Looking to take your home bar to the next level? Lhasa Karnak’s apothecary shelves are full of ingredients perfect for creative mixologists. From aromatic herbs to vibrant flowers and earthy roots, these botanicals can turn any cocktail into a fragrant, flavorful, and visually stunning experience.
Below are a few of our favorite herbal ingredients for cocktails — all available at Lhasa Karnak Herbal Company.
1. Spices and Roots for Homemade Bitters
Bitters are the backbone of many cocktails — and making your own is easier than you might think.
Use these Lhasa Karnak staples to build depth and complexity:
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Gentian Root – The classic bittering base for Angostura-style bitters.
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Dandelion Root – Adds earthy undertones with a slightly roasted flavor.
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Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Cardamom Pods – For warm, aromatic spice bitters or syrups.
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Star Anise – Pairs perfectly with whiskey or rum-based cocktails.
✨ Try This: Make a Cinnamon & Clove Old Fashioned by combining spiced simple syrup, orange bitters, and bourbon over ice.
2. Colorful Flowers for Visual & Aromatic Appeal
Herbal cocktails should please both the eyes and the nose. These flowers do just that:
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Hibiscus Flowers – Give drinks a deep red hue and tart, cranberry-like tang.
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Butterfly Pea Flowers – Naturally blue, but turns violet when mixed with citrus.
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Lavender Flowers – Infuse syrup or gin for a gentle floral note.
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Chamomile – Steeped into light rum or gin, it adds soothing honey-apple flavor.
✨ Try This: Brew a Butterfly Pea Gin & Tonic — pour tonic over your infused gin and watch the color shift from blue to purple!
3. Roots and Barks for Complex Infusions
Bring earthy and woodsy depth to your cocktail creations with these grounding botanicals:
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Licorice Root – Adds natural sweetness to bitters or digestifs.
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Cinchona Bark – The source of quinine — essential for homemade tonic water.
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Sarsaparilla Root and Sassafras Root – Use for a nostalgic “root beer” cordial or rum infusion.
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White Willow Bark – Adds a subtle, earthy bitterness.
✨ Try This: Craft your own Herbal Tonic Syrup with cinchona bark, lemongrass, and citrus peel — perfect with gin or nonalcoholic spritzers.
4. Citrus & Fruity Botanicals for Bright Notes
Bright, tangy elements bring life to your drinks. Use these ingredients for zesty or tropical cocktails:
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Orange Peel (Sweet or Bitter) – Classic for bitters and infusions.
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Lemongrass – Infuse in vodka or gin for a clean, citrus aroma.
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Amchur (Mango Powder) – A tart accent that complements tequila or rum cocktails.
✨ Try This: Mix up a Mango Lemongrass Margarita — balance tartness with a touch of honey or agave.
5. Herbal Garnishes & Aromatic Finishes
Garnishes aren’t just decorative—they complete the flavor profile:
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Rose Petals – Add color and scent to gin cocktails or champagne spritzers.
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Mint Leaf, Rosemary, Basil – Crush or clap to release aroma before garnishing.
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Cedar Tips or Sage – Lightly smoke for dramatic presentations with bourbon or mezcal.
✨ Try This: Add a smoked Rosemary Sprig to a Negroni for an herbal twist.
6. Tea-Infused Spirits & Herbal Mocktails
Tea isn’t just for sipping—it’s a mixologist’s secret weapon.
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Earl Grey Tea – Infuse into vodka or gin for aromatic martinis.
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Rooibos Tea – Adds sweetness and spice to rum cocktails.
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Green Tea – Refreshing when paired with citrus or cucumber.
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Chamomile – Calms the senses in both hot and iced mocktails.
✨ Try This: Brew a Hibiscus Honey Cooler — combine hibiscus tea, lime, honey syrup, and soda water.
Final Stir
Whether you’re crafting handcrafted bitters or floral mocktails, Lhasa Karnak offers all the botanicals you need for herbal mixology. Experiment, taste, and let your imagination grow — because every cocktail can be a little bit of herbal art.
🛒 Shop our full selection of herbs, roots, and teas at lhasakarnak.com.
