Summer parties require cold drinks, and people want their hosting to look cool. You see standard lime wheels everywhere, which gets kind of boring. But you can switch things up. Enter botany. Using real flower petals in your refreshments changes the whole vibe completely. It sounds difficult, but it is actually pretty straightforward. This guide will show you how to safely upgrade your summer drinks.

The Safety Rules for Floral Drinks

You cannot just walk outside, grab random plants from the lawn, and drop them into a glass. That is a bad idea because some yards have chemicals, and certain plants make people sick. Therefore, you must follow strict sourcing rules.

First, buy options that are explicitly labeled for eating. Grocery stores sell these in small plastic containers in the produce section. Second, never use pieces from a regular floral shop because those usually have preservatives on them. If you want fresh, safe options near the Twin Cities, you should consult the experts at the Rosemount florist to see what varieties are safe for culinary displays. Lastly, if you are unsure about a specific plant type, leave it out.

Best Varieties for Summer Drinks

Different blossoms bring different flavors and styles to your glass. Here is a list of the top varieties to try:

• Pansies: These are flat and come in almost every color, which makes them sit nicely on top of liquids. They taste slightly like grass.

• Nasturtiums: They have a bright orange or yellow look and possess a surprisingly peppery taste.

• Borage: These tiny blue stars taste exactly like fresh cucumber. They pair well with lemonade.

• Lavender: You get a strong scent from these purple stalks. Use them sparingly so your drink does not taste like soap.

• Marigolds: Their yellow colors look like sunshine, and they offer a mild citrus flavor.

How to Freeze Edible Flower Ice Cubes

Standard ice blocks melt quickly and look plain. Floral cubes melt slowly and keep drinks beautiful. However, if you throw everything in a tray and add tap water, the cubes turn out cloudy. You will not see the petals clearly.

To fix this problem, boil distilled water twice, then let it cool down. This process removes the trapped air bubbles. Next, pour a tiny layer of this water into your silicone ice tray. Drop the petals face down into the liquid. Freeze this first layer completely.

Consequently, the plants stay locked at the bottom. Afterward, fill the rest of the mold with your cool, boiled water and freeze it again. Now, your plants sit perfectly in the center of clear ice.

Styling Your Glassware

Garnishing takes a little bit of patience. For drinks with heavy foam, like a sour, gently place a single pansy right on the foam layer. It floats easily. Alternatively, use a tiny wooden clothespin to attach a lavender stalk to the rim of the glass.

For highball glasses, pack the floral ice cubes tightly all the way to the top. Next, pour clear soda or tonic water slowly over the side. The colors pop beautifully against the glass.

Get Ready for Your Next Event

Planning an outdoor gathering takes effort, but small details impress guests quickly. If you need amazing floral arrangements for your tables to match your beautiful drinks, check out flowers in Lakeville, MN, to find local inspiration. You can easily view gorgeous setups and order everything you need directly online by visiting Rosemount Floral by Lucky Lola to make your summer party look incredible.