’t shred it! Add fresh as a garnish.
Tip: Over-muddling makes it bitter. Stick to a light press to release the oils.
Learn more ways to use Mint in cocktails
Basil
Buy Fresh Basil | Basil Seeds | Basil Plants
Flavor: Sweet, peppery, slightly citrusy
Pairs with: Strawberries, lemon, gin, tequila
Use it: Muddle or blend into syrups. Great fresh garnish.
Try it in: Strawberry-basil smash or a gin spritz.
Learn more ways to use Basil in cocktails
Rosemary
Buy Fresh Rosemary | Rosemary Seeds | Rosemary Plants
Flavor: Piney, woody, strong
Pairs with: Lemon, grapefruit, gin, bourbon
Use it: Infuse into simple syrup or spirits; char the sprig for garnish.
Warning: Use sparingly—it’s potent!
Learn more ways to use Rosemary in cocktails
Thyme
Buy Fresh Thyme | Thyme Seeds | Thyme Plants
Flavor: Earthy, savory, floral
Pairs with: Honey, lemon, gin, vodka
Use it: Infuse into syrup or use as a small sprig garnish.
Learn more ways to use Thyme in cocktails
Lavender
Buy Lavender Seeds | Dried Culinary Lavender | Lavender Plants
Flavor: Floral, slightly bitter
Pairs with: Lemon, honey, gin, berries
Use it: Best in syrup or infused into honey.
Warning: Too much tastes like soap—start small!
Learn more ways to use Lavender in cocktails
Unique or Underused Herbs to Explore
Sage
Buy Fresh Sage | Sage Seeds | Dried Culinary Sage
Flavor: Earthy, savory, warming
Pairs with: Apple, pear, bourbon, brown sugar
Use it: Infuse syrups, muddle gently, or torch as garnish.
Learn more ways to use Sage in cocktails
Lemongrass
Buy Lemongrass Seeds | Dried Culinary Lemongrass | Lemongrass Plants
Flavor: Bright citrus, grassy
Pairs with: Ginger, lime, rum, vodka
Use it: Muddle the stalk or steep for syrup or tea base.
Learn more ways to use Lemongrass in cocktails
Cilantro
Buy Fresh Cilantro | Cilantro Seeds
Flavor: Fresh, peppery, bold
Pairs with: Lime, chili, tequila
Use it: Muddle with lime juice for a bold margarita twist.
Tip: Love it or hate it—use only for cilantro fans!
Learn more ways to use Cilantro in cocktails
Tarragon
Buy Tarragon Seeds | Tarragon Plants
Flavor: Licorice, sweet, slightly minty
Pairs with: Citrus, champagne, gin
Use it: Infuse into syrup or use fresh as garnish.
Learn more ways to use Tarragon in cocktails
Bee Balm (Monarda)
Buy Bee Balm Seeds | Bee Balm Plants
Flavor: Minty with spice
Pairs with: Honey, bourbon, gin
Use it: Steep in syrup or muddle with citrus.
Note: Not always easy to find—but worth growing!
Learn more ways to use Bee Balm in cocktails
Herbal Blossoms and Leaves
Chamomile
Buy Chamomile Seeds | Dried Culinary Chamomile | Chamomile Plants
Flavor: Sweet, apple-like, floral
Pairs with: Honey, lemon, gin, elderflower
Use it: Brew into tea or syrup.
Tip: Dried chamomile works great in syrups or spirit infusions.
Learn more ways to use Chamomile in cocktails
Fennel Fronds
Buy Fennel Seeds
Flavor: Light anise, herbal
Pairs with: Citrus, vermouth, gin
Use it: Float as a garnish or infuse into syrup.
Learn more ways to use Fennel Fronds in cocktails
Bay Leaf
Buy Bay Leaf Plant (Laurus Nobilis) | Dried Culinary Bay Leaves
Flavor: Savory, peppery
Pairs with: Gin, citrus, bitters
Use it: Infuse into spirits or syrup for depth.
Warning: Use only dried culinary bay leaves, not ornamental varieties.
Oregano
Buy Fresh Oregano | Oregano Seeds | Oregano Plants
Flavor: Earthy, strong
Pairs with: Tomato, chili, tequila
Use it: Use sparingly—best in savory or Bloody Mary-style cocktails.
Shiso
Buy Green and Purple Shiso Seeds
Flavor: Mint, basil, clove
Pairs with: Plum, cucumber, sake, gin
Use it: Use fresh as a vibrant garnish or muddle gently.
Learn more ways to use Shiso in cocktails
Marjoram
Buy Marjoram Seeds | Dried Culinary Marjoram
Flavor: Mild, floral, and a bit citrusy
Pairs with: Lemon, gin, light vermouth, peach
How to use it: Similar to oregano but gentler—use fresh as a garnish or infuse into syrup. Adds an elegant touch to spring and summer drinks.
Chervil
Buy Chervil Seeds
Flavor: Subtle anise flavor, delicate and slightly sweet
Pairs with: Champagne, cucumber, gin, elderflower
How to use it: Use fresh in delicate cocktails where its flavor won’t be overpowered. Try in a cucumber martini or a French 75 twist.
