Ingenius cocktail recipes line the menus of restaurants and bars all over Jacksonville and the rest of Florida. From fresh egg whites to absynthe, there has never been a more exciting time to be 21 and up in the US. Of all the unique and seriously delicious variations, there’s just something about a boozy drink with fresh herbs as a main ingredient.
Basil, Cucumber and Lime Gimlet
One of our favorite herbs is the star of the show in this tasty twist on a classic Gimlet. Thanks to all the herbaceous cocktail recipes out there, fresh basil is basically a staple at gourmet bars these days.
Ingredients:
1.5 Oz vodka (We find vodka a bit more refreshing than gin during the summer heat.)
2 Fresh basil leaves
2 Cucumber slices
1.25 Oz fresh squeezed lemonade or limeade
Splash of fresh lime juice
This is really as simple as it gets. Muddle the basil, cucumber and a splash of lime juice in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add ice and remaining ingredients. Shake. Strain into a lowball glass over ice, then garlish with a cucumber wheel and a sprig of basil.
Cilantro Margarita
Okay, okay, hear us out on this one. The country is divided between lovers of this pungent herb and those who think it taste like soap (which may actually be genetic). Whichever side you’re on, this margarita makes a pretty good case for cilantro.
Ingredients:
1 Tsp packed cilantro leaves, stems removed
1 Tsp agave nectar
½ Lime, quartered
2 Oz silver tequila
Splash of club soda
¡Arriba, arriba! This is hands-down the go-to cocktail for taco night from here on out. Muddle the cilantro, agave nectar and lime slices in a tall glass until the cilantro is bruised and the lime slices release juice. Pour in the tequila and stir. Add ice then top with club soda.
Thyme and Rosemary Lemonade Spritz
Two herbs in one cocktail? Oh yeah, we went there. This is such a refreshing cocktail on an unbearably hot summer afternoon in Jacksonville. It’s one of our favorite adult versions of a childhood favorite. This recipe makes 15 servings, so have some friends over for happy hour this week.
Ingredients:
5 Sprigs of fresh thyme
6 Sprigs of fresh rosemary
1.75 Liters lemonade
1.5 Oz vodka (PER SERVING)
2.5 Oz club soda (PER SERVING)
1 Lemon
If you aren’t sipping this one poolside, you’re missing out! Muddle the thyme, rosemary and a couple lemon slices in a pitcher. Add the lemonade and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.
In a cocktail shaker, combine ½ a cup of the herb-infused lemonade and vodka. Shake, then pour over ice in a highball glass. Top with club soda then garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a lemon zest strip.
Come to Julington Creek Fish Camp to try Our Expert Takes on Herb-Forward Cocktails
Stop by this summer for a waterfront dining experience you just can’t get anywhere else. Here are our favorite cocktails to sip at the Fish Camp this summer:
Hang Thyme | St. Augustine Vodka, Limeade, Thyme Sprig — We hate to break it to ‘ya, but it’s even better than the Lemonade Spritz recipe above. Come give it a try!
Mojito – Your Choice of Classic Lime, Mango or Cucumber Melon — It just doesn’t get better than a great mojito made with fresh mint.
Make a reservation here. We can’t wait to see you this summer.