April 11, 2023
Written by thebarrelmill

Take cocktails to the next level

A garnish can take your alcoholic beverage from a simple drink to an entire experience, reinforcing the aesthetics of your bar or homemade cocktails. Garnishes are an easy way to take your drink presentation to the next level, and they can even be used to enhance the flavor.

Whether you’re looking to impress your friends or encourage customers to take Insta-worthy photos, knowing how and when to use drink garnishes is an important skill for any bartender.

POPULAR DRINK GARNISHES

Your choice of garnish will depend on the aesthetics and flavors you’re seeking. Some of the most POPULAR DRINK GARNISHES include:

Olives

This simple addition pairs best with a martini and can remove some of the dryness. Make sure you use whole olives, as pitted olives can infuse directly into the drink, and always store your olives in the fridge.

Olives can also pair with Bloody Marys, and while not technically a cocktail, the “BEERTINI” is popular in the Midwest.

Citrus Twists

Citrus twists are shaved citrus peels that have been twisted into a curl. Lemon, orange, and lime peels are most commonly used to add a fun, fresh element to cocktails like lemon drops, margaritas, or martinis.

Citrus twists are EASY TO MAKE and master quickly. After cutting the citrus peel, place it in ice water to keep it tighter and easier to work with.

Olives

Edible flowers, like lavender, roses, and orchids, add an elegant yet natural feel to cocktails. Pair the flower’s aroma and taste with your drink’s flavor for the best results.

CONSIDER PAIRINGS like:

To take your floral garnishes to the next level, add edible glitter.

Herbs

Herbs are another way to bring freshness to your cocktail, as well as an enticing aroma. Mint is a classic garnish for summer drinks like Moscow Mules and mojitos. ROSEMARY, another popular option, is versatile enough to pair well with whiskey, tequila, vodka, and rum.

Dried Fruit

DRIED AND DEHYDRATED FRUITS, like herbs, offer an aromatic experience but have a longer shelf life. Fresh fruit, when added or squeezed into a drink, can throw off the balance of flavors. DRIED FRUIT, on the other hand, is fresh-looking and edible but can be added without disrupting the drink’s flavor.

Dried Fruit

DRIED AND DEHYDRATED FRUITS, like herbs, offer an aromatic experience but have a longer shelf life. Fresh fruit, when added or squeezed into a drink, can throw off the balance of flavors. DRIED FRUIT, on the other hand, is fresh-looking and edible but can be added without disrupting the drink’s flavor.

HOW AND WHEN TO USE DRINK GARNISHES

Depending on the main spirit in the cocktail, different garnishes will pair best. Try these ideas to get started, but don’t be afraid to experiment!

Whiskey Cocktails

An APPLE FAN pairs nicely with WHISKEY RECIPES. Simply slice off an apple wedge, then cut it into several thin segments. Use a cocktail stick to skewer through all the segments and fan them out, finally laying the stick across the top of the glass.  

Tequila Cocktails

TEQUILA is the perfect base for any spring or summer drink. Utilize grapefruit and jalapenos for the perfect garnish or the citrus twists mentioned earlier. You can even add a tajin rim on the glass instead of a traditional salt rim to add a fun kick to the margarita. 

Vodka Cocktails

VODKA IS A COMMON COCKTAIL BASE that can be easily elevated. Cucumbers and fresh fruits are often used in light vodka drinks. You can also soak fruit in a spirit and add it to cocktails like sangria. Make the most of ice as a garnish by adding crushed ice or HERBED ICE CUBES. 

Bourbon Cocktails

BOURBON can be great on the rocks or in a unique cocktail. Use mint to create the classic mint julep, fresh berries for a bramble, or citrus to add some color. Bourbon already has a strong taste, so take it to the next level with a classic garnish on top.  

PRODUCE QUALITY COCKTAILS WITH ELEVATED GARNISHES

While garnishes add an extra touch, your cocktails need to contain quality spirits and ingredients to draw customer attention. The Barrel Mill has all your whiskey needs covered with BARRELS that make your products stand out in a crowd. We also offer INFUSION SPIRALS to speed up the wine-making process and create a unique flavor profile. 

 LEARN MORE about how we can help you take your cocktails to the next level. 

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