Cocktail GarnishingCocktail Garnishing

 

Cocktail garnishes are decorative ornaments that add character Cocktail garnishes are decorative ornaments that add character or style to a mixed drink, most notably to cocktails.or style to a mixed drink, most notably to cocktails.  A large variety of cocktail garnishes are used. Many rum-based A large variety of cocktail garnishes are used. Many rum-based cocktails, especially those with fruit flavors, tend to be decorated cocktails, especially those with fruit flavors, tend to be decorated with tropical-themed garnishes or slices of fruit. Tequila-based with tropical-themed garnishes or slices of fruit. Tequila-based drinks favor limes and other citrus fruits. Gin- and vodka-based drinks favor limes and other citrus fruits. Gin- and vodka-based drinks tend toward garnishes with a more dignified flair (olives, drinks tend toward garnishes with a more dignified flair (olives, onions, or possibly a citrus twist or a single maraschino cherry), onions, or possibly a citrus twist or a single maraschino cherry), unless they are variations of a fruity rum-based drink. Whiskey- unless they are variations of a fruity rum-based drink. Whiskey- and brandy-based drinks tend toward minimal garnishment, if and brandy-based drinks tend toward minimal garnishment, if any. Restaurant chains and hotel bars tend to use larger and any. Restaurant chains and hotel bars tend to use larger and more ostentatious garnishes, and neighborhood bars tend to go more ostentatious garnishes, and neighborhood bars tend to go the other extreme.the other extreme.

1. Obtain the proper garnishing tools. Most1. Obtain the proper garnishing tools. Mostgarnishes can be made with a paring knife,garnishes can be made with a paring knife,but it is helpful to have a channel knifebut it is helpful to have a channel knifetool and a grater. A larger knife may betool and a grater. A larger knife may beneeded if larger fruits are to be prepared,needed if larger fruits are to be prepared,such as oranges and pineapples. Channelsuch as oranges and pineapples. ChannelKnife tools are used to make twists and spiralsKnife tools are used to make twists and spiralsfrom citrus fruits, while a grater enablesfrom citrus fruits, while a grater enablesone to grate ingredients such as chocolateone to grate ingredients such as chocolateand nutmeg fresh right over the cocktail. Aand nutmeg fresh right over the cocktail. Agrater can also be used to grate ingredientsgrater can also be used to grate ingredientsthat are used for rimming glasses. Athat are used for rimming glasses. Acombination of different garnishes can becombination of different garnishes can beused, so have the tools ready for the typesused, so have the tools ready for the typesof garnishes that are to be made.of garnishes that are to be made.

Lemon wedges and wheel, paringLemon wedges and wheel, paringknife, channel knife tool and theknife, channel knife tool and themakings of lemon spirals, darkmakings of lemon spirals, darkchocolate square and microplanechocolate square and microplanegratergrater

2. Decide what kinds of garnishes should be used. The 2. Decide what kinds of garnishes should be used. The cocktail recipe will usually call for a certain cocktail recipe will usually call for a certain garnish, but this is not always the case. Different garnish, but this is not always the case. Different garnishes can be used according to personal garnishes can be used according to personal preference, and combinations of multiple preference, and combinations of multiple garnishes can be used. Citrus garnishes are garnishes can be used. Citrus garnishes are generally great for cocktails that do not contain generally great for cocktails that do not contain milk or cream, although there are creamy cocktails milk or cream, although there are creamy cocktails that call for citrus garnishes such as orange that call for citrus garnishes such as orange spirals. Maraschino cherries complement many spirals. Maraschino cherries complement many different types of cocktails, but should never be different types of cocktails, but should never be used in certain cocktails, such as a standard used in certain cocktails, such as a standard martini. Many garnishes complement one of the martini. Many garnishes complement one of the primary cocktail ingredients. primary cocktail ingredients. Tomato-based Tomato-based cocktailscocktails are generally garnished with limes, are generally garnished with limes, lemons and celery stalks. Always consider how the lemons and celery stalks. Always consider how the garnish will complement the flavor of the primary garnish will complement the flavor of the primary ingredients. ingredients. Vodka-based cocktailsVodka-based cocktails tend to pair tend to pair well with lemon and lime flavors, tequila and rum well with lemon and lime flavors, tequila and rum pair well with limes, rum can pair well with mint, pair well with limes, rum can pair well with mint, chocolate pairs with creme de cacao liqueur, and chocolate pairs with creme de cacao liqueur, and coffee beans complement coffee liqueur. Also coffee beans complement coffee liqueur. Also consider the overall theme of the drink. consider the overall theme of the drink. Tropical Tropical cocktailscocktails may use tropical fruits, and dessert may use tropical fruits, and dessert cocktails may use cookies or chocolate. A cocktail cocktails may use cookies or chocolate. A cocktail that uses spiced rum may be garnished with a that uses spiced rum may be garnished with a cinnamon stick.cinnamon stick.

