Container to Cocktail: Spicy Basil Margarita

For those worried that summer is over, this is the perfect drink to extend the season. The Spicy Basil Margarita is a fresh and fiery cocktail made using ingredients you can grow in a pot or on a windowsill.

Planting in containers is an easy and low-budget option for making an impact in gardens of all sizes and can be a fun way to add seasonal interest with annual plants. This combination also makes the most of companion planting - choosing plants that benefit one another. The basil helps repel aphids, while marigolds deter whitefly and attract pollinators, creating a more balanced environment for the chilli to thrive in.

Here’s how to plant and prepare it…

Container to Cocktail: Spicy Basil Margarita planting alongside the finished drink

The Container

For this planting, I used a reclaimed galvanised floristry bucket. The pale metal finish is a satisfying contrast to the greens and reds and the size is just right for this simple combination.

Reclaimed floristry buckets are affordable and easy to source but any medium-sized container will do, as long as it has drainage holes.

How to Plant Your Spicy Basil Margarita Pot

You’ll need:

• 1 x Chilli ‘Apache’ (or a similar chilli of your choice)

• 2 x French marigolds

• 3 x Basil plants (top tip if you buy from a supermarket - remove the basil from it’s original container and separate into individual plants)

• A container with drainage

• Pebbles or broken terracotta for the base

• Peat-free compost

Close-up of the planting: Chilli, marigolds and basil make a lively and fresh combination

Steps:

1. Prepare the container: Cover the drainage hole(s) with a layer of pebbles to keep the soil in but let the water drain slowly.

2. Add compost: Fill most of the container with peat-free compost.

3. Arrange your plants: Position your chilli in the centre or back, a marigold at either side, and fill in the gaps with your basil.

4. Top up with compost: Fill in any gaps and press gently to firm.

5. Water well and place in a sunny spot.

🌱 Keep your container looking good by watering regularly, harvesting basil, and deadheading the marigolds. In other words, make cocktails regularly to make sure your container stays looking healthy.

The Cocktail: Spicy, Citrusy, and Garden-Fresh

This recipe serves one, but is easily scaled up to serve a crowd. Freeze the base mix overnight for a chilled, slushy texture.

The Spicy Basil Margarita ready to sip

Ingredients:

• 45ml tequila

• 25ml triple sec (I use Cointreau)

• 45ml lime & chilli infused simple syrup*

• Juice of 1 lime

• A few fresh basil leaves, to taste

• Garnish: chilli flakes, 1 small red chilli, and a French marigold flower

*To make the syrup: gently heat equal parts sugar and water with a few slices of fresh chilli from your container and a strip or two of lime peel. Let it cool then strain it and store it in the fridge.

To prepare:

1. Combine the tequila, triple sec, sugar syrup, and lime juice in a freeze-proof container and freeze overnight.

2. When ready to serve, muddle basil leaves in a tumbler, add ice, and pour over the frozen mix.

3. Stir to combine and garnish with a red chilli and a marigold for a beautiful, edible finish.

Enjoy!