Berkshire


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/Cocktail-garden-botanical-bar.jpg" alt="cocktailS IN GARDEN" class="wp-image-35511" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/Cocktail-garden-botanical-bar.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/Cocktail-garden-botanical-bar-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/Cocktail-garden-botanical-bar-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/Cocktail-garden-botanical-bar-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/Cocktail-garden-botanical-bar-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/Cocktail-garden-botanical-bar-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Gardening is not in my DNA, but this year I&#8217;m digging in and creating my very own cocktail garden. Don&#8217;t panic, I&#8217;m not replacing blooms for booze, but I am going to grow garnish to freshly pick and plop in a glass for balmy sundowners (in my dreams right now).  </p>



<p>While the pandemic has left us shaken and stirred, Zoom cocktail parties kept us going and throwing homegrown herbs and ingredients in your cocktails and mocktails is a huge trend in 2021. So to kickstart your botanical bar, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Squires Garden Centre (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk" target="_blank">Squires Garden Centre</a> in Wokingham has suggested the best plants to grow (all good for raised beds and containers) to ensure you get garden to glass success – plus we’ve added five cocktail recipes made using local tipples to help you get the party started.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WHAT DO YOU NEED FOR YOUR BOTANICAL BAR?</h2>



<p>Think about your favourite cocktails, make a note of the garnishes and plant away. Herbs are the obvious choice, but you can also grow berries, tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. Whatever your space allows. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="720" height="480" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/PYO-GROW-YOUR-OWN-STRAWBERRIES-720x480.jpg" alt="PYO or grow your own strawberries" class="wp-image-35512" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/PYO-GROW-YOUR-OWN-STRAWBERRIES-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/PYO-GROW-YOUR-OWN-STRAWBERRIES-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/PYO-GROW-YOUR-OWN-STRAWBERRIES-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/PYO-GROW-YOUR-OWN-STRAWBERRIES-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/PYO-GROW-YOUR-OWN-STRAWBERRIES-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/PYO-GROW-YOUR-OWN-STRAWBERRIES.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>FRUIT</strong></h2>



<ul><li>Rhubarb (great in a Martini)</li><li>Strawberries (to pop into a Pimms or a Strawberry &amp; Basil Infused Lemonade)</li><li>Apple (tasty in Pimms or in a Martini)</li><li>Peach (add to champagne to create a Bellini)</li><li>Blueberry (perfect for muddling, or for making syrups to use in blueberry cocktails)</li><li>Cucumber (for Dill &amp; Cucumber Gin Fizz or put in a Pimms)</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/Cocktail-garden-herns.jpg" alt="CULINARY HERBS IN A CARTE BOTANICAL BAR COCKTAIL GARDEN" class="wp-image-35509" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/Cocktail-garden-herns.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/Cocktail-garden-herns-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/Cocktail-garden-herns-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/Cocktail-garden-herns-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/Cocktail-garden-herns-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/Cocktail-garden-herns-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>HERBS</strong></h2>



<ul><li>Mint (for Mojitos, Pimms and Mint Julep)</li><li>Basil (use a few fresh leaves as a garnish)</li><li>Rosemary (for infusions, syrups or muddling)</li><li>Thyme (essential in an Orange &amp; Thyme Mocktail)</li><li>Dill (to create a Dill &amp; Cucumber Gin Fizz)</li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">COCKTAIL CLASSICS</h2>



<p><strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="THAMESIDE MOJITO (opens in a new tab)" href="https://thamesiderum.com/shop/" target="_blank">THAMESIDE MOJITO</a></strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/THAMESIDE-MAJITO_.jpg" alt="THAMESIDE MOJITO_" class="wp-image-35506" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/THAMESIDE-MAJITO_.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/THAMESIDE-MAJITO_-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/THAMESIDE-MAJITO_-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/THAMESIDE-MAJITO_-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/THAMESIDE-MAJITO_-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/THAMESIDE-MAJITO_-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/THAMESIDE-MAJITO_-200x200.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>An all time classic refreshing rum based cocktail bursting with lime, mint and a touch of sweetness. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ingredients</h2>



<ul><li>50ml <a href="https://thamesiderum.com/shop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Thameside Signature Blend (opens in a new tab)">Thameside Signature Blend</a></li><li>1/2 Fresh Lime</li><li>10-12 Fresh mint leaves</li><li>2 Barspoons (1 teaspoon) brown sugar</li><li>Soda water</li><li>Crushed ice </li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Method</h2>



<ol><li>Slice the lime into quarters and to a highball glass with the brown sugar</li><li>Muddle the lime and sugar with the back end of a bar spoon to release the lime juice and then stir until the sugar is dissolved.</li><li>Tear the mint leaves and the glass and continue to muddle</li><li>Half fill the glass with crushed ice and add the rum and stir well</li><li>Add more crushed ice until the glass is almost full and stir again</li><li>Finish with a splash of soda water before garnishing with a sprig of mint and a lime quarter.</li></ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="BLUSH SPRITZ (opens in a new tab)" href="https://berkshirebotanical.co.uk/products/berkshire-botanical-rhubarb-raspberry-gin" target="_blank">BLUSH SPRITZ</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/berkshire-botanical-dry-rhubarb-raspberry-spritz-outside-1100_600x600.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-35507" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/berkshire-botanical-dry-rhubarb-raspberry-spritz-outside-1100_600x600.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/berkshire-botanical-dry-rhubarb-raspberry-spritz-outside-1100_600x600-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/berkshire-botanical-dry-rhubarb-raspberry-spritz-outside-1100_600x600-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/berkshire-botanical-dry-rhubarb-raspberry-spritz-outside-1100_600x600-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/berkshire-botanical-dry-rhubarb-raspberry-spritz-outside-1100_600x600-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/berkshire-botanical-dry-rhubarb-raspberry-spritz-outside-1100_600x600-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/berkshire-botanical-dry-rhubarb-raspberry-spritz-outside-1100_600x600-200x200.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Summer in a glass. This refreshing naturally sweet cocktail is perfect for sunny afternoons in the garden.</p>



