5 Cocktail Garnish Tricks That Will Make You Look Like A Pro

When it comes to a well-made cocktail, taste is only half the experience – the other half is all about presentation. A great garnish not only adds visual flair but can enhance aroma, flavour and the overall vibe of your drink. Whether you’re hosting friends, impressing guests, or just treating yourself to a well-made tipple, the right finishing touch can ensure your cocktail tastes just as good as it looks. We’ve pulled together five creative and easy cocktail garnish tricks that will elevate your at-home mixology game and have your drinks looking bar-worthy in no time.

1. Citrus Zest Flames

To create citrus zest flames and add some flair to your drink, hold a strip of orange or lemon peel over the cocktail and use a lighter to briefly warm the skin side. Then, squeeze it over a lit match or lighter flame to create a dramatic citrus oil flame, the ideal topping for an Old Fashioned or Cosmopolitan.

2. Smack Your Herbs for Optimum Aroma

Before placing herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary into a drink, gently “smack” them between your palms. This releases their essential oils and enhances the drink’s aroma, adding a sensory element without altering the taste too much.

3. Salted or Spiced Ice Rims

Roll the edge of a large ice cube, either Super Cubes or Polar Cube will do the trick, in flavoured salt, sugar, or spices. As the drink flows over the cube, it picks up extra flavour with each sip, the perfect pairing with the ever-trendy Spicy Margarita!

4. Edible Flowers or Flower Ice Cubes

Edible flowers like violets, pansies, or nasturtiums add a delicate and colourful touch. For a more dramatic effect, freeze them into large clear ice cubes, perfect for gin-based or spring-themed cocktails such as the Violet Gin Fizz.

5. Candied Ginger Skewers or Fruit Roll Up Twists

Feel like an expert mixologist by creating this timeless garnish! Thread candied ginger onto cocktail picks for a spicy-sweet finishing touch, or curl strips of fruit roll ups for a nostalgic, chewy accent. This trick works for several drinks, from bourbon to tequila, and almost any fruity cocktail.