Cocktails and mocktails are a great way to add some excitement and flair to any gathering or celebration. Whether you're sipping a classic Martini or indulging in a fruity Margarita, a well-crafted drink can set the tone for a memorable evening. But while the ingredients and recipe are important, don't underestimate the power of a good garnish. A garnish not only adds a pop of color and texture to your drink, but also enhances the flavor and aroma. And the best part? Making your own garnishes at home is easy and fun.
At Frobishers, we are soft drinks aficionados and love to mix up a mocktail or cocktail using our delicious drinks. Our fabulously fruity and botanical ranges include Fruit Juices, Cordials, Fusions, Sparkling Bottles and Sparkling Pressé Cans with 23 flavours to choose from. Discover our extensive library of cocktail and mocktail recipes here, or build a custom box of drinks to enjoy every day, with friends and family, or mixed into cocktails and mocktails.
Ready to start making cocktail and mocktail garnishes? In this blog post, we'll share 10 easy drink garnishes that you can make at home with just a few simple ingredients. From fruit skewers to spiced sugar rims, we'll show you how to take your drinks from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're hosting a party or just want to impress your guests with a delicious and eye-catching drink, these cocktail garnish ideas will take your cocktail and mocktail game to the next level.
Citrus Twists
Citrus twists are a classic cocktail garnish that can add a burst of flavour and colour to any drink.
To make them, you'll need a citrus peeler (or a sharp knife), a lemon, lime, or orange, and a cutting board. Start by peeling a long strip of zest from the fruit, being careful to avoid the white pith underneath. Twist the strip of zest into a spiral shape and use a toothpick or cocktail skewer to hold it in place. Then, simply place the twist on the rim of your glass and enjoy!
This is the perfect garnish to have with our Sicilian Lemonade Sparkler or Sparkling Pressé, add your favourite gin to make it alcoholic.
Herb sprigs
Fresh herbs are a great way to add a pop of flavour and aroma to your drinks. To make an herb sprig garnish, you'll need a sprig of your favourite herb (such as rosemary, thyme, or mint), a small pair of scissors, and some twine or string. Trim the herb sprig to the desired length and tie it together with twine or string. Then, simply drape the sprig over the rim of your glass or skewer it with a toothpick and place it in your drink.
Fruit skewers
Fruit skewers are a colourful and delicious cocktail and mocktail garnish. To make them, you'll need some small skewers or toothpicks, cocktail cherries are a classic, but you can try any selection of your favourite fruits. Simply cut the fruit into small pieces and thread them onto the skewers or toothpicks in any pattern you like. Then, rest the skewer on the rim of your glass or use it to stir your drink.
Salt or Sugar rims
Salt or sugar rims are a classic way to add flavour and texture to your cocktails. A salt rim is perfect for drinks like our Mango Margarita or Bloody Mary, adding a savoury and slightly salty note that balances out the sweetness of the drink. A sugar rim, on the other hand, is ideal for fruity and dessert-like cocktails, adding a sweet and crunchy element that enhances the flavours.
Making a salt or sugar rim is easy – simply dip the rim of your glass in water or citrus juice, and then dip it in salt or sugar. You can also add different spices or herbs to the salt or sugar mix to create a unique flavour profile. With a salt or sugar rim, your cocktail not only looks great but also tastes amazing.
Cucumber ribbons
Cucumber ribbons are a refreshing and elegant garnish perfect for summertime drinks, like our Cucumber and Elderflower Cooler Mocktail.
To make them, you'll need a vegetable peeler and a cucumber. Start by peeling a long, thin strip of cucumber from the outside edge. Then, use your fingers to curl the strip into a spiral shape. Drape the cucumber ribbon over the rim of your glass or skewer it with a toothpick and place it in your drink.
Sweet stirrers
Sweet stirrers are a fun and whimsical way to add some sweetness to your drinks. To make them, you'll need some hard sweets (such as lollipops or candy canes) and some skewers or toothpicks. Simply insert the skewer or toothpick into the centre of the sweets and use it to stir your drink. As the candy dissolves, it will add a sweet flavour and colourful swirls to your drink.
Flower petals
Edible flowers are not only beautiful, but they also make nice drink garnishes due to their unique and diverse range of flavours. From sweet and delicate to bold and tangy, each flower offers a distinct taste that can enhance the flavours of your drink. Plus, edible flowers add a natural and organic touch to your cocktail or mocktail, making them a perfect garnish for spring and summer drinks
Here's a list of edible flowers that are perfect for drink garnishes:
- Roses - Roses come in a range of colours and flavours, from sweet and delicate to bold and tangy. Use the petals to garnish drinks, or freeze them in ice cubes for a beautiful effect.
- Lavender - Lavender is a fragrant and relaxing flower that adds a sweet and floral note to drinks. Use it to garnish cocktails or infuse syrups and bitters for a unique flavour.
- Hibiscus - Hibiscus flowers are a popular ingredient in tea and cocktails, thanks to their tart and tangy flavour. Use the petals to garnish drinks or infuse syrups for vibrant colour and flavour.
- Violets - Violets are delicate and sweet flowers that add a pop of colour and flavour to drinks. Use the petals to garnish cocktails or freeze them in ice cubes for a stunning effect.
- Elderflowers - Elderflowers have a light and floral flavour that pairs well with gin, vodka, and other spirits. Use the flowers to garnish drinks or infuse syrups for a sweet and aromatic touch.
Chocolate shavings
Chocolate shavings are a decadent and indulgent garnish that's perfect for dessert drinks.
To make them, you'll need a bar of your favourite chocolate (dark or milk), a vegetable peeler, and a chilled cocktail or mocktail. Start by peeling thin shavings from the chocolate bar using the vegetable peeler. Then, sprinkle the shavings over the surface of your drink for a luxurious and delicious touch. This garnish is perfect for our Cherry & Chocolate Martini cocktail.
Spiced sugar
Spiced sugar is a simple yet flavourful way to add some warmth and complexity to your drinks.
To make spiced sugar, you'll need granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or any other spice you prefer. Mix the sugar and spice together in a bowl until well combined. Then, dip the rim of your glass in a shallow dish of water or citrus juice, followed by the spiced sugar mixture. This will give your drink a subtle and delicious hint of spice.
Dried Fruit
Dried fruit is a creative and healthy way to garnish your cocktails, adding a natural sweetness and chewy texture to your drinks.
To make dried fruit garnishes, simply slice your favourite fruit into thin rounds or wedges and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a low-temperature oven (around 93°C) for several hours until the fruit is dry and chewy. You can also use a dehydrator for an even more efficient drying process.
Once the fruit is dried, you can use it to garnish your drinks or even chop it up and add it to your cocktails for extra flavor and texture. Dried orange or lemon slices are perfect for garnishing citrus-based cocktails, while dried apple or pear slices pair well with bourbon or whiskey drinks.
If you don't want to the faff of making your own, Fruits For Drinks offer handy, pre-prepared dried fruits perfect for cocktail garnishes.
There are countless ways to get creative with cocktail and mocktail garnishes at home. These ten ideas are just the beginning - feel free to experiment with your own flavours, colours, and textures to create your own unique garnishes. With a little bit of imagination and some simple ingredients, you can take your drinks from ordinary to extraordinary in no time.
If you're looking to mix up some delicious cocktails and mocktails, check out all our recipes here. In our blog we share everything from how to make your own simple syrup and the 10 best 3-ingredients mocktails to 15 essentials you need for making cocktails at home.
