Essential ornaments that every bartender should have at hand are essential for success. Martinis are a classic cocktail, and olives are the cornerstone of the dirty martini that should be in every bartender's arsenal. As a visual person, I am always drawn to drinks and dishes that are well presented. In a bar setting, practicality is key, but at home, mixologists can experiment endlessly.
Adding mint to a cocktail can add a freshness that makes many drinks taste even better. An example of this is the classic Mai Tai (2 ounces of aged rum). Edible flowers can be used to garnish drinks based on their look, smell, or taste, but many people overlook this option. Non-edible items are also used as garnishes.
Decorating a cocktail can tell a story, add personality, or make someone laugh. There are five easy and beautiful cocktail garnishes that can be prepared at home: maraschino cherries, stuffed olives, lemon wedges, orange slices, and whipped cream. These are standard garnishes and can be found in even the most basic bars. Slices of lemon, lime, and orange can be added to the glass with a mixed drink for an extra touch of citrus.
Dry ice is also an unconventional garnish that adds the perfect touch to a cocktail party. Garnishes serve more than just aesthetic purposes. They give the drinker the ability to regulate the acidity and sweetness of the drink to their taste. A little fruit or a touch of lemon can add a finishing touch that distinguishes aromas and flavors and enhances the basic ingredients.
Mint sprigs placed between ice cubes on the edge of the glass is an easy and creative garnish that adds a great mint scent without having to blend it into the drink. Flowers, heat, and ice can also be used to enhance cocktails. A clothespin for small clothes is an unexpected garnish that adds style to any drink. The relationship between the liquid, container, and lining is fascinating; when these three things align perfectly, the experience can be extraordinary.
The Envoy in Hong Kong serves a whiskey sour topped with a biscuit palette while Manchester's Scottish Steak Club serves Monkey Shoulder whiskey with a side of sirloin on a cocktail stick. These unexpected garnishes add an extra level of sophistication to any drink.
