It’s often said that we eat and drink with our eyes. In other words, we are visually stimulated by the sight of food or drink before we’ve even tried it. So ask yourself then – how important is the garnish in a cocktail drink? Some may argue that the drink is the most important part of the experience – others will argue that the look is the most important aspect. Our Hospitality Management students say – both are equally important. If you’ve taken time and money to blend, puree, stir and shake up incredible ingredients to drink, why not take the time to create some simple but stylish garnishes to complement the drink?

 

How to achieve good looking garnishes that are simple

We could probably write a book on garnishes and every year at our campus cocktail events, we are thoroughly stunned and impressed with the variety and design of each and every cocktail drink made by our students. But to keep matters simple and on point, we’re going to explore 5 easy garnishes that anyone can make. Remember that not all cocktails need to be garnished and that less is sometimes more. What we mean is that glassware can often enhance an already exotic looking drink. However, if you’re going all out to impress, make sure you’re up to speed with a few stylish and supremely gorgeous cocktail garnishes that are simple to create.

Remember too that a good set of tools will help any barman or mixologist with the creation of a great garnish. A good Victorinox serrated knife, zester and melon baller are useful gadgets to have in your arsenal for when you’re going to turn your garnish design into a masterpiece.

5 great cocktail garnishes anyone can make

ONE: Thread sprigs of hardy herbs (like rosemary) through raspberries, blueberries or cranberries to make a striking and edible garnish.

TWO: Long and thin strips of cucumber can be threaded onto a swizzle stick for an easy and effective garnish.

THREE: Add a small rainbow to your drink by adding different coloured melon balls to a toothpick. Use watermelon, cantaloupe, and green melon to create a soft pastel effect. You’ll have a garnish and a snack. (You can even freeze the melon balls and make colourful ice cubes out of them)

FOUR: Lime, pomegranate and mint leaves through a simple toothpick create a very festive look – great for pink cocktails.

FIVE: The twist or spiral is a very elegant ganish that creates a twist from a strip of citrus peel. It is used most often with lemons and oranges, but a lime twist is not uncommon.

These are just a few simple, easy to prepare and affordable cocktail garnishes which anyone can make with a bit of practice. Our hospitality food and beverage courses cover all sorts of fun and technical aspects relating to the drinks industry, so drop us a line if you have any questions for our students.

(Sources and image credits: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/packages/weekend-cooking/10-new-ways-to-garnish-your-drinks.html; http://learni.st/users/laurenatkinsbudde/boards/13853-creative-cocktail-garnishes; https://www.pinterest.com/pin/417638565418913930/;  
http://cocktails.about.com/od/embellishments/ss/How-to-Cut-Citrus-Garnishes-for-Cocktails.htm#step6; https://www.pinterest.com/pin/479914904017174228/; https://www.thecocktailproject.com/simple-garnishes and http://imbibe.com/news-articles/spirits-cocktails/twist-shout-garnishes/; https://www.pinterest.com/pin/91620173647015671/)