Herbs & Spices

While herbs such as sage, basil and mint have long been used as garnishes, herbs and spice have been arguably underutilized by mixologists. That's changing. The trend in hip bars is grinding up fresh herbs and spices right in the glass -- everything from ginger to cinnamon to cocoa and even coffee beans. A Gin and Tonic has a little more -- oh -- spice if, instead of lemon one bruises or squashes rosemary into it. The Mojito craze has inspired people to experiment -- muddling blueberry with basil and lime before adding rum, for instance. Don't be afraid to spice things up!