As well as being easy to grow and attractive in the garden, herbs have many uses in food, medicine and cosmetics. They also provide a refreshing and attractive addition to many summer drinks. Many well known spirits and liqueurs are made with herbs; juniper and other ‘botanicals’ provide the flavour of gin. Chartreuse and Benedictine, as well as Pernod and Vermouth owe their distinctive tastes to herbs and spices.

There are many herbs that we can add fresh, from our own gardens, to enhance the flavour or appearance of our favourite summer refreshment. A tall glass of Pimms No1 with a few borage flowers floating on top is a traditional summer refreshment, but there are many more options. Adding the chopped leaves or stems to the pitcher will infuse the drink with a subtle cucumber flavour – very cooling.

Mint Julep is a sophisticated summer cocktail made from Champagne and a mint leaf. Mint is well known for its cooling and soothing properties, so is pleasant added to many of the drinks you might feel inclined to sip whilst relaxing in a shady spot. For a sharp lively tang, try crushing some black peppermint leaves, for something gentle a single leaf of apple or pineapple would be ideal.

Anything with a lemony aroma can give an instant lift when we’re feeling hot and lethargic. Lemon verbena gives a powerful and delicious citrus scent; lemon balm is almost as good and far easier to grow. Try either of these herbs in any drink to which you’d ad a slice of lemon.

For a really indulgent waft of summer, infuse some well scented pinks in a bottle of wine. Red flowers in white wine adds a pretty pink tinge, or use white flowers to keep the original colour. Red can also be used, but more flowers will be needed to produce a good result. The flowers must be clean and dry. They are infused for just a few hours. The wine should then be carefully strained. The strongly scented variety of dianthus ‘sops in wine’ must have been named by someone who enjoyed fragrant wine!

A few strands of fennel can be used to give a hint of aniseed flavour to drinks. Add a little at a time as it’s easy to overdo this one!

You might like to add a summery touch to your drinks without altering the flavour you enjoy. One of the prettiest ways is to put petals or small flowers and leaves into an ice cube tray before filling with water. You can pick the colours to complement or contrast with the appearance of your drink.

Summer is here at last and it’s time to enjoy our gardens and some of the fruits, leaves and flowers of our labours. Even if you don’t chose to try any of these suggestions, I hope you’ll find the time to enjoy relaxing your garden with a well earned drink.

Cheers!