Aren’t we all drawn to a drink that’s beautifully presented? As wedding planners we play hostess often, and that includes serving up some styled cocktails that leave an impression. It’s just in in our nature!
Let’s take a deep dive into the power of the cocktail garnish on a drinking experience and then we’ll share a few different garnish ideas for your next get together.
What is a garnish anyway?
A garnish is defined as a decoration, an embellishment or an accent. They can serve many purposes and can be large, small, edible, or dropped in a drink.
Why Do We Garnish?
Garnishes add visual appeal as well as aromatics and subtle flavors. These small elements can have a big impact on the finished drink.
It might not seem like much, but the way a cocktail is presented to us is a critical component of the drinking experience. It highlights it’s personality.
Types of Garnishes
We like to classify them by basic groups:
- Twists (keep these separate from fruits, because their specific purpose is to add citrus oils)
This is probably the most common. A very simple yet special addition or application of peel and oils which enhances a beverage.
- Fruit – It’s always great to add a fruit flavor for a little sugary bite.
Examples: Citrus Wedges, Cherries, Pineapple Wedges, Melon Balls, Dragon fruit balls, Cucumber Ribbon, Fresh Coconut meat cut into shapes, peach fan, berries skewered, or dried fruits like apricots.
- Leaves- greenery can make a cocktail look light and fresh
Examples: Mint, Basil, Rosemary, Thyme, Wood Sorrel, Pineapple Leaves, Hibiscus Leaves, Kinome Leaves, Amaranth Leaves.
- Flowers – always do your research here and make sure it’s edible!
Examples: Roses, Orchids, Pansies, Lavender, Dianthus, Carnations, Borage, Herb Blossoms.
- Food – Who doesn’t love a cocktail that comes with a snack, the possibilities are pretty much endless.
Examples: Chocolate spirals, marshmallow, skewers of feta and olives, blue cheese stuffed olives, pickled vegetables, finger foods, freshly grated spices.
- Objects – serve one purpose, adding visual interest
Examples: Paper umbrellas, festive stirrers, origami.
We hope these ideas inspire you to work on your styling skills with a dinner party signature drink in the near future!
Be sure to share your concoctions with us by tagging us on Instagram at @wrightandco. We can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Photography: Carrie Joy Photography
