Cocktails, Mocktails, and Garnishes from the Garden

I received a copy of Cocktails, Mocktails, and Garnishes from the Garden published by Katie Stryjewski in exchange for this review.

Charlie and I had been talking about setting up a Herb Garden giving us Herbs to use when cooking. But we didn’t know how to get David on board. Until Cocktails, Mocktails, and Garnishes from the Garden arrived.

Charlie and I sat down to read the book for his Homeschool Cooking class. As we were going through the book and talking about hosting a Summer Barbecue with our friends and family.

Charlie and I begin to go over what drinks we would want to make. David saw us making grocery list and all the Herbs we had down. David says you know Herbs can be expensive.

Charlie said I know dad but we have to have all these and if we don’t use them all there going to go to waste. But if we had a Herb Garden we would have herbs all year and could make these drinks anytime we like.

Then Charlie and I went on with our lessons. Later that day we had to go to Walmart for groceries. Charlie and I looked through the Herbs and begin to write down the prices.

Now, for Fathers Day Charlie and I plan on purchasing the items to create a Herb Garden not only for David but my mother in law and sister in law. In each basket will be a copy of Cocktails, Mocktails, and Garnishes from the Garden for there Libraries.

I like how there is non-Alcoholic drinks so we can also set up a Kid Friendly Drink Station and the kids at our Summer Barbecue will be able to fix there drinks while learning and tasting different Herbs.

Having the tips on when and how to start a Garden will go along with the Lessons we will be studying in our Gardening Class. Even though this book is about Alcohol Charlie found plenty of words for Spelling tests.

As well as drinks that I can research and do Comprehension Questions on. Or Charlie can write out reports and facts he learns about the drinks. Including how created the drink and when.

As you see once again Homeschooling can be about anything you want to teach your child and showing the drinks made with Alcohol will keep the lines of communication open and teach our children to drink responsibly.

About:

Botany for Bartenders

“Cocktails, Mocktails and Garnishes from the Garden is perfect for stirring things up and taking your drinks to a new level.” ―The Two Classy Chics

#1 New release in Garnishing Meals, and Food Science

Step inside a bartender’s apothecary, forage for garnishes, and craft some of the most popular cocktails, mocktails, and beverages. This beautifully photographed compendium of craft cocktails includes examples of garnishes and interesting ingredients to give any drink a botanical twist.

The go-to reference for classic and modern cocktail recipes. Whether it’s adding a basil sprig or infusing gin with peaches; Cocktails, Mocktails and Garnishes from the Garden gives you the ability to make classic cocktails and the confidence to craft innovative concoctions.

Alongside recipes of some of the most popular cocktails come new-fangled libations, non-alcoholic equivalents, and instructions to create gorgeous garnishes.

Creating your very own herb bar and garnish garden for craft cocktails. A cocktail recipe book from the wild; Cocktails, Mocktails and Garnishes from the Garden features examples of garnishes and general know-how.

With a reference guide of herbal and floral flavors that complement different spirits, and details about what to plant and how to grow your very own herb bar, you can craft cocktail recipes alongside nature.

Inside, learn about herbs and their uses as well as:

  • General instructions on creating a garnish garden
  • The difference between a high ball and a coupe glass
  • Which bar tools are “must haves” for a home cocktail set-up

If you enjoyed books like The Drunken BotanistThe Wildcrafting BrewerShrubs, or Beautiful Booze, then you’ll love Cocktails, Mocktails and Garnishes from the Garden.

About Katie Stryjewski

Katie Stryjewski

Katie Stryjewski is a writer, cocktail photographer, recipe developer, and Instagram Influencer. She trained as an Ornithologist and evolutionary biologist, receiving her PhD from Boston University and completing a postdoc at Harvard University before transitioning to her current career.

She lives in Somerville, Massachusetts, with her husband and son. You can find her on Instagram as @garnish_girl and visit her blog, Garnish, at

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates