Whether you're a seasoned bartender or a novice mixologist looking to impress, choosing the right cocktail garnish can take your drink from ordinary to extraordinary. From classic choices like citrus twists and olives to trendy options like edible flowers and rock candy, garnishes are bar essentials that play a crucial role in creating an eye-catching menu. With the right garnish, you can add a pop of color, a burst of freshness, or a touch of sophistication to create a memorable and stunning cocktail presentation.
Shop All Cocktail Garnishes1. Fresh Fruit
Fresh fruit garnishes are a staple in the cocktail world, adding color and flavor to drinks. Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges are popular for garnishing cocktails due to their versatility and ability to complement a wide range of spirits. Berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are also commonly used to provide a touch of sweetness and visual appeal to cocktails. Slices, wedges, or skewered pieces of pineapple, watermelon, and mango bring vibrancy to tropical cocktails, making your guests feel as though they have escaped to a far-off paradise.
Fresh fruit garnishes not only enhance the presentation of cocktails but also infuse them with fresh flavors that elevate the drinking experience. Fresh fruit garnishes should be prepared just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and visual appeal. Store cut fruits properly to prevent them from drying out or losing their vibrant colors before they are used.
- Best fresh fruits for cocktails: Lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, pineapple, watermelon, and mango
- Best cocktails with fresh fruit: Sangrias with fresh grapes and strawberries, pina coladas with a fresh pineapple wedges, hurricanes and rum punches with a fresh orange slice
2. Dried Fruit
Saving precious prep time behind the bar, dried fruit garnishes are a popular choice for adding a touch of sweetness and elegance to cocktails without the hassle of slicing and refrigerating. Dried fruit garnishes are easy to store and have a long shelf life, helping streamline cocktail preparation and reduce waste in a commercial setting. The drying process concentrates the flavors of the fruit, resulting in a more intense and rich taste profile Dried fruit can be made with a food dehydrator or purchased in bulk.
Dried fruit comes in a wide range of options, including dried citrus slices, cherries, and berries. They also allow you to play with more exotic fruit flavors, like dragon fruit, blood orange, and persimmon. The chewy texture of dried fruit can also provide a delightful contrast to the liquid components of a cocktail. Whether used to adorn a classic cocktail or to enhance the presentation of a craft creation, dried fruit offers a unique twist to any drink.
- Best dried fruits for cocktails: Orange, lemon, cranberries, raspberries, blueberries, blood orange, pineapple, and dragon fruit
- Best cocktails with dried fruit: Old Fashioneds and Negronis with a dried blood orange, margaritas with a slice of dried lime, Manhattans with dried cherries, and blueberry martinis and gin fizzes with dried blueberries
3. Cocktail Cherries
Cocktail cherries are a classic garnish that can bring sweetness and sophistication to your drinks. There are different types of cocktail cherries available in the market. Maraschino cherries are the most common variety, typically made by soaking cherries in a sweet syrup. Luxardo cherries, on the other hand, are a premium option made with Marasca cherries and Luxardo's proprietary syrup, resulting in a richer and more complex flavor profile.
Cocktail cherries are prized for their sweet and tangy flavor, which can complement a wide range of cocktails. The syrup in which the cherries are preserved adds an extra layer of depth to the overall taste of the drink. Beyond their flavor, cocktail cherries also create an alluring look to cocktails. The bright red color of the cherries contrasts beautifully with the drink, adding a pop of color that can make your beverages more visually enticing. These vibrant red cherries are a popular choice for garnishing cocktails such as Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, and Shirley Temples.
- Best cocktail cherries for cocktails: Maraschino cherries, Luxardo cherries, Amarena cherries, and bourbon-soaked cherries
- Best cocktails with cocktail cherries: Luxardo cherries in Manhattans, Shirley Temples and Amaretto sours with maraschino cherries, and Old Fashioneds and Tom Collins with Amarena cherries
4. Citrus Twist
Citrus twists are a classic and versatile garnish that can elevate the look and flavor profile of a wide range of cocktails. Lemon twists are a popular choice for adding a burst of citrusy aroma to cocktails. They pair well with a variety of spirits, including vodka, gin, and whiskey. Lime twists are commonly used in tropical and tequila-based cocktails. The vibrant green color and tangy flavor of lime twists can enhance the overall drinking experience. Orange twists are versatile garnishes that work well with both light and dark spirits. They add a sweet and aromatic element to cocktails like Old Fashioneds and Negronis.
