How to Choose the Right Garnish for your Drink
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The finishing touch to any self-respecting cocktail, the garnish plays an important but understated role in mixology. Ir allows the drinker to customize the cocktail to their preferred tastes. If a lemon or lime wedge is perched on the edge of their drink, for example, they can choose to squeeze it into the drink or leave it looking pretty on the side. Olives and cherries give the customer something to soothe the palate, ensuring the flavour matches perfectly with the cocktail they have chosen.
The garnish also adds an extra layer to the senses. It provides an enticing aroma that would be lost if the flavours were just added to the drink as part of the mixing process. Instead, the essential oils from the garnish linger in the air above the cocktail, enhancing the experience for the drinker. It is occasions like this when mint really comes into its own, adding that sweet, refreshing scent to the cocktail it is perched above.
With that in mind, how do you choose the right garnish for your drink?
Lemon
Whenever there is lemonade in your drink, a lemon wedge is a natural option. Lemon is also great for darker drinks that contain cola, such as Long Island Ice Tea.
Limes
Rums and tequilas nearly always taste better with a lime garnish. A wedge is usually preferable to a wheel, as it allows the drinker to squeeze in the juice. Any
cocktails with lime juice in them are also enhanced with a lime wedge, which
helps accent that flavour.
Lime also makes a great contrast to sweet drinks like cranberry or cola, making it a great choice for the Cosmopolitan or a Spiced Rum and Coke.
Cocktail glass
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<p>The origins of the Cosmopolitan are somewhat disputed. It is likely that the drink was created independently by different bartenders since the 1970s.</p><p>It is generally recognised that John Caine brought the drink to San Francisco around 1987 from the Midwest. The same year in Manhattan, the internationally recognised version of the cocktail was created by Toby Cecchini, based on a poorly described version of Cheryl Cook's creation.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Cosmopolitan
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- Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice, and shake until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
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- Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a twist of lemon peel before serving
Orange
If the recipe calls for ginger ale, add an orange wedge.
Cherries
Name a cocktail and I’ll guarantee it will only get better with the addition of a maraschino cherry! They can be added to almost anything but tend to favour tropical-style drinks like the Pina Colada. If your recipe includes sour mix, add a cherry. They are also great for whiskey cocktails.
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Hurricane glass
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<p>The Piña Colada is a popular tropical cocktail that originated in Puerto Rico. It is a refreshing and creamy drink that is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.</p><p>The name Piña Colada means "strained pineapple" in Spanish and the cocktail is made with a combination of pineapple juice, white rum, and coconut cream. The flavors of this drink meld perfectly together to create a balance of sweet and tangy notes.</p><p>The pineapple juice adds a tropical fruity taste, while the white rum adds a hint of spice. The creaminess of the coconut cream adds a smooth and velvety texture to the drink.</p><p>With its iconic blend of flavors and island vibes, the Piña Colada has become a beloved classic in the cocktail world.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Piña colada
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- Add all ingredients to a blender with ice and blend until smooth
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- Pour into a hurricane glass
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- Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a cocktail cherry before serving
Olives
Olives are far more selective in their drink choices. They are almost exclusively reserved for Martinis – whether made with gin or vodka.
Salt
Some cocktails require a salted rim that adds to the mixology theatrics and highlights contrasting flavours. It is great for a Margarita, which combines sweet ingredients with sharp tequila.
Cocktail glass
Microbadges
<p>The Margarita is a classic cocktail that originated in Mexico and has become a beloved drink all over the world. It is a simple yet delicious combination of tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.</p><p>The history of the Margarita is a bit murky, with several stories claiming to be the origin. Some say it was created in the 1930s by a bartender named Don Carlos Orozco, while others credit socialite Margaret Sames for inventing the drink in the 1940s.</p><p>Regardless of its exact origins, the Margarita has stood the test of time and remains a popular choice among cocktail enthusiasts. The flavour profile of this drink is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with the tequila providing a smooth and slightly smoky kick.</p><p>The salt on the rim of the glass adds a touch of savouriness and enhances the overall flavour experience. Whether you prefer it frozen, on the rocks, or straight up, the Margarita is a must-try for any cocktail lover.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Margarita
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- Rim the edge of a cocktail glass with salt by coating the edge with lime juice and dipping into the salt
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- Add the other ingredients to a cocktail shaker with a few cubes of ice
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- Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
-
- Strain into a cocktail glass and serve
When it comes to choosing a garnish, the rules are loose. Follow any cocktail recipe exactly and you will have a perfectly matched garnish. But it can be fun to experiment, so use these guidelines to help avoid any disasters!
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