In the summer we want our cocktails to be nice and refreshing. One of the best ways to perk up a cocktail for a hot day is to add fresh herbs. From mint juleps to a basil martini, we've rounded up our favorite herbal cocktail recipes.

The mint julep—a simple combination of mint, bourbon, and sugar virtually synonymous with the Kentucky Derby—is a super variable drink. For a very old-school twist, try replacing the bourbon with cognac, a popular spirit in the antebellum South. If you want something bitter, make your julep with vegetal Cynar and effervescent grapefruit soda. Or try our Swedish julep made with mint aquavit and rum.

Basil is another bright herb perfect for cocktails. Chopped basil leaves lend crispness to a simple vodka martini. Watermelon and basil is a classic pairing—we combine them with tequila, lime juice, and yellow Chartreuse. In the Poddington Pea, a basil simple syrup is shaken with gin, sherry, mint, and blanched peas.'

Delicate, floral lavender lends itself to elegant drinks. Our lavender paloma is made with grapefruit juice, mezcal, and a lavender simple syrup and served in a glass with a lavender salt rim. Or try a lavender sour with gin, lemon juice, green Chartreuse, a lavender simple syrup, and a sprinkling of lavender dust.

Find all of these drinks and more in our collection of herbal cocktail recipes.

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