26 May 2025
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Sipping Pretty: Summer Drink Garnishes That Bring the Wow Factor

Summer Drink Garnishes to Elevate Every Sip

When the sun’s out and the ice is clinking, there’s nothing better than a refreshing summer drink – unless it’s one that looks as good as it tastes. Whether you’re shaking up cocktails or pouring a chilled mocktail, the garnish is where the magic happens. From floral ice cubes to dried citrus and freshly picked herbs, here’s how to make every drink a showstopper – straight from the garden to your glass.

Floral Ice Cubes: Pretty and Practical

Floral ice cubes are one of the easiest ways to add instant beauty to any drink. Whether you’re serving gin and tonic or elderflower fizz, they instantly elevate the experience.

How to make them:

  1. Choose your edible flowers – we love violas, borage, nasturtiums or dianthus.

  2. Boil and cool water to help the ice freeze clear.

  3. Fill an ice cube tray halfway, place a flower face-down in each cube, and freeze.

  4. Top up with more water, freeze again – and you’re done!

These delicate cubes float like jewels and release their petals as they melt, creating a stunning, slow reveal in your glass.

Summer drinks with floral garnish

Dried Fruit: A Slice of Summer All Year Round

Dried citrus slices – like orange, lemon, or grapefruit – add a splash of colour and a hint of tangy flavour. They’re long-lasting, no-fuss, and always cocktail-ready.

Add a slice to a spritz, garnish a glass of prosecco, or drop one into a jug of Pimm’s. For a twist, pair dried orange with rosemary for a warm, earthy balance.

Dried citrus slices with cocktail glass

Fresh Herbs: The Fragrant Finishing Touch

Fresh herbs bring vibrant flavour and colour to your drinks – and they smell amazing too.

  • Mint – Perfect for mojitos and iced tea. Keep stems fresh by storing in a glass of water.

  • Basil – Adds a sweet, peppery note. Ideal with strawberry, watermelon or gin.

  • Thyme – Subtle and herby. Delicious with lemon or elderflower.

  • Rosemary – Strong and piney. Great with grapefruit or a classic G&T.

Tip: Gently clap the herbs between your hands to release their aromatic oils before adding them.

Cocktails garnished with fresh herbs

Fresh Edible Flowers: Garden-to-Glass Glamour

Nothing makes a summer drink more eye-catching than a fresh edible flower. Float one on top of a cocktail, rest it on the rim, or sprinkle a few in a jug of punch.

Whether you choose the bright colours of calendula and cornflowers or the soft pastels of lavender and lilac, edible flowers transform your drinks into floral works of art.

Champagne flutes with floating edible violas

Ready to Garnish Like a Pro?

All of our flowers, herbs, and garnishes are grown with care at Nurtured in Norfolk, ready to help you turn ordinary drinks into something special. Whether you’re planning a summer wedding, garden party, or just a Friday night treat, we’ve got everything you need to sip in style.

👉 Browse our edible flowers and garnishes here.

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