Cocktail Garnishes Sure to Impress

Cocktails are admired around the world for their character and charm that compliments the flavour in every drink. The use of garnishes is an elite way to set them aside from regular beverages, infusing the drink with a burst of energy, colour, and creation.

Despite being an element of decoration, garnishes can be more than just an embellishment if included as an integral part of the drinking experience. There are literally thousands of options, edible and inedible, large and small, that can take your selection of cocktails up a notch.

Saving time and money, dehydrated fruits are an excellent way to add extra zest to cocktails, especially if they have a fruity element already. Pairing the cocktails could be an important step, for example, a dehydrated slice of lime would work well with a margarita, for lime juice is an integral ingredient. Citrus fruits work perfectly when placed atop a cocktail, and are both a clear indication of the flavour, as well as an aesthetically attractive decoration. Dehydrated fruit can be bought ready to serve, but for a cost-cutting way, why not make your own?

Instead of citrus, berries are always something people enjoy, and can be served fresh or even in freeze-dried form. Adding a deep and rich colour and taste, berries make for a perfect cocktail garnish

If it’s fresh you're looking for, then a peel twist is always a winning feature and can be presented in so many different shapes and impressive designs. Adding extra flavour can also be found in serving a cocktail with a garnished rim of the glass. Just like a margarita can occasionally come with a salted rim, adding various other flavours can enhance the flavour experience as well. Freeze-dried honey creates a sweet element, and would compliment a more sour or bitter taste. Adding sherbert (which is made in many flavours) can be added to a rim to give a sharp, tangy edge, as well as creating a bit of fizz.

Flowers are a classy addition to a cocktail, and add a splash of colour where needed. The use of edible flowers is another way to cleverly pair cocktails with either the ingredients of the drink, or even the theming of the bar they come from.

If the bar has plants or flowers decorating the surrounding area, then adding edible flowers is the perfect way to customise your cocktails, and connect them to the theming of your establishment. It is also an ideal garnish during the spring months leading into summer, or outdoor and rooftop atmospheres.

If fresh flowers are unavailable, explore the world of edible origami designs. Presenting a handmade, crafted piece of art will be sure to make an impression, as well as having such a broad spectrum of endless possibilities. Adding a fresh herb to cocktails is like adding another ingredient to the mix. Using herbs such as mint, rosemary, lavender, or thyme give drinks an enriched flavour, as well as an aroma as well.

In some cases, fresh herbs can be used for purely decorative purposes, but inform the drinker of certain characteristics and tastes. Mint is one of the most popular herbs used to garnish universally, adding a fresh taste as well as a sharp bite. In some drinks, such as a Mojito, mint is almost an essential ingredient, so it is important to explore possibilities of accompaniment garnishes too.

Herbs as an embellishment are a timeless way to garnish a cocktail, and in many ways something that a customer expects. Herbs are an essential part of cocktail presentation, and have almost become mandatory.

Presentation isn’t just limited to the glass, it can also be spread across all areas. The beverage vessel is an excellent example of how to present cocktails in a new and exciting form, and the options are endless. If a drink is specific to a particular culture or country, explore traditional ways it can be served. For instance, if you are serving Sake, consider serving it in a traditional Japanese Tokkuri or fish-shaped pot.

On The House

Hollie Wright

The Chamberlian And Tallulah Auckland

Growing up between Portugal and the United Kingdom gave Hollie Wright a childhood full of different cultures and cuisines from a very young age.

At the age of 14, she would begin working at her family’s small boutique hotel alongside her Mum, before moving on to work at a pizza restaurant in Portugal. It would make sense that she would go on to pursue a career within the hospitality industry, working in a range of cocktail bars, clubs, pubs, restaurants, hostels, and hotels over the past 11 years.

Wright is now the bar manager of the Chamberlain and Talulah bars in Auckland, based in downtown Auckland. Wright said that both bars have distinct styles and offerings that cater to different tastes.

“The Chamberlain is a craft beer pub that draws inspiration from our customers' preferences and local breweries in Auckland and across New Zealand. On the other hand, Talulah is a tiki-style rooftop bar that takes its inspiration from the rich history and unique flavours of Tiki culture.”

Researching, exploring new flavour combinations, looking for new and exciting trends, and her past experiences are all aspects from which she draws inspiration.

Wright noted that meeting and working with different people is her favourite part of the job, especially with people who have plenty of industry knowledge and experience.

“I find it rewarding to learn from them and grow my mixology skills. Additionally, I enjoy creating memorable experiences for customers by creating delicious drinks.”

Over the past year, Wright has taken on some of the administrative responsibilities in hospitality and added that it can be challenging from time to time.

“I've learned to ask questions because clarification is key, and double checking my work to ensure I'm 100 percent happy with it.”

Wright said that her biggest goal as a manager is to make work a safe space for staff, as well as working on growing the business, and introducing new aspects

“I want to be able to provide a safe and growing environment where everyone learns, listens and motivates others so they feel comfortable and safe like they would at home. I want to help grow the business itself by driving its success and bringing something new to the table and helping increase productivity. I would like to keep developing my skills and grow both myself and the team,” said Wright.

“Lastly, I would love the customers to enjoy their experience so much that they come back and tell others about the venue.”

Outside of work she is passionate about leading a healthy lifestyle and enjoys spending time at the gym. Playing games at home, spending quality time with friends, and making cocktails are all hobbies, as well as spending time outdoors.

Wright said that no matter how difficult a situation may seem, or if you make mistakes, it is important to persevere.

“Trust your instincts, never second-guess yourself, and never be afraid to ask for help. Finally, remember to always keep an open mind and never judge a book by its cover.”