To make a citrus twist, start by selecting a fresh citrus fruit, such as a lemon, lime, or orange. Use a sharp knife or a citrus peeler to carefully cut a long, thin strip of the fruit's peel, avoiding the bitter white pith. Twist the peel gently over the cocktail to release the essential oils and aroma. You can also run the twist around the rim of the glass for added fragrance. Whether you're garnishing a classic martini, a refreshing gin and tonic, or a zesty margarita, a citrus twist adds a touch of brightness and sophistication to your drink.
- Best citrus twists for cocktails: Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits
- Best cocktails with citrus twists: Lemon drop martinis and Aperol Spritzs with a lemon twist, mezcal margaritas and caipirinhas with a lime twist, and an orange twist on whiskey sours and Negronis
5. Food Garnishes
Savory food garnishes add depth and complexity to cocktails, providing a delicious and aromatic touch to beverages. These garnishes not only provide a visual appeal but also contribute unique flavors that complement the drink. Olives are a classic savory garnish that adds a briny and salty note to cocktails. They are commonly used in martinis; the more olive juice, the dirtier the martini. Cocktail onions, also known as pearl onions, are small, pickled onions that add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to cocktails. They are a popular garnish for Gibson martinis and other savory cocktails.
Branch out from the classic food garnishes with pickles and celery. Pickles- whether dill, sweet, or spicy- can add a crunchy texture and tangy flavor to cocktails. Pickle spears or slices are often used as garnishes for Bloody Marys, picklebacks, and other savory cocktails. Celery adds a fresh and crisp element to cocktails like Bloody Marys and Caesars, creating a refreshing crunch. Some bartenders go as far as adding cocktail shrimp and cheese to savory drinks with all the fixings. Experiment with different combinations of savory garnishes to create unique and flavorful cocktails that will impress your patrons.
- Best food garnishes for cocktails: Olives, pearl onions, pickles, celery, pickled carrots, cherry tomatoes, and cocktail shrimp
- Best cocktails with food garnishes: Olives in vodka martinis, pearl onions in Gibson martinis, pickleback shots with dill pickles, Bloody Marys with celery, carrot sticks, jalapenos, asparagus, and celery
6. Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs add a burst of fresh flavors that can take your drinks to the next level. Experiment with different herbs to create unique and flavorful cocktails that will impress your customers. Mint is one of the most popular herbs used in cocktails, particularly in classics like mojitos and mint juleps. Basil can add a touch of sweetness and herbaceousness to cocktails, making it a great choice for drinks with fruity or floral notes. Known for its pine-like fragrance and earthy flavor, rosemary pairs well with citrus and herbal cocktails, imparting a savory undertone to the drink.
Thyme's subtle, woody flavor can be used to enhance the aroma of drinks, like gin-based cocktails, or as a decorative element on the rim of a glass. Cilantro's bright and citrusy flavor profile makes it a unique garnish option for cocktails with a tropical or spicy flair such as margaritas, mojitos, or other Latin-inspired drinks. Whether you're muddling herbs in the glass, using them as a garnish, or incorporating them into syrups or infusions, fresh herbs can add a creative and flavorful touch to your cocktail creations.
- Best fresh herbs for cocktails: Mint, rosemary, basil, thyme, rosemary, sage, cilantro, and parsley
- Best cocktails with fresh herbs: Mint in mojitos and blackberry mule mocktails, rosemary in gin and tonics, parsley garnishing Bloody Marys, and basil in gin and cucumber smashes
7. Edible Flowers
Edible flowers are a delightful and visually appealing addition to cocktails with their vibrant colors. Not only do they enhance the presentation of the drink, but they also provide a subtle aroma and taste that can complement the cocktail's ingredients. When selecting edible flowers for garnishing cocktails, it is essential to choose varieties that are safe for consumption and have not been treated with harmful chemicals. Edible flowers can be placed on the rim of the glass, floated on top of the drink, or even frozen into ice cubes for a stunning visual effect.
Commonly used edible flowers include violet, lavender, rose petals, and hibiscus. These flowers not only add a decorative element to the cocktail but also offer a range of flavors from sweet and floral to tangy and citrusy. Before adding them to the drink, gently rinse the flowers under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help remove any dirt or debris and ensure that the flowers are food-safe. Additionally, edible flowers can be muddled or infused into the cocktail to impart their delicate flavors throughout the drink.
