Not to brag, but I’m living the summer of my dreams. This morning I woke up at 6:30, had a cup of coffee and went out to inspect my garden. Now I’m sitting here in a headscarf and a floral summer dress (I know), thinking about the herbs I grew from little sprouts I picked up at Home Depot and HEB that are absolutely thriving (minus that cilantro plant, I got cocky) and dreaming about all the ways I’m going to use them.
I know it seems a little random to mention this in an article about using summer herbs, but I have to add a little gratitude to the mix. I always wanted to be the person who drinks coffee in the garden. This was the summer I finally asked myself the question that changed everything: Am I living a life that feels like me? I realized that not only did I want be that person—I already am that person. I simply hadn’t prioritized creating the opportunity for this to happen. Lots of mulch and a few weekends later, I have a thriving herb garden to wander through on quiet summer mornings. (Questionable vegetable plants and flower seeds are a story for another day).
Whether you have a sprawling garden, a few herbs growing on your windowsill, a big bunch from the farmers market, or your Instacart shopper accidentally brought you three pounds of basil instead of three sprigs (true nightmare fuel), there are countless delicious ways to put fresh herbs to good use. Let’s talk about it.
Here’s how to use summer herbs. before they want in the refrigerator (or take over your garden): my favorite creative ideas and recipes to put every twig to good use.
Creative ideas for using summer herbs
just before me garden goddess days, I loved having fresh herbs on hand like that last something. The little touch of green goes a long way to realizing the full potential of a dish, but they are just as effective in cocktails, desserts, homemade gifts and even around the house. Here are some unexpected ways I love to employ herbs.
Prepare herbal infused drinks
From lemonade to sparkling water to cocktails, herbs instantly enhance simple drinks. On simpler days, a sprig of mint and a sliced cucumber in water is my go-to for instant refreshment. But basil, mint, rosemary, thyme and lavender are competitors and pair perfectly with summer fruit in a glass.
Freeze herbs in ice cubes
It’s fun to do it with both kids and girlfriends. Freeze chopped herbs with water, citrus slices, or edible flowers for truly impressive ice cubes to top lemonade, iced tea, or sparkling water.
Blend the compound butter
It’s hard to cream butter alone, but mixed with chopped herbs, garlic, citrus zest, or flaked salt? This is heaven. Roll into a log while the butter is soft, then slice it whenever you need roasted vegetables, steak, corn, or fresh bread.
Infuse olive oil or vinegar.
Soak rosemary, thyme, oregano, or basil in olive oil or white wine vinegar and then use it in your homemade dressings and marinade recipes.
Dry or freeze herbs for later.
If your garden is overflowing, tie herbs into small bundles and hang them upside down to dry. Or cut them up and freeze them in ice cube trays covered with olive oil. You’ll have homegrown herbs ready long after summer is over.
Use herbs as a centerpiece or place setting
One of my favorite tricks is to fill simple jars with bunches of basil, dill, rosemary or mint instead of flowers. They smell amazing, look effortlessly beautiful, and are ready to cut while you cook.
Add herbs to desserts.
Fresh herbs pair surprisingly well with berries, peaches, citrus and cream. Think basil whipped cream, thyme cupcakes, rosemary olive oil cake, or mint blended with homemade chocolate ice cream.
Making Herbal Simple Syrup for Cocktails
My favorite homemade cocktail starts in the garden. Make a simple syrup by dissolving equal parts sugar and water, then steep with a few sprigs of fresh herbs. I love keeping basil simple syrup in the fridge to mix with frozen peaches and tequila, and then top it off with sparkling water or champagne for the ultimate summer cocktail.
Recipes to consume basil
If summer had an official flavor, I would nominate basil. It’s the herb that somehow finds its way into almost every meal this time of year, whether layered on sandwiches, tossed with tomatoes, mixed into pesto, or spread on pizza fresh from the oven. And if you grow basil yourself, you probably know that it has a habit of producing faster than you can maintain it, which is exactly the kind of problem I love to have.
Recipes to consume mint
Mint might be the easiest herb to grow and the hardest to keep contained. Once it gets going, it seems to multiply overnight. Fortunately, it is as versatile as it is prolific. Beyond mojitos, fresh mint adds brightness to salads, smoothies, desserts, fruits, and some of my favorite summer drinks.
Recipes to consume dill
Dill has a way of making simple summer meals taste like they came from a cozy little cafe. Its delicate grassy flavor pairs wonderfully with cucumbers, potatoes, seafood, yogurt, and creamy sauces, making it one of the herbs I use all season long.
