Summer is upon us which means tantalizing cocktails and juicy seasonal fruity favourites. And what is a cocktail without an attractive garnish? A drink… just a drink is what it is! We have compiled a list of easy cocktail garnishes for you to try at home this summer. These trimmings are not only simple but are guaranteed to take your drinks to the next level.
Our list of 5 Easy Cocktail Garnishes:
#1 Cherry and Herb Skewer
So easy! All you need are some cherries, cocktail picks (or toothpicks), and herbs. Great cherry and herb combinations are basil, raspberry and mint, and blueberry and thyme. For bigger cherries, cut them in half to create a more delicate garnish. Skewer an uneven number of cherries or berries on your cocktail pick and poke your herb into the top berry. For harder berries, we recommend making a small hole in the berry first for this part. This clever garnish can be served with gin & tonics, vodka sodas, or even sweeter drinks like daiquiris. In the case of daiquiris match the garnish berries with the berries used in the drink.
PRO TIP: Arrange your cherries to face the same direction for a beautiful uniform look. Keep the stem on for a more rustic style.
#2 Fruit Wedges
There’s a reason why this super easy garnish is so popular. All you need is your favourite summer fruit; we recommend pineapple for the classic tropical feel. Slice a slit up to the rind/peel of your choice of garnish and slide it onto your glass. That’s it!
#3 Cut-out Fruit Shapes
For this one you can use a knife, or if you would prefer to keep this trimming even more straightforward, use a cookie cutter. Choose your favourite summer fruit, slice it into 0.5cm slices and then cut out your choice of shapes with a cookie cutter. For best results use harder crisper fruits like apples or pears. To assemble your garnish, you can choose to make it a skewer or slip it on your class like a fruit wedge.
PRO TIP: Keep it super festive and use Christmas themed cookie cutters.
#4 Summer Fruit Slice Fan
With a little preparation involved this elegant decoration adds a perfect finishing touch to just about any cocktail. We used an apple, but like #3, any harder summer fruit will do the trick.
Place your apple upright on your chopping board. You will need to cut just to the left of your stalk and just to the right of your stalk. You should be left with the core in the centre and 2 “cheeks”. Discard the core. Turn your apples face down onto your chopping board and slice it into thin slices. Keeping the pieces together pierce them with your cocktail pick then fan them out with your fingers. It is best to pierce them between the middle and base of the apple as it creates a less floppy garnish. Lastly, balance the cocktail pick across your glass for a touch of class.
#5 Cucumber Ribbons
Anything with cucumber promises to be refreshing, and it pairs exceptionally well with gin or vodka. Wash and dry your cucumber and cut off the tips. Using a veggie peeler peel thin long strips. Avoid using the seeds as they will create a soggy garnish. To serve roll your ribbon into a tight spiral or fold it like a fan. Once folded, pierce it with your cocktail pick and voila!
Helpful hint: If you are unsure of which fruits are in season, check out this article from Food Lover’s Market: Eating Seasonally – What’s in Season.
Cheers!
Sites used:
tasteofhome.com/collection/easy-cocktail-garnish-ideas/
https://www.moodymixologist.com/blog/5-easy-beautiful-cocktail-garnishes
Written for Market Liquors By Nicole Giani.