Learn more ways to use Chervil in cocktails
Buy Borage Seeds | Freeze-Dried Borage | Dried Culinary Borage
Borage
Flavor: Cool, cucumber-like
Pairs with: Pimm’s, gin, lemonade, mint
How to use it: Float the stunning blue flowers on top of drinks for a visual and flavorful twist. Also good in herb-infused ice cubes!
Learn more ways to use Borage in cocktails
Hyssop
Buy Hyssop Seeds | Hyssop Plant | Dried Hyssop
Flavor: Minty, floral, slightly bitter
Pairs with: Honey, bourbon, herbal liqueurs like Chartreuse
How to use it: Infuse into syrups or use sparingly as a garnish. A little goes a long way in rich, spirit-forward cocktails.
Learn more ways to use Hyssop in cocktails
Lemon Balm
Buy Lemon Balm Seeds | Dried Lemon Balm | Lemon Balm Plant
Flavor: Lemony with a soft mint finish
Pairs with: Vodka, sparkling wine, berries, honey
How to use it: Muddle or infuse into syrup. Works beautifully in spritzes, lemonade cocktails, or iced tea-based drinks.
Learn more ways to use Lemon Balm in cocktails
Pineapple Sage
Flavor: Fruity, sweet, with a hint of pineapple
Pairs with: Rum, coconut, mango, lime
How to use it: Muddle in tropical drinks or steep for a syrup. The bright red flowers are edible too!
Learn more ways to use Pineapple Sage in cocktails
Anise Hyssop
Buy Anise Hyssop Seeds | Anise Hyssop Plant
Flavor: Sweet licorice with floral notes
Pairs with: Gin, champagne, citrus, apple
How to use it: Use the leaves or edible flowers as a garnish or to infuse syrup. Perfect in garden party cocktails.
Learn more ways to use Anise Hyssop in cocktails
Curry Leaf
Buy Curry Leaf Plant
Flavor: Nutty, savory, and citrusy when fresh
Pairs with: Lime, chili, gin, cumin, coconut
How to use it: Use sparingly—infuse into syrup or make a shrub. Great for savory or spiced cocktails. Toast lightly before use to release oils.
Winter Savory
Buy Winter Savory Seeds | Winter Savory Plants
Flavor: Peppery, piney, bold
Pairs with: Whiskey, maple, root vegetables
How to use it: Works well in syrups for cold-weather cocktails. Think whiskey sours with a savory twist.
Learn more ways to use Winter Savory in cocktails
Woodruff (Sweet Woodruff – dried)
Flavor: Sweet, grassy, with hints of vanilla
Pairs with: White wine, brandy, lemon
How to use it: Use dried for infusions, especially in wine or vodka. Traditionally used in German Maibowle (May Wine).
Warning: Only use in moderation and dried—fresh woodruff may contain mildly toxic compounds in large amounts.
Herb-Adjacent (For Adventurous Bartenders)
Chive Blossoms
Buy Chive Seeds | Chive Plants
Flavor: Mild onion, slightly peppery
Pairs with: Bloody Marys, dry martinis, cucumber cocktails
How to use it: Float as a garnish on savory drinks. Adds a beautiful purple hue and subtle zing.
Garlic Scapes
Flavor: Mild garlic, grassy
Pairs with: Tomato juice, vinegar-based shrubs, pickled garnishes
How to use it: Slice thinly or pickle for use in savory cocktail syrups or garnish martinis with a twist.
Dill
Buy Fresh Dill | Organic Dill Seeds | Dill Plants
Flavor: Bright, grassy, herbaceous
Pairs with: Aquavit, cucumber, lemon, gin
How to use it: Use fresh fronds as garnish, or infuse into vinegar syrups or aquavit. Adds a Nordic flair to summer drinks.
Parsley
Buy Fresh Parsley | Parsley Seeds | Parsley Plants
Flavor: Clean, slightly bitter
Pairs with: Cucumber, citrus, gin
How to use it: Muddle with lemon juice or add as a garnish in savory cocktails. Works surprisingly well in herbal mocktails too.
Sorrel
Buy Sorrel Seeds
Flavor: Tart, lemony
Pairs with: Vodka, apple, honey, gin
How to use it: Add to a shaker for bright acidity, or steep in syrup. Its bright green color also makes it great for spring drinks.
Nasturtium Leaves
Buy Nasturtium Seeds
Flavor: Peppery, similar to arugula
Pairs with: Tequila, ginger, citrus
How to use it: Float a leaf on top of a cocktail or muddle gently for a peppery kick.
Herb Safety Tips: What Not to Do
Avoid Florist-Bought Herbs or Flowers
These are often treated with pesticides and not safe for consumption. Use organic herbs as much as possible.
Less Is More
Some herbs (like lavender, rosemary, and sage) are strong—start with small amounts. You can always add more.
Know Your Plants
Always positively ID wild herbs before using. Not all look-alikes are edible or safe. When in doubt, bring a sample to your local flower nursery or garden center and ask them to ID the plant for you.
Watch for Allergies
Some herbs may cause allergic reactions or interact with medications—always taste test in small amounts.
When in doubt by dried herbs from a reputable source.
Final Tip: How to Keep Herbs Fresh for Cocktail Night
- Store soft herbs (like mint or basil) in a glass of water in the fridge.
- Wrap sturdier herbs (like rosemary or thyme) in a damp paper towel.
- Always rinse herbs well before using to remove dirt and bugs—especially garden-picked ones.
