We eat with our eyes first, then with our nose, and finally with our mouth. Instagram-friendly food and drinks are almost obligatorily accessorised with prismatic edible flowers and freshly harvested microgreens. While these easy on the eyes flowers amp up the visual facet no doubt, they equally contribute to the flavour of your nosh too.
Ditch the mint leaves as garnishes and the tacky colourful umbrellas to make your drinks more Instagrammable with these edible flowers. The best part? These flowers are easily available in Indian markets and they won’t burn a hole in your pocket when you buy them to use as garnishes in your cocktails. Add these seven flowers in your home bar now!
Hibiscus
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Probably one of the most common flowers in Indian households and markets, these bright coloured-flowers are often offered to deities as well. However, hibiscus can be used beyond brewing a tea as well. The bold crimson colour not only makes the drink eye-catching but its tart, cranberry-like flavor lends a refreshing twist to cocktails.
Our tip: Muddle some hibiscus flowers with mango and rum for a taste of a tropical Konkan summer, or rim your glass with hibiscus salt for a vibrant presentation that’s truly desi.
Jasmine
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Also known as mogra, Jasmine, a delicate-looking white flower is known for its intoxicating aroma. Not only can you use dried jasmine flowers, but also fresh ones in your cocktail as well.
Our tip: Infuse vodka with dried jasmine flowers for a subtly floral base, perfect for a light and fragrant summer cooler. Or, float a jasmine flower in a gin and tonic for a touch of elegance that complements the juniper notes of the gin.
Marigold
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Common to most Indian households, marigolds are often used in garlands and for decoration purposes. But did you know that marigold falls under the edible flowers category as well? It offers a surprising citrusy and slightly bitter flavour profile. They are also good to add a bright colour to your drink as well!
Our tip: Muddle a few marigold petals with tequila, lime, and a dash of agave nectar for a floral twist on the classic Margarita. Or, for a smoky and floral experience, use dried marigold petals to rim your glass for a mezcal cocktail.
Rose
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Used as a gesture of love, rose is a popular flavour in Indian sweets. be it flavours or garnished with dried rose petals, this flower is used in abundance but is also quite common in cocktails to elevate them with just a few petals. Opt for fragrant desi rose varieties like attar or gulkand for a truly Indian touch.
Our tip: Infuse rose petals in vodka for a base that pairs beautifully with sweet and tart flavours. Imagine a rose-infused vodka martini with a dash of pomegranate juice for a delightful balance of floral and fruity notes.
Banana Flower
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Bananas and banana flowers are a staple in South India. Banana flower aka banana blossom aka Vazhaipoo in Tamil has a neutral flavour and is used in curries and as sabjis but it can also be a good addition to cocktails.
Our tip: Try a light infusion of banana flower with gin and elderflower liqueur for a floral and subtly sweet concoction. Or, use a single, deep-fried banana flower floret as a unique and textural garnish for a savory Bloody Mary.
Moringa Flower
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Moringa, also known as drumstick flower is popular for its medicinal properties. However, it is used in food, drinks, and even healthy smoothies.
Our tip: Muddling a few moringa flowers with vodka, cucumber, and a squeeze of lemon creates a refreshingly floral and slightly earthy drink, perfect for a hot Indian afternoon.
Pumpkin Flower
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Pumpkin flowers are known to be fried into fritters. However, they are delicately sweet and complement a variety of cocktails as well. The vibrant orange and yellow colour of the flowers also adds an interesting tone to the drink.
Our tip: Muddle a few pumpkin flowers with white rum, orange juice, and a touch of cardamom for a tropical and floral rum punch. Or, infuse vodka with dried pumpkin flowers for a base that pairs beautifully with creamy coconut liqueurs for a decadent summer cocktail.