Bloody Bull cocktail garnished withBloody Bull cocktail garnished withsalt-rimmed glass, lemon wedgesalt-rimmed glass, lemon wedgeand lime wheel and lime wheel

3. Rim the glass. The rim of the empty glass can3. Rim the glass. The rim of the empty glass canbe coated with garnishes such as fine sugar, salt,be coated with garnishes such as fine sugar, salt,cocoa powder, finely grated chocolate and finelycocoa powder, finely grated chocolate and finelycrushed graham crackers or cookies. To coat thecrushed graham crackers or cookies. To coat therim of a glass, first spread or mound the garnishrim of a glass, first spread or mound the garnishingredient on a small plate or tray, then brieflyingredient on a small plate or tray, then brieflyrub around the rim of the glass with somethingrub around the rim of the glass with somethingsuch as a lemon wedge to moisten it. The garnishsuch as a lemon wedge to moisten it. The garnishwill adhere to the area that is moistened. Thenwill adhere to the area that is moistened. Thenlay the glass on its side so that the rim islay the glass on its side so that the rim istouching the garnish, and rotate or roll the glasstouching the garnish, and rotate or roll the glasson the garnish so that the entire rim is coated.on the garnish so that the entire rim is coated.The glass can also just be placed upside down onThe glass can also just be placed upside down onthe rimming ingredient and rotated somewhat tothe rimming ingredient and rotated somewhat tocoat the rim. Additional garnishes may be added tocoat the rim. Additional garnishes may be added tococktails that are served in rimmed glasses.cocktails that are served in rimmed glasses.

Rimming glass with superfine sugarRimming glass with superfine sugar

4. Prepare standard or simple garnishes. Garnishes4. Prepare standard or simple garnishes. Garnishesgenerally need to be prepared before the cocktailgenerally need to be prepared before the cocktailis mixed. Common, relatively simple garnishes foris mixed. Common, relatively simple garnishes forcocktails include maraschino cherries as well ascocktails include maraschino cherries as well ascitrus wedges, wheels, twists and spirals. Olives,citrus wedges, wheels, twists and spirals. Olives,cocktail onions and celery stalks are alsococktail onions and celery stalks are alsocommonly used for certain drinks.commonly used for certain drinks.

• • Wheels are made by simply slicing a fruitWheels are made by simply slicing a fruitwidthwise. The ends of the fruit are disposed of,widthwise. The ends of the fruit are disposed of,and the slices should be about 1/4" thick. To makeand the slices should be about 1/4" thick. To makewedges, first cut off and dispose of the ends ofwedges, first cut off and dispose of the ends ofthe fruit, then slice the fruit into eight wedges.the fruit, then slice the fruit into eight wedges.Start by cutting the fruit in half from one cutStart by cutting the fruit in half from one cutend to the other (lengthwise). end to the other (lengthwise).

Making lemon wedgesMaking lemon wedges

• • Spirals can be dangled from the rim of the glass. Spirals can be dangled from the rim of the glass. Twists are twisted, bent or rolled to release the Twists are twisted, bent or rolled to release the citrus skin oils and to give them their citrus skin oils and to give them their characteristic shape, then dropped into the drink. characteristic shape, then dropped into the drink. Twists can be about an inch or more long, while Twists can be about an inch or more long, while spirals can be a few or more inches long. Twists spirals can be a few or more inches long. Twists and spirals can both be made relatively easily with and spirals can both be made relatively easily with a channel knife tool. Try making twists by running a channel knife tool. Try making twists by running the channel knife tool lengthwise along a lemon (or the channel knife tool lengthwise along a lemon (or other citrus fruit), and make spirals by running the other citrus fruit), and make spirals by running the channel knife around a lemon. Twists and spirals channel knife around a lemon. Twists and spirals can also be made by cutting the rind of a citrus can also be made by cutting the rind of a citrus fruit into strips with a paring knife.fruit into strips with a paring knife.   • Garnishes such as cherries, cocktail olives and  • Garnishes such as cherries, cocktail olives and cocktail onions can be speared with toothpicks cocktail onions can be speared with toothpicks and rested on the rim of the glass or merely and rested on the rim of the glass or merely dropped into the drink and allowed to rest on the dropped into the drink and allowed to rest on the bottom of the glass, especially if the drink is not bottom of the glass, especially if the drink is not opaque. If multiple such fruits are going to be used opaque. If multiple such fruits are going to be used to garnish one cocktail, it is best to spear them to garnish one cocktail, it is best to spear them together with a toothpick.together with a toothpick.   • For an easy but attractive garnish, rest a sprig of  • For an easy but attractive garnish, rest a sprig of mint on the glass rim or on the drink. Cinnamon mint on the glass rim or on the drink. Cinnamon sticks can simply be rested on the rim of the glass sticks can simply be rested on the rim of the glass

or placed vertically in the drink.or placed vertically in the drink.

