Gemstone Cocktails: MV speaks to The Herball

Michael Isted is the founder of The Herball, a unique destination for plant-based goodness such as infusions, bitters and aromatic waters. After sampling his cocktail menu of gemstone elixirs created especially for MV, we wanted to get to the roots of Michael's magical occupation.

How did you get into mixing botany and beverages?

My background is in luxury beverage, consulting and creating beautiful drinks for hotels, spas and restaurants around the world. We always use plants and nature in our personal lives, even if sometimes we don't realise it. I wanted a stronger connection to nature and had an intuitive calling to work more closely with plants. I studied Natural Nutrition and Herbal Medicine for years to take it to the next level and make that connection stronger. I now use my background in beverage as a portal to show people how they can integrate the magic of nature into their lives.

Do you believe in the healing power of crystals?

Very much so. Crystals and minerals have brought so much pleasure into my life. The crystal odyssey is a relatively recent journey that I'm currently embarking on and it's a fascinating experience that is taking me to some very interesting places. It's a journey I would recommend to everyone.

What's your favourite gemstone?

I love so many. I'm particularly drawn towards labradorite and amazonite but as with plants, there are crystals and minerals to support many different moods, feelings and emotions.

Labradorite constantly inspires me. It pushes and nurtures my creativity, and it's a joy to be around. It has been said that labradorite can take you into other worlds, and when I look into the stone it does exactly that - it's constantly evolving and changing.

Amazonite is another beautiful stone. It offers protection, which is particularly useful when working in a city or around lots of electromagnetic pollution. I'm also really into shungite for its powerful purifying, protective and healing properties, to counteract the harmful effects of radiation and electromagnetic pollution. I'm drinking lots of shungite infused water at the moment, it's very interesting.

Do you have any love potion tips for singles during party season?

Love a love potion, always! Love always forms an integral part of our serves and preparations. In terms of plants and crystals, a simple love potion of rose quartz immersion, rosa damascena aromatic water, damiana extract and holly flower essence is great to keep in the handbag to help attract love. Scent is also important. Don't drown yourself in chemical-ridden perfume; subtle natural plant based fragrance to complement your own natural pheromones and scent is vital. Most importantly, open up the heart; don't go looking for love, just be open to the love that surrounds you.

Any notable people your cocktails have worked their magic on?

I've looked after many famous actors, musicians, politicians, artists and royalty, but I like to think our serves work their magic on everyone who tries them. Everyone is notable, no matter who you are.

What one plant-based ingredient should everyone keep in their kitchen cupboard?

Apart from The Herball aromatic waters & bitters, it's a difficult question to answer! I cannot imagine the world with just one plant, but I love rosemary and turmeric for their multifunctional and dynamic healing properties. One of the most magical aspects of plants is that one plant can do some much for you on so many different levels.

You've catered for some high profile fashion events. Do you have a favourite?

I love every single event that we contribute to; we put our heart and soul into every one. It's just a pure pleasure to share my passion with everyone, regardless of his or her profile. Have to say though, the Monica Vinader flagship store launch was particularly special.

At our London flagship party, you served up Gemstone Elixir Cocktails - can you tell us more about them?

Monica's collections feature so many beautiful crystals, I wanted the serves to reflect both the beauty and elegance of her design, but also to integrate the emotional, energetic and healing properties of the crystals that Monica works with. I partnered the properties of the crystals with the properties of the plant ingredients to create a series of magical elixirs. I used crystal immersions in each serve, which is essentially a 24 hour or longer maceration of positively charged crystals, spring water and a little alcohol. We used rose quartz, ruby, moonstone, chrysoprase and emerald - all stones that Monica integrates into her work.

Do you forage for ingredients yourself?

I love to go out to pick from nature, it's a beautiful way of connecting with both the land and yourself. I find it very meditative. Although I work in London, I live down in Sussex and I love to pick along the banks of the river Ouse and on the South Downs. There is an endless bounty of plants to enjoy.

Any must-reads for curious cocktail and plant lovers who want to know more?

I'm currently writing a book on plants, crystals and drinks, so look out for that. Otherwise a book I've used for years is Holistic Herbal by David Hoffman and more recently Wild Medicine Solution by Guido Masé. The work of Peter Conway and Barbara Griggs has also been a huge inspiration.

Monica Vinader Venus Elixir, Ruby and Rose Quartz

Represents the eternal flame, aligns all the chakras and opens up the heart chakra. Helps to bring unconditional love, passion and empathy to the party.

• Ruby homeopathic remedy
• Monica Vinader Venus elixir (24 hour maceration of lingonberry, hawthorn berry tincture, rosa damascena aromatic water and raw honey)
• Rosé Champagne
• Serve over frozen rose quartz, in glamorous coupette