Discover the art of garnishing to create beautiful, bar-quality cocktails from home. From classic citrus twists to innovative floral displays, learn how to impress your guests with visually stunning and delectable drinks. Whether you're a newbie cocktail creator or a seasoned mixologist, this guide is designed to inspire cocktails that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Why Garnish a Cocktail?
Garnishing a cocktail adds visual appeal, but isn't just about aesthetics; it also works to complement the flavour and aroma of any well-crafted drink. A garnish can provide fragrance, influence the texture, and even alter the perception of taste. It also provides a sense of ceremony, making the experience feel more luxurious and memorable.
Cocktail Rims
One of the easiest ways to garnish a cocktail is by giving the rim of your glass an edible coating. This is a technique favoured by bartenders for its smart look, textural interest and flavourful impact, but it’s also a simple one to replicate at home.
Start by moistening the rim of an empty glass with a citrus wedge or simple syrup. Then, dip the rim into a plate of your chosen ingredient, ensuring even coverage. Shake off any excess and your glass is ready to be filled with a cocktail of your choice.
An extra benefit of this method is that the ingredients often aren’t perishable, so it’s perfect if you’re only making a small batch and are conscious about waste. Experiment with classic salt rims on margaritas, sugar-coated edges on daiquiris or a spicy kick of tajin surrounding a paloma.
Fruit and Twists
Fruit is one of the most popular methods for garnishing a cocktail, adding a splash of colour and a burst of flavour to even the most simple of drinks. Berries bring a burst of natural sweetness and vibrant hue to gin or champagne cocktails, whilst pineapple or mango wedges enhance the tropical taste of a piña colada or mai tai. Citrus fruits like lemons or oranges are versatile garnishes, lending a zesty essence and a pop of brightness that will complement most drinks.
For added sophistication, you could bake your fruit to dehydrate it, transforming standard citrus wheels into professional-looking cocktail accessories. Twists also add a touch of elegance to a drink and take less time to make than dehydrating. Simply peel fruits in a continuous ribbon until they are long enough to form a ringlet shape. Float your hand-crafted garnish in a martini or old-fashioned for a drink as refined in appearance as it is in taste.
Leaves and Sprigs
Leaves and sprigs, such as mint, basil, or rosemary, are another classic method for garnishing a cocktail. The botanical adornment gives the drink a luscious appearance, whilst infusing it with delightful herbal aromas and flavours.
A sprig of mint adds freshness to classics like mojitos or juleps, whilst basil complements fruity cocktails with its herbal notes. Rosemary lends a fragrant, earthy essence to gin-based drinks or citrusy concoctions. Whether used as a simple adornment or muddled to release their essence, leaves and sprigs offer a delicious enhancement to your cocktail.
Edible Flowers
Edible flowers provide cocktails with a whimsical elegance, transforming them into stunning works of art. Delicate blooms like lavender, rose petals, or violets add visual allure and stunning colour, whilst also infusing drinks with subtle floral notes. Whether floating atop a martini, frozen into ice cubes, or delicately submerged, these embellishments will take your cocktails to a new level of sophistication. They are a delight to both the eyes and palate. Keep in mind that though they may be beautiful, not all flowers are edible, and you should always do your research before incorporating flora into a drink.
Garnishing with Food
Some foods may seem like an eccentric garnish choice, but there are a number of iconic options that can double as a tasty snack, enhancing both the flavour and presentation of the drink. Savoury options like olives, celery and pickles add depth and contrast to drinks like martinis or bloody marys. Treats such as chocolate or sweets can bring a touch of indulgence to dessert cocktails, whilst spicy foods like chilli peppers or jalapeño slices offer a fiery kick to margaritas. From cheese skewers to maraschino cherries, the possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative when crafting your cocktail garnishes.
Poured, Garnished, Served
A good garnish can transform an ordinary drink into a picture-perfect cocktail, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for ordinary. Our cocktails are made with premium, sustainably sourced ingredients for bar-quality drinks ready to enjoy straight from the can. Like all of our products, there’s no added sugar or artificial ingredients, providing you with a naturally delicious and compromise-free drinking experience. Try out your new garnishing skills on one of our cocktails and indulge in a little bit of luxury from home.