5. Prepare more elaborate or exotic garnishes. Use a 5. Prepare more elaborate or exotic garnishes. Use a toothpick to stick together different fruits to make toothpick to stick together different fruits to make fruit "flags" and "boats". Flags are stuck onto the fruit "flags" and "boats". Flags are stuck onto the rim of the glass, with one fruit stuck on top of rim of the glass, with one fruit stuck on top of another. Boats essentially rest against the rim and another. Boats essentially rest against the rim and on or partially in the drink, but are not stuck onto on or partially in the drink, but are not stuck onto the rim of the glass. However, a boat garnish can the rim of the glass. However, a boat garnish can rest on the rim of the glass with the help of a rest on the rim of the glass with the help of a toothpick. An orange and cherry boat is made by toothpick. An orange and cherry boat is made by placing a cherry on the center of an orange wheel placing a cherry on the center of an orange wheel and bending the slice somewhat around the cherry and bending the slice somewhat around the cherry like a taco. A toothpick is inserted through the like a taco. A toothpick is inserted through the orange slice and the cherry to keep the slice orange slice and the cherry to keep the slice curved like a boat around the cherry. Use boats curved like a boat around the cherry. Use boats with frothy cocktails. Try using fruits such as with frothy cocktails. Try using fruits such as pineapples, bananas, kiwis and berries when pineapples, bananas, kiwis and berries when making fruit flags. Leave fruits unpeeled when making fruit flags. Leave fruits unpeeled when slicing them into garnishes such as wheels. slicing them into garnishes such as wheels. Strawberries and other fruits can be dipped in Strawberries and other fruits can be dipped in melted chocolate and placed on the rim of the melted chocolate and placed on the rim of the glass.glass.

  

Orange boat and orangeOrange boat and orangeflag (use one to garnish aflag (use one to garnish aprepared cocktail) prepared cocktail)

Pear slice and kiwi wheelPear slice and kiwi wheel(use one to garnish a prepared(use one to garnish a preparedcocktail) cocktail)

To make a chocolate-dipped strawberry that can be To make a chocolate-dipped strawberry that can be placed on the rim of a glass, first melt some placed on the rim of a glass, first melt some chocolate, then carefully dip the strawberry in the chocolate, then carefully dip the strawberry in the chocolate and allow the extra chocolate to drip off. chocolate and allow the extra chocolate to drip off. The chocolate should be allowed to cool and The chocolate should be allowed to cool and solidify somewhat so that is doesn't drip down the solidify somewhat so that is doesn't drip down the glass. Set the strawberry down on parchment glass. Set the strawberry down on parchment paper or wax paper for a short period of time, or paper or wax paper for a short period of time, or keep it suspended vertically so that the chocolate keep it suspended vertically so that the chocolate drips downward evenly and forms an even coating. drips downward evenly and forms an even coating. When the chocolate has become stable but is still When the chocolate has become stable but is still somewhat gooey, make a vertical slice in the somewhat gooey, make a vertical slice in the bottom of the strawberry through the chocolate-bottom of the strawberry through the chocolate-dipped part, and place it on the rim of the glass. If dipped part, and place it on the rim of the glass. If the chocolate has been allowed to solidify the chocolate has been allowed to solidify completely, it may crack and break off somewhat completely, it may crack and break off somewhat when the strawberry is sliced and placed on the when the strawberry is sliced and placed on the rim. The strawberry can be placed on an empty rim. The strawberry can be placed on an empty glass before straining or pouring the drink, and try glass before straining or pouring the drink, and try chilling the glass and/or the strawberry first so that chilling the glass and/or the strawberry first so that the chocolate solidifies rapidly.the chocolate solidifies rapidly.

Banana slice, chocolate-dippedBanana slice, chocolate-dippedstrawberry, and pineapplestrawberry, and pineapplewedge with strawberry (usewedge with strawberry (useone to garnish a preparedone to garnish a preparedcocktail)cocktail)

6.Garnish the prepared cocktail. Right after mixing the 6.Garnish the prepared cocktail. Right after mixing the cocktail, garnish the cocktail as called for by the cocktail, garnish the cocktail as called for by the recipe or as desired. recipe or as desired.

