Similar to the brushstroke on a painting or the carefully positioned accessory that gives a complete fashion ensemble, garnishes enhance a drink to new levels. It is the final touch that entices the eye, teases the taste buds, and transports us to another world of flavor and aesthetic delight.

So prepare yourself as we embark on a journey exploring the fascinating world of cocktail garnishes and their importance in elevating the complete drinking experience.

What’s a Garnish?

The word was derived from the French word “garnir” which means “to adorn or to furnish.” It’s an ornament to furnish a dish or a cocktail to make them more presentable and enticing to the eyes. For a cocktail, the garnish is usually one of the ingredients used in the recipe or anything that complements it and is edible. However, some use non-edible ornaments to style their drinks according to the theme they are going for.

Why Garnish a Drink?

You may be wondering why a garnish is so crucial. It's not just about aesthetics, but garnish also serves a vital purpose in engaging our senses and enhancing the flavors of the drink. It usually reveals the flavor of a cocktail and acts as a connection between the cocktail and our taste buds, intriguing our palate to take that first sip.

The Garnish Chronicle

While it’s hard to trace the origin of garnishing, one of its many accounts is that it was first introduced in traditional juleps and cobblers some hundred years ago. 

In 1862, Jerry Thomas’s Bartender’s Guide included the word garnish and even wrote instructions about using a lemon peel and rubbing it around the glass’ rim. Unfortunately, he didn’t mention the origin of the technique or its relevance. 

In the 1800s, bartenders began using Croatian marasca cherries, now widely known as Maraschino cherries, initially preserved in Maraschino liqueur. This was the start when fruits and other edibles like olives and cocktails onions were used.

In the 20th century, Tiki drinks were on the rise, giving birth to the trend for colorful and tropical garnish on cocktails!

Edible Garnish

These are usual stuff usually found in your kitchen or bar. They are typically a part of the whole drinking experience because they make the drink fancy and elevate the texture and complement the drink’s flavor profile. For example, a lime wedge may look like a garnish sitting on top of a Tequila shot glass, but it is actually eaten after the shot with salt making it a part of the whole drinking experience.

Citrus, fruits, and herbs are only a few to name, but you can also use some candied or dried ingredients like candied ginger and dried mangoes for a more unique-looking cocktail.

When using Citrus, you can cut it to make wedges or wheels. Their peelings are the most popular and widely used garnish too! Rub the peels on the glass or squeeze them on top of the cocktail to release the aroma and oils. You can also try to use one long peel and twist it to mimic a screw, then hang it on the glass’ rim. 

Cherries, olives, and onions are garnishes that can be skewed or thrown inside the drink. They add texture to the drink while enhancing its taste due to their natural flavors and some added kick from how they are prepared. Cherries are preserved in liqueur, while olives and onions are brined.

Herbs like mint sprigs are popular for Mojito and Mint Julep. You can use rosemary, basil, or edible flowers like chamomile, ternate, and rose. Freeze them in an ice cube and use them with clear or transparent cocktails.

And lastly, drinks that require egg whites component and usually have a bubbly white surface can be garnished with some drops or some dash of dark liquid. It can be bitters, coffee, or any viscous liqueur that can be a great addition to balance a delicious cocktail.

Non-Edible Garnish

Non-edible garnishes are decorations that can not be consumed, do not affect the flavor or taste of the drink, and are used mainly for aesthetic purposes. They are not mixed inside the drink but usually hang on the glass rim, straw, or Some examples of these are:

• Paper parasols /umbrella
• Miniature plastic toys
• Swizzle sticks
• Straws
• Paper clips
• Dried leaves

Of course, you can use more than one garnish or a combination of edible and non-edible components to achieve the look of the drink you want. They are the exclamation mark of a cocktail, the finishing touches that make a drink truly spectacular and extraordinary. They not only engage our senses and balance out tastes and flavors but also ignite our creativity.

So, the next time you sip a cocktail, take notice of your drink's beautifully crafted and well-placed garnish. They are placed there for a reason, with careful planning and a lot of imagination.

Cheers to the small but incredible feature that takes our libation experience from average to out of this world!