Handcrafted Cocktails: Mixologist Tips & Fresh Herbs
Handmade cocktails are made with attention to detail, frequently featuring fresh ingredients that contribute to distinctive flavors. Fresh herbs like mint, basil, and rosemary are commonly used to infuse drinks with lively, aromatic qualities. This guide offers mixologist tips for using fresh herbs, allowing you to enhance your cocktail skills at home.
Mixologist Tips for Home Crafting
Mixologists offer a range of techniques for incorporating fresh herbs into cocktails.
- Use fresh herbs and fruits to enhance the flavor.
- Muddling Technique: Lightly muddle herbs to release their oils without bruising them, which enhances the flavor.
- Flavor Balance: Try adjusting the sweetness, acidity, and bitterness to discover the perfect combination.
- Select the right glasses to elevate your drinking experience.
- Creative Garnishes: Enhance visual appeal and flavor by adding fresh herbs or citrus.

The Role of Fresh Herbs
- Mint: Perfect for adding a refreshing touch to drinks such as mojitos.
- Basil: Contributes a sweet and peppery flavor to citrus cocktails.
- Thyme: Enhances botanical or herbal flavors.
- Sage: Ideal for cozy autumn drinks featuring apple or pear.
- Lavender: Brings a floral essence to refreshing cocktails.
In Nepalese cuisine, herbs such as turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon are commonly used and can add unique, spice-infused flavors to cocktails.
Nepali-Inspired Cocktails at Dé Buddha
Debuddha, situated in Johnstone, is celebrated for its Himalayan-inspired cocktails made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Although their specific menu isn’t available online, their emphasis on Nepali culinary traditions indicates that cocktails may include traditional spirits such as Raksi or Chhyang, blended with herbs like mint and ginger.
- Nepali Spice Cocktail: Combining 2 oz of Raksi (or vodka/gin), 1 oz of lemon juice, 1 oz of simple syrup, 1/2 tsp of turmeric, and 1/4 tsp of cinnamon. Garnish with fresh mint.
- Himalayan Herb Mojito: Muddle fresh mint and ginger with simple syrup, then add 2 oz of rum and 1 oz of lime juice. Top it off with club soda and serve chilled.
Debuddha’s emphasis on Himalayan-inspired cocktails, as highlighted on their website, indicates a fusion of traditional Nepali ingredients with modern mixology techniques. Although their specific cocktail menu isn’t available online, information from their site and additional research suggest possible ingredients like Raksi (a traditional Nepali spirit) or Chhyang (a fermented rice drink), combined with fresh herbs such as mint, ginger, or turmeric. The chef’s message underscores the importance of using locally sourced ingredients, which aligns with the growing trend of farm-to-glass mixology, as explored in From Garden to Glass: Fresh Herbs in Cocktails – Queen Bee Mixology .
How to Find Us
Dé Buddha is located in Johnstone, making it smooth a good way to drop by and experience a meal. For greater info on our region, menu, and special offers, visit Dé Buddha or Contact Us for more details.
In the End
Handmade cocktails featuring fresh herbs provide a unique and flavorful experience, enriched by cultural influences such as those found in Nepali cuisine. Debuddha’s method, which emphasizes Himalayan-inspired drinks made with locally sourced ingredients, showcases how traditional elements can elevate contemporary mixology. For those who enjoy crafting cocktails at home, experimenting with fresh herbs and spices not only enhances the quality of the drinks but also ties into global culinary traditions, turning each cocktail into a celebration of creativity and heritage.
Experience the magic of Nepal right here in Johnstone—book your at Dé Buddha today and allow your taste buds to embark on an unforgettable adventure.