Top 10 Herbs to Grow for Delicious Non-Alcoholic Drinks
- Astrid van Essen
- May 18
- 4 min read
Do you have a little garden, balcony, or sunny windowsill? Then you're ready to create your very own fresh herb garden! 🌿
I started growing my botanicals a couple of years ago, and it completely changed the way I enjoy my drinks, especially non-alcoholic ones.
Nothing beats the taste of freshly snipped herbs, whether it's a sparkling mint cooler or a soothing lavender tea.
Today, I’m excited to share the top 10 Herbs for delicious non-alcoholic drinks that you can stir into your mocktails, teas, and spritzers. Let’s dive in and turn your outdoor (or indoor!) space into a mini drink garden!
Why Grow Your Own Herbs for Drinks?
Growing herbs guarantees freshness, organic quality, and a never-ending supply for your kitchen and drinks station. Plus, it's a therapeutic hobby that connects you with nature, even in urban spaces.
My Journey Into Growing Botanical Ingredients
Starting with just a few pots of mint and basil, I quickly realised how versatile fresh herbs were in everyday drinks. Over time, I expanded into more exotic botanicals like hibiscus and borage, creating a vibrant "drink garden" that's both functional and beautiful.
Top 10 Botanicals You Can Grow for Fresh Homemade Drinks
Mint
Perfect for: Mojito mocktails, iced teas, sparkling water.
Growing Tips: Thrives in pots; invasive if planted directly in the garden.
Lemon Balm
Perfect for: Calming teas, citrus spritzers, lemonades.
Growing Tips: Loves a sunny spot; drought-tolerant once established.
Lavender
Perfect for: Elegant lavender lemonades, syrups for mocktails.
Growing Tips: Needs full sun and well-drained, sandy soil.
Basil
Perfect for: Strawberry basil coolers, herbal mocktails, infused waters.
Growing Tips: Loves warmth and thrives on sunny windowsills or greenhouses.
Rosemary
Perfect for: Herbaceous syrups, rosemary lemon fizzes, berry and herb infusions.
Growing Tips: Very easy to grow; just be cautious not to overwater.
Thyme (Especially Lemon Thyme)
Perfect for Light herbal syrups, refreshing garden sodas, and thyme and cucumber spritzers. Growing Tips: It is low-maintenance and prefers sunshine and dry soil.
Chamomile
Perfect for: Soothing iced teas, floral sodas, dreamy night-time drinks.
Growing Tips: Sow seeds directly into soil in spring; blooms beautifully.
Sage
Perfect for: Earthy twists on mocktails, sage and pear sodas, infused honey syrups.
Growing Tips: A hardy herb that thrives in sunny, slightly dry conditions.
Hibiscus (Roselle)
Perfect for: Bright pink, tangy iced teas or tropical botanical punches.
Growing Tips: Loves warmth; best grown indoors or in greenhouses in cooler climates.
Borage
Perfect for: Beautiful edible flowers for garnishes, cucumber-flavoured water, gentle garden tonics.
Growing Tips: Scatter seeds in spring; will reward you with bright blue blooms.
Creating Your Own "Drink Garden" at Home
Mix various herbs and edible flowers in pots or raised beds to create your own "Drink Garden." Imagine stepping outside, gathering a few fresh sprigs, and crafting a naturally delicious beverage daily!
Simple Garden Mocktail Recipes to Try
Lavender Lemonade Fizz
Ingredients:
1 tbsp dried or fresh lavender flowers
Juice of 2 lemons
1–2 tbsp honey or agave syrup (to taste)
Sparkling water
Ice and lemon slices
Method: Steep lavender in 200ml hot water for 5 minutes. Strain and stir in honey. Cool, then mix with lemon juice and sparkling water over ice. Garnish with lavender and lemon.
Cucumber, Mint & Thyme Cooler
Ingredients:
½ cucumber, sliced
A handful of fresh mint leaves
Sprigs of lemon thyme
Juice of 1 lime
1 tsp sugar or a splash of elderflower cordial (optional)
Still or sparkling water
Ice
Method: Muddle cucumber, mint, thyme, and lime juice. Add sugar or cordial. Fill with ice and top with water. Stir and serve with floating herbs.
Rosemary & Berry Garden Spritz
Ingredients:
1 sprig rosemary
Mixed berries (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp maple syrup or honey (optional)
Sparkling water or kombucha
Ice
Method: Muddle berries with rosemary and lemon juice. Stir in the syrup if using. Fill with ice and top with sparkling water or kombucha. Garnish with rosemary and berries.
Essential Gardening Tips for Beginners
Choose herbs suited to your climate.
Use organic soil and compost.
Water herbs early in the morning.
Prune herbs regularly to encourage growth.
Monitor for pests and treat naturally.
Best Containers and Raised Beds for Urban Gardens
Use terracotta pots for good drainage.
Raised wooden beds maximise space and sunlight.
Vertical planters are perfect for balconies.
How to Harvest and Store Fresh Herbs
Harvest early in the morning for the best flavour.
Use scissors to snip, avoiding damage.
Store herbs in a jar of water in the fridge or dry them for more extended storage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Botanicals
How often should I water my herbs? Water the soil when it feels dry to the touch, typically once or twice a week.
Can I grow these botanicals indoors? Yes! Many thrive in sunny windows or under grow lights.
How do I prevent pests naturally? Introduce companion plants like marigolds and use neem oil sprays.
Which herbs are easiest for beginners? Mint, basil, and rosemary are very forgiving and great for starters.
When is the best time to start planting? Spring is ideal, but indoor gardening can happen year-round with proper lighting.
Top 10 Herbs to Grow for Delicious Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Conclusion
Creating your fresh herb garden isn't just satisfying — it's an invitation to craft vibrant, botanical drinks you can enjoy all year. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a cosy balcony, a drink garden brings flavour, freshness, and a little magic into your everyday life. Cheers to your green-thumb adventures!
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