A good garnish can beautify a drink and make it memorable. It can also help the bartender assemble a drink when the mix is top-notch but other supplies are missing. Garnishes are like the jewellery for a cocktail. They add color, aroma, and acidity to a drink and can be used in different ways:
WHEELS
The Garnishes recipes are the perfect add-on to any drink. Garnishes are usually perched on the rim of the glass for visual appeal, and the drinker can squirt the juice from the fruit into the drink for extra flavour, if desired. Start by trimming about 1/2 inch off each end of the fruit. To prepare fruit wheels, make a single cut along the length of the trimmed fruit, reaching into the centre of the flesh. Cut the fruit crosswise into rounds about 1/8 inch thick. The incision in each wheel serves to help perch it on the glass.
WEDGES
To garnish a drink, start by taking a wedge of citrus, cutting off the ends, and then cutting it lengthwise into three or four wedges. Next, make an incision into the flesh of the wedge if you want to perch it on the glass. You don’t have to cut this because it will be squeezed and added directly to the drink, but if desired you can perch it on the lip of the glass before adding a cocktail or mixer. It is best to use a knife when peeling a citrus wedge. This will prevent you from getting any of your fingers in the drink when squeezing it.
TWISTS
Adding a twist to your favourite cocktail is one of the easiest ways to ramp up flavour with just the slightest splash. While anyone who’s ever had a margarita (or any other drink) garnished by a waiter knows that citrus twists usually include some combination of lime and lemon, you can also use orange, grapefruit, or tangerine zest. The only requirement is that you only use the aromatic zest and not the white pith directly underneath.
OTHER FRUIT GARNISHES
CHERRIES, MARASCHINO AND ITALIAN PRESERVED
Cherry garnishes are ideal for cocktails calling for maraschino cherries. It’s best to buy imported Marasca or Amara cherries preserved in alcohol, either kirsch or cherry brandy. Luxardo is an excellent Italian brand. If a recipe calls for Marasca or Amara cherries, you can use either imported or domestic, but once you taste the Italian cherries, there will be no turning back. As an alternative, you can use cherries soaked in kirsch or cherry brandy. They are almost as good, but the additional spirits will add a little alcoholic flavour to the cocktail.
FRESH HERBS AND SAVORY GARNISHES
In addition to the traditional green mint sprigs, today’s garnishes also include baby French Marcona almonds, small wedge of tart green apples or pears, or thin slices of radishes and cucumber.