When the warm weather hits, inspiration for mocktails, cocktails and thirst quenching beverages becomes endless. But do you take it a step further and make elegant ice cubes that transform any drink into a full-on botanical experience? Edible flower ice cubes are easy and fun to whip up – even with your kids! – and they instantly elevate summer drinks from herbal lemonade and botanical party punch. Even a simple sparkling water is more fun with edible flowers in it.
“Edible flower ice cubes are easy and fun to whip up – even with your kids! – and they instantly elevate summer drinks.”
Are they health boosting? Arguably. If you allow the ice to melt so the flowers infuse into the beverage – or simply eat them – you’ll be getting trace amounts of any beneficial compounds in the edible flowers, likely to include antioxidants and electrolytes. Definitely a nice side benefit of a whimsical creative project that delights the senses and brings you a state of wonder for an hour or two.
Back in the day (like 35 years ago), when it seemed like nobody in my life knew much about herbal medicine, I would tell people that I was studying herbal medicine. Then the proverbial blank stare and then the question, “What is that?? My family was like, “Can you get a job doing that?”
Anyway, I was always looking for ways to introduce people to healing plants in ways that were curious and fun. I discovered that herbal ice cubes could quickly become a centerpiece conversation at family gatherings and the kids just loved it. It is such a simple way to add beauty and it just became a way of life for me.
Tips for Sourcing Organic (Non-Sprayed) Edible Flowers
Most flowers on the market are grown for decoration, not dishes. When it comes to finding blooms that haven’t been sprayed, you have a few options.
- Grow them yourself. The best place to harvest edible flowers, in my opinion, is your own garden or window box. If you don’t want to spend the next hour tracking down seeds, try the Edible Flowers Seed Collection from Strictly Medicinal Seeds.
- Forage for them. You might find a few of these – dandelion, lilac, wild rose, violets – growing wild or in such abundance that a neighbor would happily let you harvest. 125% accurate identification is what you want for your foraging endeavors. No guessing
- Find them at your local farmers market. This gives you the opportunity to talk directly with the farmer to make sure the flowers haven’t been sprayed. And who knows, you might encounter an edible flower you hadn’t previously considered using.
- Order them online. You’d be surprised how many retail options are online, from small-scale Etsy shops to the large-scale suppliers, and specialty retailers in between.
- Use dried flowers. If you simply don’t have another option, use dried flowers from a reputable herbal retailer. They’ll look a bit different, but you’ll have just as much fun making and using your edible flower ice cubes.
15 Edible Flowers for Ice Cubes
- Basil (Oscimum basilicum): If you grow basil, you’re probably already pinching off the flowering tops and wishing you had a use for them. Now you do!
- Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa): If you’re expecting a floral flavor, think again. Bergamot smells and tastes savory – think thyme or oregano – and has a peppery bite.
- Borage (Borago officinalis): This enchanting bluish-purple flower has a subtle, cucumber-like flavor, and a starry shape that may steal the show.
- Calendula (Calendula officinalis): With sunburst petals of yellow and orange, who could help but smile upon seeing this blossom in a drink?
- Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris): If you lack a green thumb, start here! Crab apple blossoms are sweet and slightly tart, and bloom in great abundance every spring.
- Chamomile (Matricaria recutita): The white petals of these petite blooms will only stand out in very clear ice – but they offer a sweet scent and flavor.
- Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): Another one for those who’d rather not garden, dandelion blossoms bring both color and a welcome bitter element to a drink. I don’t usually put the entire flower into an ice cube, but pull the flower apart and add little bits.
- Lavender (Lavendula spp.): Lavender is well known for its relaxing, stress-taming properties, and a sprig in ice will bring just the right hint of scent and flavor.
- Lilac (Syringa vulgaris): From the delicate purple blossoms to its signature scent and slightly bitter flavor, lilac will bring delightful complexity to a summer cocktail or mocktail.
- Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus): The richly colored blooms ring the color wheel from deep yellow to scarlet and have a delicious peppery flavor.
- Pansies (Viola × wittrockiana): A top pick for edible flower ice cubes, pansies’ intricate shape and variable coloring give them a delicate yet commanding presence in ice.
- Rose (Rosa spp.): Whether you have rugosa roses in your garden or know of a secret wild patch to forage, roses will charm and delight. Remember that most roses purchased at the store are grown with lots of chemicals.
- Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus): The flowering tops of rosemary make for visually interesting floral ice cubes, and the flavor blends well with sweet-tart summer drinks.
- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Like rosemary, the flowering tops with a few leaves look enchanting in ice, and blend surprisingly well with fruity summer beverages.
- Violet (Viola odorata): With a subtle flavor and stunning appearance, there’s really no drink that wouldn’t love the company of a few violets in ice.
Honorable mention: Mint and lemon balm leaves. True, they’re not blossoms, but these abundant leaves will bring flavor and visual interest to your edible flower ice cubes.
Click here for more edible flower ideas
Edible Flower Ice Cubes
Equipment
- Ice cube tray
Ingredients
- Water
- Edible flowers and herbs
Instructions
- Pour water into ice cube trays.
- Place your flowers atop the water.
- Freeze.
- Add your edible flower ice cubes to your drink.
Notes
A Chance to Slow Down and Connect
As an herbalist, I’m always trying to find ways to slow down a bit – the plant world moves on a more relaxed timeline than our usual pace. As you gather blossoms and lay them in water, I hope the process allows you to slow down, enjoy the moment, and connect with the flowers. The added perk, of course, is finally unveiling your ethereal showstopper for drinks, whether you’re sharing with friends and loved ones or savoring yours alone in a moment of calm.
What are your favorite herbal ice cubes? Share your experience in the comments!
More Resources
Violet Syrup Recipe with Honey — Add to sparkling water with freshly squeezed lemon juice for a fun warm-weather mocktail.
7 Cooling Herbal Drinks for Summer
Basil Ginger Limeade
Lavender Mint Lemonade