<p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p>



<ul><li>40ml&nbsp;<a href="https://berkshirebotanical.co.uk/products/berkshire-botanical-rhubarb-raspberry-gin">Berkshire Botanical Rhubarb and Raspberry Gin</a></li><li>5ml Rhubarb Syrup</li><li>100ml <a href="https://www.stanlakepark.com/collections/english-sparkling-wine/products/heritage-brut" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Stanlake Park sparkling Wine (opens in a new tab)">Stanlake Park sparkling Wine</a></li><li>50ml Soda</li><li>Fresh rhubarb slice</li></ul>



<p><strong>Method</strong></p>



<ol><li>Add the Rhubarb and Raspberry Gin and Syrup to a wine glass over cubed ice and stir. </li><li>Slowly add the sparkling wine and the soda water, then gently stir. </li><li>Finish by adding a slice of fresh rhubarb to garnish.</li></ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BLUSH NEGRONI </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/Blush-Negroni.jpg" alt="Pink gin cocktail with red blood orange and ice. An alcoholic, refreshing drink" class="wp-image-35508" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/Blush-Negroni.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/Blush-Negroni-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/Blush-Negroni-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/Blush-Negroni-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/Blush-Negroni-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/Blush-Negroni-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A classic with a twist that&#8217;ll leave you tickled pink. Garnish with a slice of burnt orange and a sprig of thyme to serve.</p>



<ul><li>35ml&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Cricketers Blush Gin (opens in a new tab)" href="https://cricketersgin.com/shop/" target="_blank">Cricketers Berry Blush Gin</a></li><li>25ml&nbsp;rose vermouth&nbsp;, or sweet white vermouth</li><li>15ml&nbsp;Aperol</li><li>Ice</li><li>Wedge of&nbsp;burnt orange&nbsp;and a sprig of thyme, to garnish</li></ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Method</h3>



<ol><li>Combine the pink gin, vermouth and Aperol in a tumbler with a small handful of ice. </li><li>Stir until the outside of the glass feels cold.&nbsp;</li><li>Garnish with a slice of burnt orange and a sprig of thyme.</li></ol>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">DILL &amp; CUCUMBER GIN FIZZ</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/Gin-fizz-cucumber-and-dill-cocktail.jpg" alt="Glasses with fresh organic cucumber drink on wooden table" class="wp-image-35513" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/Gin-fizz-cucumber-and-dill-cocktail.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/Gin-fizz-cucumber-and-dill-cocktail-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/Gin-fizz-cucumber-and-dill-cocktail-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/Gin-fizz-cucumber-and-dill-cocktail-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/Gin-fizz-cucumber-and-dill-cocktail-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/Gin-fizz-cucumber-and-dill-cocktail-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">INGREDIENTS</h4>



<ul><li>60ml <a href="https://www.137gin.com/p/lumbers-bartholomew-berkshire-dry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="137 Gin Berkshire Dry (opens in a new tab)">137 Gin Berkshire Dry</a></li><li>30ml lime juice</li><li>85ml club soda</li><li>A few freshly picked dill sprigs</li><li>4 cucumber slices (plus one for garnish)</li><li>Ice<br></li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">METHOD</h4>



<ol><li>In a short glass, add 3 slices of cucumber, gin, lime juice and a few sprigs of dill (removed from the stem).</li><li>Muddle until the cucumber starts to break up.</li><li>Add ice and top with club soda.</li><li>Garnish with a sprig of dill and a cucumber wedge and serve.</li></ol>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">STRAWBERRY &amp; BASIL INFUSED LEMONADE </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/STRAWBERRY-BASIL-INFUSED-LEMONADE.jpg" alt="Homemade fresh strawberry and basil lemonade or ice tea in glass tumblers with eco-friendly plastic-free straws over dark grey table background, top view. Cold refreshing summer soft drink" class="wp-image-35514" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/STRAWBERRY-BASIL-INFUSED-LEMONADE.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/STRAWBERRY-BASIL-INFUSED-LEMONADE-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/STRAWBERRY-BASIL-INFUSED-LEMONADE-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/STRAWBERRY-BASIL-INFUSED-LEMONADE-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/STRAWBERRY-BASIL-INFUSED-LEMONADE-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/STRAWBERRY-BASIL-INFUSED-LEMONADE-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">INGREDIENTS</h4>



<ul><li>30ml lemon juice</li><li>85ml club soda</li><li>30ml strawberry puree</li><li>60ml vodka (optional)</li><li>A few fresh basil leaves for garnish</li><li>Strawberry chunks for garnish</li><li>Ice<br></li></ul>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">METHOD</h4>



<ol><li>Mix together vodka (optional), strawberry puree, ice and lemon juice in a highball glass or mason jar.</li><li>Top with club soda until the glass is full.</li><li>Garnish with strawberry slices and basil leaves.</li><li>Note: the sweetness of this drink will vary depending on the ripeness of your strawberries. If your berries are early in the season and a little bit tart, you may wish to add a little more puree, and if they’re fully ripe, then you may wish to decrease the puree.</li></ol>



<p>Squire’s has a wide range of fruit plants and herbs to help you create your own cocktail garden at home. Buy plants in-store or online for local delivery at <a href="http://www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk">www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk</a></p>


Grow your own cocktail garden

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