Types of Garnishes And Garnish
When it comes to serving cocktails and beverages at a bar,
garnishes are more than just a decorative touch—they are a crucial part of the overall experience. Garnishes enhance the drink's flavor, aroma, and visual appeal. Whether it's a simple twist of citrus, a vibrant sprig of mint, or a creative twist on traditional garnishes, knowing how to choose and prepare the right
garnishes can elevate your drink offerings.
In this article, we'll explore the various types of garnishes used in bars, how bartenders prepare them, and why garnishing is essential for creating the perfect drink.
1. The Importance of Garnishes in Bartending
Garnishes are an essential component of bartending, and they can make or break the overall guest experience. Here’s why
garnishes are so important:
Enhancing Aroma and Flavor
Certain garnishes, such as herbs and citrus, release essential oils that add to the
aroma and
flavor of the drink. The right garnish can bring out the best in a cocktail or mocktail.
Aesthetic Appeal
A well-prepared garnish can make any beverage look more
inviting and
exciting. The visual appeal of a garnished drink is often the first thing customers notice.
Indicating the Drink Type
Garnishes also help guests identify what kind of drink they are being served. For example, an
olive on a
martini or a
cherry on a
Manhattan immediately indicates the type of cocktail.
2. Classic Garnishes Every Bartender Should Know
Every bartender should be familiar with some classic garnishes that are commonly used for a wide range of cocktails and beverages. Here are a few essential garnishes:
Lemon and Lime Wedges
Lemon and
lime wedges are among the most commonly used garnishes in bars. They are usually served with
gin and tonics,
margaritas, or other
highball cocktails. A simple
squeeze of citrus can brighten up the drink and enhance its
freshness.
Citrus Zests
The
zest (the outer peel) of citrus fruits, such as
lemons,
oranges, and
limes, can be
twisted into a spiral and placed on top of cocktails for a
burst of aroma. It is often used in
martinis,
old fashions, and
mimosas.
Olives
Olives are a quintessential garnish for
martinis and are also commonly used in
dirty martinis. They add a
salty and
briny flavor that complements the dryness of the gin or vodka.
Maraschino Cherries
Bright red
maraschino cherries are often used in drinks like the
Manhattan or
Tequila Sunrise. They provide a pop of color and a
sweet contrast to the flavors of the drink.
3. Fresh Herbs for Cocktail Garnishing
Herbs can dramatically change the flavor profile of a drink, and they are a popular garnish in many classic cocktails. Here are a few
herbs bartenders love to use:
Mint
Fresh mint is widely used in cocktails such as the
Mojito,
Mint Julep, and
Minty Iced Tea. The
fragrant aroma of mint, when added to a drink, elevates the overall taste and presentation.
Basil
Basil is an aromatic herb that works wonderfully in
sour cocktails, such as a
lemon basil mule, or in a
Tom Collins for a refreshing twist. Its
peppery flavor adds complexity to the drink.
Rosemary
Rosemary is often used in
whiskey-based cocktails like the
Whiskey Smash. Its
woodsy scent is a fantastic complement to
smoky spirits like
bourbon and
rye.
4. Fruit Garnishes: Adding a Burst of Color and Freshness
Fruits are one of the most common
garnishes in the world of bartending. They bring color, freshness, and a natural sweetness to the drink. Here are a few popular fruit garnishes:
Lemon Slices and Wheels
Lemon slices or
lemon wheels are versatile garnishes and can be used in everything from a
whiskey sour to a
vodka tonic. They add a
zesty,
refreshing touch to almost any drink.
Orange Slices and Peels
Orange slices or
orange peels are often used in
negronis,
Manhattans, and
old-fashioned cocktails. The
slightly sweet and
bitter flavor of orange is a perfect match for
whiskey-based drinks.
Pineapple Slices
For tropical cocktails like a
Pina Colada or
Mai Tai,
pineapple slices are often used to evoke the
vacation vibe. They provide a
juicy,
sweet flavor that pairs well with rum-based cocktails.
Berries
Strawberries,
blueberries,
blackberries, and
raspberries are often used in
mimosas,
sangrias, or
fruity gin cocktails. They add a vibrant
burst of color and a
natural sweetness to the drink.
5. Unconventional Garnishes: Getting Creative Behind the Bar
In addition to classic garnishes, bartenders are always coming up with new, inventive ways to garnish drinks and surprise their customers. Here are a few unconventional ideas:
Edible Flowers
Edible flowers like
lavender,
violets, or
hibiscus can add a touch of elegance to any cocktail. These flowers not only look stunning but can also complement
floral or
herbal cocktails.
Candied Fruit
Candied fruit, such as
citrus peels or
ginger, can bring a
sweet twist to cocktails like
martinis or
champagne cocktails.
Cinnamon Sticks
A
cinnamon stick can be added to
hot cocktails like a
Hot Toddy or
apple cider to introduce a
warm, spicy note, as well as acting as a stirring stick.
6. Garnish Preparation Techniques for Bartenders
Proper preparation of garnishes is essential to ensure that they are both
aesthetically pleasing and
functional in the drink. Here’s how bartenders prepare their garnishes:
Peeling and Zesting
Bartenders use a
zester or
vegetable peeler to create thin strips of
citrus zest. This adds a
burst of aroma and is often twisted into spirals or used as a garnish.
Cutting Fruit
When cutting fruit for garnishes, it’s essential to use a
sharp knife to create
neat, uniform slices.
Fruit wedges and
slices are common, while
fruit twists or
rings may require additional precision.
Muddling Fresh Herbs
To release the natural oils from
fresh herbs, bartenders use a
muddler to gently crush the herbs before adding them to the glass. This technique is commonly used for mint in a
Mojito or basil in a
Basil Gimlet.
Skewering Garnishes
For cocktails like the
Martini or
Manhattan, bartenders often skewer garnishes such as
olives,
cherries, or even
citrus slices. This method ensures that the garnish stays in place and is easy to add to the drink.
7. Conclusion: The Art of Garnishing
Garnishing is an essential skill in bartending that elevates the entire drinking experience. Whether it’s a simple
lemon wedge or an elaborate
herb sprig,
garnishes can
transform the look, flavor, and aroma of any beverage. By experimenting with different garnishes and preparation techniques, bartenders can bring an extra level of creativity and sophistication to their drinks.
Understanding the
types of garnishes and their proper preparation techniques will allow bartenders to consistently deliver drinks that not only taste amazing but also look stunning, enhancing the customer’s overall experience.
