Secret Garden, a Canadian gin cocktail

Secret Garden

Created by the Prairie Research Kitchen at Red River College, this refreshing cocktail combines Black Fox Cucumber Gin with fresh basil and a spicy white pepper syrup.

Prep Time

5 min

Difficulty

easy

Serves

1

Ingredients

Method

  1. 1

    Lightly muddle herbs in a shaker.

  2. 2

    Add gin, honey syrup, lemon juice, and ice.

  3. 3

    Shake until well chilled.

  4. 4

    Strain into a glass over ice.

  5. 5

    Top with soda water.

Story

The Moment

Some drinks feel like they belong somewhere slightly hidden. The Secret Garden is one of those cocktails. It carries a sense of discovery—something floral, lightly herbal, and just a little unexpected. It feels like stepping into a quiet corner of a garden where things grow a little more freely, and time slows down without asking permission.

The Spirit Connection

Black Fox Canadian Gin anchors this cocktail with a clean, botanical structure that allows floral and herbal notes to unfold gently. Crafted from spicy triticale, handpicked calendula flowers, and rhubarb grown on our Canadian prairie soil, our gin is distilled with a careful blend of fifteen fruits, flowers, and spices. Its balance of grain and botanicals creates a steady base for more expressive ingredients, keeping the cocktail grounded even as it leans into softer, more aromatic territory.

Glassware & Garnish

Glassware: Highball glass. Garnish: Fresh herb sprig.

Make It Your Own

  • Use basil or mint: for a softer herbal tone or mint for brightness
  • Increase honey syrup: for roundness
  • Add cucumber: for extra freshness
  • Serve without soda: for a more concentrated profile
  • Batch for outdoor gatherings: to serve larger groups

Serve & Pair

Best suited for unhurried, outdoor moments.

Perfect for:

  • Garden evenings
  • Small celebrations
  • Late afternoon gatherings
  • Outdoor dining

Pairs well with:

  • Fresh vegetables
  • Light grilled dishes
  • Herb-forward cuisine
  • Shared appetizers

Experience Cocktails at Our Saskatoon Distillery

Want to enjoy this herbal cocktail right at the source? Visit our Saskatoon-area tasting room to experience our award-winning spirits where they are made. Walk the farm where our ingredients are grown, join us for a distillery tour, or reserve a table to enjoy a relaxing afternoon.

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