Lime
An essential flavor for margaritas, lime adds a zesty, fresh taste to drinks and desserts. A subtropical tree, it's best grown in a pot if you live in a cold-winter climate. Move it to a sunny window indoors for the winter where you'll be rewarded with fragrant flowers in spring.
Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil
Size: Up to 20 feet tall (dwarf varieties are up to 10 feet tall)
Zones: 10-11
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm leaves perk up any drink with a light, citrusy note. This tough perennial is easy to grow and will provide you with a ton of fragrant foliage. Try harvesting a few leaves and freezing them in ice cubes for a beautiful and refreshing treat.
Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade and well-drained soil
Size: Up to 3 feet tall
Zones: 3-7
Marigold
You may not think to cook with marigolds, but signet marigold varieties pack a big punch in their puny petals. Their flavor is a little on the spicy side, so these annuals go great paired with a meal filled with butters or cream sauces, which temper their punch.
Growing Conditions: Full sun and moist, well-drained soil
Size: Up to 12 inches tall
Zones: Annual
'Golden Delicious' Pineapple Sage
Bold, bright, and beautiful, 'Golden Delicious' pineapple sage has glowing chartreuse foliage and fire-engine-red flowers in late summer and fall, plus pineapple-scented foliage. Snip a section of stem, cut off the leaves, and use it as a stirring stick or cocktail spear.
Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil
Size: Up to 3 feet tall
Zones: 8-10
Chives
Refreshing chives go with just about everything savory; try them in a bloody Mary, for example. Chives' foliage has a grassy texture, so this herb looks good with just about everything in the garden, too.
Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade and well-drained soil
Size: Up to 12 inches tall
Zones: 3-10
Mint
Add a cool touch to any drink with a sprig of mint; crush it for a delightful minty mojito, freeze it in an ice cube to bring zing to lemonade, or simply use it as a fragrant garnish. Mint is a vigorous spreader; many gardeners grow it in a container to keep it from taking over the garden.
Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil
Size: Up to 2 feet tall
Zones: 3-10
Strawberry
There's a seemingly endless number of ways to use strawberries in summer drinks: Martinis, daiquiris, and margaritas all come to mind. Or use this sweet, delicious fruit to decorate your drinks.
Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil
Size: Up to 12 inches tall
Zones: 3-10
Husky Cherry Red Tomato
Tomatoes are a main ingredient in bloody Mary recipes, but don't limit yourself. Float cherry tomatoes in martinis or other drinks for added color and flavor. Or, add tomatoes to a charcuterie tray to accompany your cocktail.
Growing Conditions: Full sun and in well-drained soil
Size: Up to 4 feet tall
Zones: 2-11