With good glassware and the right ice, a well-paired garnish in a cocktail is the final element of a perfectly-executed drink. These seemingly minor additions not only enhance the visual appeal but also contribute to the aroma and taste of your drink. Let’s quickly explore the importance of garnishes in cocktails and discover how they can elevate the drinks you enjoy at home.
1. Citrus Zest: Bright and fragrant
Why It Matters: A simple twist or zest of citrus peel can breathe life into your cocktails. The oils from the peel add a burst of aroma and flavour to the drink, enhancing its overall appeal. Lemon, lime, orange or grapefruit zest can complement a wide range of cocktails, from sours to classics. Note that flaming the peel is rarely necessary and if you want an extra citrus kick, rubbing the peel along the glass will elevate that flavour further.
Examples of Cocktails:
Gin and Tonic
Martini
Whiskey Sour
Negroni
Manhattan
Boulevardier
2. Fresh Herbs: Aromatic elegance
Why It Matters: Fresh herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary can infuse your cocktails with delightful aromatics. Not only can they add a splash of colour but also impart subtle herbal notes that can elevate your drink. Mint, for instance, is a staple in many classic and modern cocktails, such as the Mojito or the Julep.
Examples of Cocktails:
Mojito
Gin and Tonic (with rosemary)
Gin Basil Smash
3. Fruit: Fruity freshness
Why It Matters: Fresh fruit wedges or dehydrated citrus wheels are not just for looks. Adding a citrus wedge or wheel to your glass can provide a burst of freshness with each sip as well as elevating its overall visual appeal. Whilst fresh fruit tends to have more aroma, dehydrated fruit has a more intense flavour and easier to control.
Examples of Cocktails:
Margarita
Tequila Sunrise
Paloma
Whilst it’s sometimes useful to have a variety of fresh citrus fruits at home to elevate your cocktail, practically it can often be wasteful. Socially Spirited’s dehydrated citrus garnishes, save you time shopping and also during preparation of the cocktail. Our citrus wheels will make your drink look beautiful, hold their aromatics more effectively than fresh and because every part of the fruit gets used, they can significantly reduce waste.
