Anyone for a Sting and Tonic? New trend sees garden weeds in cocktails

But a new trend could see us turning to our gardens for inspiration. 

Weeds might soon be the ingredient of choice in our summer drinks, after featuring heavily in the Chelsea Flower Show gardens. 

As a result, experts predict that dandelions, nettles and brambles could soon be making their way into our beverages, too.

Drinks influencer Helena Nicklin and Michael Perry, ‘Mr Plant Geek’, in collaboration with Ocado, have come up with a few alternative tipples to dip your toe in the trend.

The Sting and Tonic is the first which, as the name suggests, features steamed nettle leaves replacing cucumber slices to add a ‘herbaceous and zesty twist’ to G&Ts.

Likewise, their alcohol-free Espress-no Martini includes roasted dandelion roots as a substitute for coffee and spiced rum instead of vodka.

Michael explains that dandelions, nettles and brambles are ideal ingredients for budding mixologists, keen to experiment with earthy flavours. Plus, they’re a sustainable, waste-free option too.

He said: ‘These ingredients could be right under your nose – or rather right under your feet in the garden.

‘There has been an increase in foraging over the last three or four years and weeds are very much “on trend”.

‘We are increasingly allowing them a place in the garden and with their use in cocktails we are seeing another dimension as well.’

Not to mention, weeds like daisies and thistles look pretty adorable as a garnish, too.

He added: ‘As Brits, we’re beginning to realise that our appreciation of plants, flowers and weeds doesn’t just need to be restricted to the garden.’

Do you have a story to share?