- Best edible flowers for cocktails: Violets, lavender, rose petals, hibiscus, pansies, lilacs, fuchsias
- Best cocktails with edible flowers: Rose petals in strawberry rose sangrias, mint vodka lemonades with a lavender sprig, gin fizzes with pansies and lilacs frozen in ice cubes, and Bahama Mamas garnished with a hibiscus
8. Edible Glitter
Edible glitter, also known as luster dust or cocktail shimmers, has become a popular choice for cocktail garnishes, providing glamor and sparkle to drinks. Made from FDA-approved ingredients, edible glitter is safe for consumption and adds a festive flair to cocktails served at bars, restaurants, and special events. By investing in a few different colors of luster dust, you can create a wide range of garnishes to suit various cocktail recipes and themes.
To use edible glitter as a garnish, simply sprinkle a small amount on top of the cocktail or use it to rim the glass for a dazzling effect. Edible glitter can be incorporated into a variety of cocktails, from fruity martinis to sparkling Champagne drinks, for a festive touch to any beverage. You can even mix it with a clear liquid, such as vodka or lemon juice, to create a paint-like consistency for more intricate designs on the glass. Whether you are looking to add a touch of elegance to a classic cocktail or create a show-stopping presentation for a special event, luster dust is a versatile and practical choice for bartenders and mixologists alike.
- Best edible glitter for cocktails: Gold, silver, pink, green, red, blue, yellow, black, and pearl glitter
- Best cocktails with edible glitter: Gold glitter in Champagne for New Year’s Eve, Good Witch/Bad Witch Halloween cocktails with pink and green glitter, and shimmering red glitter in Cosmopolitans
9. Rimming Sugar and Salt
Whether you're looking for some additional sweetness or a hint of saltiness in your cocktails, rimming sugar and salt are versatile garnishes that can take your drink presentation to the next level. Rimming sugar is commonly used in sweet cocktails like margaritas, daiquiris, and martinis. It adds a sweet and crunchy texture to the rim of the glass, creating a delightful sensory experience for the drinker. Rimming sugar is typically made from granulated sugar mixed with various flavorings such as citrus zest, spices, or herbs to enhance the overall taste of the cocktail.
On the other hand, rimming salt is a popular choice for savory cocktails like Bloody Marys, margaritas, and Palomas. The saltiness of the rimming salt helps to balance out the acidity and bitterness of the drink, creating a harmonious flavor profile. Rimming salt is often infused with spices like Tajin, chili powder, smoked paprika, or celery salt to add an extra layer of complexity to the cocktail. To rim a glass with sugar or salt, simply moisten the rim of the glass with a citrus wedge or simple syrup, then dip the rim into a shallow dish containing the rimming sugar or salt. Gently rotate the glass to ensure an even coating to create a flavorful rim.
- Best rimming salt and sugar for cocktails: Margarita rimming salt, berry rimming sugar, lime rimming salt, Tajin seasoning rimmer, watermelon-infused rimming sugar
- Best cocktails with rimming salt and sugar: Classic margaritas with a salt or sugar rim, appletinis with apple cocktail rimming sugar, mangonadas with a Tajin rim, and maple-bourbon smashes with a bourbon-smoked sugar rim
10. Candy
Incorporating candy garnishes into your cocktail menu adds a whimsical and memorable element that will delight your customers. Create a social-media-worthy drink with some of these crowd-favorite candies. Place a lollipop on the rim of a glass or use it as a stirrer for a playful touch. Rock candy sticks not only provide a sweet touch to your cocktails but also create a visually appealing presentation. These crystallized sugar sticks are available in an array of colors, allowing you to match them with your drink's color scheme.
Gummy candies, such as gummy bears or worms, are perfect for tropical or fruity drinks, and you can skewer them on cocktail picks for an easy garnish. Candy canes are a festive garnish option, especially during the holiday season. Crushed candy canes can be used to rim glasses for peppermint-flavored cocktails, or you can simply hang a candy cane on the side of a glass as a decoration. Chocolate garnishes, such as chocolate-covered strawberries or cocoa-dusted truffles, can provide a touch of indulgence to your cocktails. They pair well with creamy or dessert-style drinks and are sure to impress your customers.
- Best candy for cocktails: Rock candy, lollipops, gummy candies, candy canes, chocolate, cotton candy, and sour candy
- Best cocktails with candy: White Russians with a candy cane rim, vodka sodas with a rock candy stick, ruby chocolate-covered strawberries on the rim of Valentine’s Day martinis, and gummy bear peach schnapps shots
With the right garnish, you can update your drink menu and turn ordinary drinks into works of art that delight the senses and keep customers coming back for more. From classic citrus twists to extravagant edible flowers, the possibilities are endless when it comes to garnishing your cocktails. Leave a lasting impression on your customers with garnishes that not only enhance the visual appeal but also complement the flavors of your signature drinks.
