Types Of Garnishes
Garnishes can add flavor or flair to any drink. Here are the garnishes
you'll
encounter most often, plus a few special ones.
|
Bitters |
One of the leading name in bitters is Angostura,
but orange bitters are sometimes called for instead
|
Cherries |
Maraschino cherries are most often used.
They usually are red, but green ones exist, too. Maraschino cherries
make great garnishes for tropical drinks and many sours, as well as the
standard Manhattan.
|
Cinnamon Sticks |
You'll get the most use out of extra-long
cinnamon sticks. They can be used to stir and flavor certain hot drinks.
|
Cucumbers |
Cucumber slices are popular garnishes for
drinks with Pimm's in them.
|
Lemons |
One of the most essential garnishes, can be
cut into wedges, slices or wheels, and the rinds can be used to make twists.
Especially popular for drinks with club soda in them. Twists are popular
as garnishes for martinis.
|
Limes |
Limes, too, can be cut into wedges, slices,
wheels, or twists. Limes are especially popular for drinks with tonic
water in them.
|
Mind Leaves |
An absolute must for mint juleps.
|
Nutmeg |
A nice alternative to cinnamon, nutmeg can
be sprinkled on hot drinks or certain cream drinks, especially Alexanders.
|
Olives |
The most popular olives for drinks are small
green pitted olives, although other types may be used. This is the
quintessential martini garnish. Store in the refrigerator, tightly
covered.
|
Onions |
Pearl onions are used in Gibsons (martinis
with pearl onion garnish).
|
Oranges |
Orange slices are not only decorative but
provide a nice flavor to tropical or exotic drinks, sours or even vodka
on the rocks.
|
Pineapple |
Spears, slices or chunks - pineapple can add
excitement to many tropical drinks, such as the famous pina colada.
|
Salt |
An essential part of the Margarita or a Salty
Dog, It also adds zip to Bloody Mary mix. (Salt substitutes may be
used for those who are concerned with their salt intake.) A coarse
salt works best for frosting glasses.
|
Sugar |
Superfine granulated sugar is good for making
simple sugar syrup, as well as for frosting glasses.
|
