Herbs are everywhere in mixology, whether you know it or not. One herb that is just as home in your Florida garden as it is in cocktails is fennel. This perennial is extremely versatile, whether it is grown as an ornamental, for pollinators, or to add some flavor to drinks and food for your own horticulture happy hour.

Fennel in the Landscape

Fennel is a cool season perennial herb that can also be a great addition to your landscape. Growing up to 6’ tall, it thrives in full sun with moist, well drained soil. Ornamentally it provides an interesting feathery texture and yellow flowers in the spring. You can also try different varieties like bronze fennel that has purplish leaves. Fennel plants may be fairly short lived but they often will reseed. Overall, the plant is easy to grow with few pests, with the exception of some you may welcome…

Fennel for Pollinators

Fennel is also planted as a pollinator and it goes beyond the yellow flowers that provide pollen and nectar in spring. Fennel is also a preferred host for swallowtail butterflies. In the summer you may find striped caterpillars eating your plants but don’t panic or attempt to control them. Once they have had their fill, they will pupate and emerge as beautiful butterflies.

Fennel as an Herb

As a culinary herb, fennel may be an acquired taste for some due to its licorice flavor. The foliage smells like black licorice and the flavor that can be added to food or cocktails from the leaves, flowers, or seeds will bring this mild flavor.

In mixology, fennel can be used as a garnish or as an ingredient. Steep fennel into a simple or fruit syrup to add some complexity. These can be then used as an addition to a traditional cocktail like an old fashioned or martini. Fennel is also used as a flavoring in several liqueurs when licorice flavor is desired. This includes some absinthe, Sambuca, or other digestif’s. You can even make your own through infusions. You will also often see fennel as an ingredient along with other herbs that have a similar flavor profile like anise.

If you are interested in more information on gardening or how to use garden products in mixology, reach out to Wayne Hobbs at whhobbs@ufl.edu. You can also view upcoming workshops and course on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ClayCountyExt/ .

Happy horticulture happy hour everyone!

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