Flowers are so much more than just a beautiful and colorful addition to the garden. Did you know that there are also edible flowers that can add aroma, texture and even taste to your favorite cocktails?
Edible flowers come in a variety of flavors and textures and can be used in a variety of ways as a cocktail garnish. You can use them raw, dried, or in candied form.
When choosing an edible flower for your cocktail garnish, the key is to look for flowers that have complementing tastes and aromas.
It is also important to choose carefully and make sure that the flower is actually edible. Also keep in mind that some may contain chemicals that cause allergic reactions, or may even be poisonous.
Not what we want to serve our guests so make sure to do your homework!
Here are 11 edible flowers for cocktail garnishes (and some delicious cocktail recipes) to try at your next cocktail party:
- Hibiscus
- Peonies
- Roses
- Violas
- Honeysuckles
- Lavender
- Pansies
- Marigolds
- Sunflowers
- Cherry Blossoms
- Chamomile
Hibiscus
With a tart and floral taste that resembles that of cranberry or pomegranate, hibiscus is often used to make teas, jams, and sauces. All parts of the hibiscus flower are edible, making it a delicious edible flower for a cocktail garnish.
Not only does the hibiscus flower make a beautiful and tasty addition to your cocktail, but is also said to be good for your health!
Try this Whiskey Hibiscus Cocktail!
Peonies
Peony flowers are fragrant and taste exactly like they smell: Mild and sweet. They are often said to have a taste that takes after a peach or strawberry, and can be used to garnish salads as well as refreshing drinks.
However, it is important to note that only the petals of peonies are edible. The roots, flowers, and seeds are poisonous and can cause nausea, diarrhea, skin irritation, and an accelerated heartbeat.
Try this Peony Rose Spritzer!
Roses
If you’re planning to serve up a classy cocktail with rum, gin, bourbon or vodka, roses are the perfect edible flower for your cocktail garnish. While red is the most popular color of rose to use as a garnish, yellow and white roses may also be used.
Roses have a floral and slightly sweet flavor and can be eaten raw, dried, or muddled. In addition to being a beautiful way to top off your favorite drink, they are also packed with nutrition!
That’s right, roses also contain vitamin A, vitamin C, niacin, potassium, iron, calcium, and phosphorus. When it comes to which part to eat, there’s no need to worry: The leaves, buds, petals, and hips are all edible.
Try this Kiss of Rose Cocktail.
Violas
With a tender texture, light perfumed scent, and subtly sweet taste, violas add a beautiful pop of color to a classy cocktail. Its flavor also contains light mint and wintergreen nuances, making a perfect addition to sweet and savory dishes.
As a medicinal plant, viola odorata is used to treat headache, cough, colds, bronchitis, and fever. The best part is, the entire flower is edible!
Try this Violet Champagne Cocktail.
Honeysuckles
Also known as the honeyberry, the honeysuckle has a sweet smell of honey that radiates through the air when in bloom. They can be eaten raw, dried, or infused into vodka for a delicious honey-flavored cocktail.
The honeysuckle flowers themselves have a sweet and delicious nectar that can be squeezed out. The leaves are also edible, but most only eat the flower and nectar.
Try this Honeysuckle 75 cocktail!
Lavender
With a strong floral scent and flavors of mint and rosemary, Lavender is the perfect edible flower garnish for a spring-like cocktail. Although the scent and taste is powerful, it is also often used in savory dishes, sweets, and teas.
Lavender is generally safe to eat and the flower buds, leaves, and stems can be used fresh or dried. However, when using the lavender flower for cocktail garnishes or dishes, it is best to use only culinary lavender. Culinary lavender is specifically grown to contain less oil than the aromatic lavender used for perfumes and soaps.
Try my Lavender Martini!
Pansies
One of the most popular edible flowers for a cocktail garnish, pansies have a mild, lettuce-like flavor with a light mint undertone and wintergreen scent. Unlike some edible flowers, untreated pansies are entirely edible from the stem to the petals.
Pansies are very decorative and come in a variety of colors, making them beautiful edible flowers for a cocktail garnish. They are also said to have antimicrobial properties that can help with health issues such as skin problems, asthma, high blood pressure and arthritis!
Try this Pansy Gimlet.
Marigolds
Marigolds are another one of the more popular edible flowers for cocktail garnishes and have been used since ancient times. However, it is important to note that not all varieties of marigold flowers are edible.
The edible marigold varieties include Pot marigolds (Calendula officinalis), French marigolds (Tagetes patula), African marigolds (Tagetes erecta), Mexican mint marigolds (Tagetes Lucida), and lemon marigolds (Tagetes tenuifolia).
The flavor of the marigold depends on which edible variety you select. Pot marigolds have a mild, peppery taste, while Mexican mint marigolds have a tarragon-like flavor. Lemon marigolds are more citrusy. When it comes to using marigold as a garnish, stick to the petals and/or leaves for the best taste.
Try this Marigold Cocktail.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers aren’t just a beautiful addition to the garden (and a delicious snack if you like sunflower seeds), they’re also a perfect way to brighten up your favorite summer cocktail!
These beautiful, bright flowers are completely edible, meaning you can eat every part from the seeds to the petals to the stalks. Because sunflower petals are said to have somewhat of a bitter taste, they are best served in citrusy drinks. The rest of the sunflower can also be roasted, fried, and chopped up raw for salads.
Try this Helios Margarita.
Cherry Blossoms
Most know cherry blossoms as a beautiful tree flower, indicating the start of the Spring season. But what most don’t know is that cherry blossoms and their leaves are edible and are often used in many traditional Japanese sweets and tea!
Cherry blossoms can be eaten raw or candied and have a sweet and fruity rose flavor, similar to cherries. Therefore, it’s no surprise that cherry blossoms also make a great garnish for a spritz-y spring cocktail.
Try this Sakura Sip Spring Cocktail.
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Chamomile
Often used in teas and extracts, chamomile is known to reduce anxiety, calm upset stomachs, and help with sleep. It is also an edible flower that can be used as a beautiful cocktail garnish.
Chamomile flowers have a small daisy-like appearance and a mild, apple-like flavor. Both the leaves and flowers are edible, but differ in taste. They can be eaten raw or in dried form. While the stem of the flower is edible, it is not palatable.
Try this Chamomile Honey and Whiskey Cocktail.
Here are some amazing cocktails to serve with flowers:
14 Empress Gin Cocktails
17 Upscale Cocktails For Any Classy Event
Popular Fruity Alcoholic Cocktails
Homemade Blackberry Simple Syrup
Love Make Appetizers in Advance?
I have an Ebook I created with my top make-ahead appetizers you'll LOVE! Get it here!
Marylou Feehan
Where can you purchase the suggested flowers for drinks-a local florist? Having difficulty locating.
Aleka Shunk
This depends where you live! Some florists/grocery stores have a great selected, others not. If they are in season they will be much be easier to find!