Borage, Borago officinalis, has been used across Europe for centuries. It grows fast and freely, thriving in poor soils where other plants struggle. Its star-shaped blue flowers appear early and persist through the season, drawing in bees in large numbers. The flavour is clean and fresh. Often described as cucumber with a soft floral lift.
We have started exploring its role in lighter, fresher spirits and seasonal cocktails where clarity and lift matter.
Leaves
The young leaves carry a gentle cucumber character with a slight herbal edge. In food they work well in salads, chilled soups, and infused waters. In distillation they can soften sharper botanicals, adding a green freshness that rounds out citrus and juniper. The leaves contain mucilage and trace alkaloids, which contribute to their soothing properties.
Flowers
The flowers are where borage stands apart. Delicate, vivid blue, and lightly sweet. They bring both aroma and visual impact. In cocktails they are often used fresh or frozen into ice, holding their structure and colour. Flavour wise they add a subtle floral note without overwhelming the drink. In spirits they can be used in vapour infusion to retain that lifted aromatic quality.
Seeds
Borage seeds are less used in flavour but highly valued for their oil. Rich in gamma-linolenic acid, a fatty acid linked to anti-inflammatory effects. While not typically distilled, this highlights the plant’s broader functional value and why it has remained in herbal practice for so long.
Medicinal Use
Traditionally, borage has been used as a calming and restorative herb. It has been taken to reduce stress, support adrenal function, and improve mood. Herbalists also use it for skin health and inflammation due to its fatty acid profile. Historically it was added to wine and cordials as a courage tonic, believed to lift spirits both physically and mentally.
In the distillery context, this sits well with the idea of drinks that do more than just deliver alcohol. There is a long history of botanicals playing a functional role alongside flavour.
In the garden borage earns its place quickly. It is one of the best plants for pollinators, producing nectar continuously. It also acts as a companion plant, improving the resilience of nearby crops and helping to deter certain pests. Once established, it self-seeds readily, creating a reliable cycle without intervention.
Borage is not loud, but it is effective. It brings freshness to spirits, elegance to cocktails, and real value to the ecosystem around it. A simple plant that delivers clarity, function, and quiet complexity.
We have used this within a clients gin.
