Dill has been used for centuries as a medicinal and culinary herb so it’s certainly no surprise that this aromatic herb would be used to create some delicious Dill cocktails. As part of the family that includes Cilantro, Fennel and Parsley, this herb is popular in kitchen gardens everywhere and should be an easy addition to your repertoire of herb cocktails. Available in two forms (leaves and seeds), it’s the Dill leaves that are most commonly used in beverages.
As a medicinal herb, Dill has historically been used for a wide range of conditions. The Egyptians first mentioned its use as a painkiller in 1,500 BC while the Ancient Greeks claimed that Dill was a cure for hiccups. Renowned as a treatment for indigestion, it was even said to be an effective cure for flatulence. So it’s unclear whether Dill cocktails could be considered a healthful tonic, but we’d like to think so…
What Does Dill Taste Like?
An aromatic herb native to the Mediterranean, Dill has a fresh, grassy flavor that is often referred to as a combination of fennel, anise and celery. Definitely unique, many feel that it has a citrus quality with slightly bitter undertones.
How to Store Dill
No matter if you grow it yourself or buy it, you’ll want to get your Dill to the bar in the best shape possible. Freshly cut Dill can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, ideally with the stems placed in water. However if you purchase Dill you may want to rinse it off and store it in a plastic back wrapped in a damp paper towel to extend its life.
How to Pronounce Dill
While the pronunciation of this herb is plain and uncomplicated, it’s always wise to avoid a stumble as you’re deftly mixing your cocktails with dill:
2 Dill Cocktails to Get You Started
Light and feathery herb with a pungent herb flavor, Dill is certainly distinctive and we experimented with a couple cocktails that either allow that flavor to take over, or work with it to deliver and enjoyable blend of tastes. Let us know what you think!
Saint Dill Martini
Frankly it’s pretty tough to find any mention of Dill without the obligatory mention of pickles, so we went right for this savory dill cocktail that gives you all the pickleness that you’d expect. Perfect by itself or with an accompanying hors d’oeuvre, this spin on the martinin is sure to please.
Ingredients
- 2 oz. vodka
- 1/2-1 oz. of kosher pickle brine
- Splash of dry vermouth
- 10-12 mustard seeds
- whole baby kosher dill pickle, for garnish
- A large fresh sprig of dill, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Vodka, Pickle brine, Vermouth, Mustard Seeds and Ice in a Cocktail Shaker
- Shake Well
- Strain the Martini Into a Chilled Cocktail Glass
- Garnish with a Skewered Dill Picked and Dill Sprig
Cucumber Dill Paloma
While we’ve espoused the benefits of the Paloma before, the addition of dill makes it even more interesting. Combining the slightly sweet, acidic grapefruit soda with muddled cucumber and the pungeant dill is sure to be a please. Developed by Raul Yrastorz at LA’s Las Perlas hotel, you’ll be hooked right away.
Ingredients
- 2 oz. Blanco tequila
- 3/4 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
- 1 bottle grapefruit soda, like Jarritos
- 1 fresh dill sprig
- 2 cucumber wheels
Instructions
- Muddle the Cucumber Wheels and Dill in a Cocktail Shaker
- Add Tequila, Lime Juice and Ice
- Shake Well
- Strain Into an Ice-Filled Collins Glass
- Top with Soda & Sprinkle With a Pinch of Salt
- Garnish with a Long Dill Sprig and a Cucumber Wheel on the Glass Rim
