Tending a garden – even if it’s just herbs – is super-satisfying in itself, but no one’s ever said you can’t make it 11 times more satisfying by mixing delicious cocktails using herby handfuls and some other simple kitchen ingredients.

We’ve put together three recipes for easy cocktails to make using your bountiful garden goods. And no, it’s not cheating if you buy your herbs from the shops… some basil plants just can’t be resuscitated (RIP, we hardly knew ye).

The best thing about all these cocktails is not only are they quick to make, but they’re also made with stuff that’s usually hanging around your kitchen and spirits you can pick up at your local Cellarbrations store. You’ll be perched on a banana lounge, cocktail in hand, in no time!

GARDEN GIN AND CUCUMBER BASIL FIZZ This fizzy number is perfect for an easy afternoon spent gardening and making the most of your overgrown basil plants. It’s also handy in summer once the cucumbers start popping off. Great for backyard or verandah parties (or just on a banana lounge on the lawn)!

INGREDIENTS
Handful basil leaves
8 slices cucumber
2 tbsp sugar syrup
50ml Four Pillars gin
1 tbsp lemon juice
Crushed ice
Tonic water

METHOD
Muddle the cucumber and basil in a jug (give it a bash to release the flavours). Add sugar syrup, gin, lemon juice and crushed ice, then give it a good stir (or shake in a cocktail shaker). Strain into a glass filled with ice. Finish it off with strips of cucumber and fresh basil leaves

Serving suggestion: use a mandoline to cut the cucumber lengthwise and wrap it around the edge of the glass. A little sprig of basil looks great on top. Served in a tall glass or jar.

BLACKBERRY AND ROSEMARY VODKA SPRITZ Fruity, earthy and a great excuse to use your grandma’s old coupe glasses when friends pop over.

INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup fresh blackberries (or any berries)
2 sprigs rosemary
50ml Grey Goose vodka
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
Ice, crushed or cubes
Soda water
Additional berries and rosemary for garnish

METHOD
Muddle the berries and rosemary in a jug. Pour in the vodka and lemon juice. Pour into your grandma’s old glass. Add some ice. Top off the glass with soda water. Stir and garnish with additional fresh berries (using a toothpick across the top of the glass) and a sprig of rosemary.

WATERMELON AND MINT GIN BLITZ This one is perfect for lazy afternoons in the sun, or lazy nights with a TV show or good book. So fresh and so sweet.

INGREDIENTS
2 cups cubed watermelon
8 mint leaves
30ml Four Pillars gin
15ml simple syrup
Ice

METHOD
Add watermelon chunks into a blender, and blend on high for about 30 seconds until smooth. Pour over a mesh sieve and set aside. Add mint leaves and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Using a muddler, muddle them all together very well. Add gin, watermelon juice and ice cubes. Stir well.

Serving suggestion: Serve in a glass with cute mint garnish or watermelon wedge. You can use big ice blocks for something different! You could even add a cocktail umbrella for a super-fun vibe.

These fizzy recipes were brought to you in partnership with our pals at Cellarbrations. Whether you’re making drinks in the garden, having a quiet moment to yourself or putting on a party, Cellarbrations is your one-stop-shop for all your cocktail-making needs.