Sprinkle ingredients such as cocoa powder and Sprinkle ingredients such as cocoa powder and ground cinnamon on top of the cocktail. Grate or ground cinnamon on top of the cocktail. Grate or zest ingredients such as dark chocolate, nutmeg zest ingredients such as dark chocolate, nutmeg and citrus fruits fresh right over the cocktail. and citrus fruits fresh right over the cocktail. Cocktails made with hot coffee or hot chocolate Cocktails made with hot coffee or hot chocolate (usually referred to as "warmers"), such as Irish (usually referred to as "warmers"), such as Irish Cream Coffee and Black Forest Hot Chocolate may Cream Coffee and Black Forest Hot Chocolate may be topped with whipped cream, and then garnished be topped with whipped cream, and then garnished with grated chocolate, cocoa powder or a with grated chocolate, cocoa powder or a maraschino cherry.maraschino cherry.

You can also float the garnish on the surface of the You can also float the garnish on the surface of the cocktail. Float coffee beans on frothy cocktails. cocktail. Float coffee beans on frothy cocktails. Also float citrus spirals and thin fruit wheels (such Also float citrus spirals and thin fruit wheels (such as apple wheels) on various cocktails, not just as apple wheels) on various cocktails, not just frothy ones.frothy ones.

Frothy cocktail with gratedFrothy cocktail with grateddark chocolate garnish dark chocolate garnish

Persimmon wheel floatingPersimmon wheel floatingin cocktail in cocktail

TipsTips

- Always have garnishes prepared and ready before making cocktails. - Always have garnishes prepared and ready before making cocktails. - Practice making the garnishes before making actual cocktails. - Practice making the garnishes before making actual cocktails. - There are many variations on certain cocktail recipes, and garnishes will vary according to the - There are many variations on certain cocktail recipes, and garnishes will vary according to the

recipe. recipe. - Always use fresh, sanitary ingredients for garnishes, as the garnishes are foods and are - Always use fresh, sanitary ingredients for garnishes, as the garnishes are foods and are

meant to be consumed. meant to be consumed.

WarningsWarnings

- Knives and other garnishing tools are sharp and may cause injury if not handled properly and - Knives and other garnishing tools are sharp and may cause injury if not handled properly and with care. with care.

- No matter what kind of knife you are using, always make sure it's sharp. A dull knife tends to - No matter what kind of knife you are using, always make sure it's sharp. A dull knife tends to do more harm than good. do more harm than good.

Things You'll NeedThings You'll Need

- Garnishing tools (grater, paring knife, channel knife tool for citrus spirals) - Garnishing tools (grater, paring knife, channel knife tool for citrus spirals) - Various garnishes (depending on your drinks)-maraschino cherries, citrus fruits, etc. - Various garnishes (depending on your drinks)-maraschino cherries, citrus fruits, etc.

How to Make a Bloody BullHow to Make a Bloody Bull

A Bloody Bull is a tomato-based cocktail that is made A Bloody Bull is a tomato-based cocktail that is made with beef bouillon.with beef bouillon.

IngredientsIngredientsSaltSalt1 oz vodka1 oz vodka1/2 glass beef bouillon1/2 glass beef bouillon1/2 glass tomato juice1/2 glass tomato juice2 dashes Worcestershire sauce (optional)2 dashes Worcestershire sauce (optional)Dash Tabasco sauce (optional)Dash Tabasco sauce (optional)Ground pepper (optional)Ground pepper (optional)1 lime wheel1 lime wheel1 lemon wedge1 lemon wedge

StepsSteps1. Rim the glass with salt.1. Rim the glass with salt.2. Fill the glass with ice cubes.2. Fill the glass with ice cubes.3. Pour in the vodka.3. Pour in the vodka.4. Add Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco sauce.4. Add Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco sauce.5. Fill glass halfway with beef bouillon.5. Fill glass halfway with beef bouillon.6. Top off the glass with tomato juice.6. Top off the glass with tomato juice.7. Stir the drink.7. Stir the drink.8. Sprinkle on the black pepper and garnish with lime wheel and lemon wedge.8. Sprinkle on the black pepper and garnish with lime wheel and lemon wedge.

3 Rim the glass3 Rim the glass

4 simple garnish4 simple garnish

SpiralsSpirals

Chocolate Full MoonChocolate Full Moon

Ingredients: Ingredients:

Amount Ingredient

2 Measures Tequila

1 Measure De Kuyper Crème De Cacao – Brown

1 Measure Cream

Method:Pour all the ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with chocolate shaving if desired. Additional notes:Use De Kuyper Crème de Cacao Dark for the best results.

Garnish:Chocolate shavings if desiredType/Flavour:ChocolateGlass:Martini

A root beer floatA root beer float

The End….!The End….!