Dapper Serves

Garnish may seem like an afterthought to the uninitiated, but to the seasoned eye it's all the difference between a well-made drink and a lacklustre serve. A delicate spray of citrus oils from a twist, a single plump green olive submerged in a bath of gin and vermouth; not only do these simple additions create visual appeal, but they also add aromatics and subtle flavours to elevate your drinks. Here are five basic yet functional garnishes to familiarise yourself with if you enjoy classy booze. 

Citrus twist 

This is the most versatile of garnishes. Lemon, lime and orange in the form of twists, slices, wheels and wedges can go with most drinks and add fresh tangy notes to the serve. But the twist is by far a superior choice. Used to express a layer of citrus oils on top of the drink to intensify the flavours, it also cuts through the sweetness of syrups or liqueurs. 

Gently peel off a strip of orange rind with a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife over the drink, fold the edges inward with peel facing out and watch as a mist of glistening citrus oils spray from the peel. Pour a simple glass of sweet vermouth on the rocks, taste it before and after adding a lemon twist and discover its magic for yourself. 

Herbs 

A sprig of fresh leaves over a drink just looks merry and sophisticated. Using fresh herbs is just as easy as the twist. Make sure the herbs are fresh, lay it flat on your palm and give it a quick firm slap to release the essential oils and drop it in the drink. That's all there is to it. Make sure to have a light hand with the spanking though as any tears in the leaves will release the chlorophyll, making things taste bitter and grassy. Mint, Basil, Rosemary, Cilantro, Thyme, the options are endless. These add a herbaceous twist to the drinks and are excellent aromatics. For example, mint adds a cooling clean taste to your drinks that is unmistakable. Try it in a Whiskey Smash or Royal Mojito. 

Cherries 

Known for their richness, a drip of heavenly cherry syrup from three perfect, glistening cherries in a rock glass with whiskey is like sunset in a glass. They work well as a garnish for drinks like Whiskey sour and Manhattan to amplify that sweet sour contrast and enhance fruit forward modifiers like sweet vermouth or maraschino liqueur. 

Olives 

The salty, savoury, aromatic olives as a garnish are iconic for Martinis. But these pungent beauties can be used in many other whiskeys as well as gin cocktails like the Manhattan. Olives should be washed before being used in cocktails to get prevent the oil tampering the appearance of the drink. The green fruity brininess of olives, stuffed or otherwise, add a nice contrast to the sweeter cocktails. Simply drop one in a Martini glass or skewer three in a cocktail pick and place it in the drink. But make sure you retain at least one of the olives to snack on at the end of the drink to truly enjoy the contrast of its flavours. 

Pickled Onion 

A trademark of a Gibson, pickled onions add a sweet umami flavour to cocktails. Small white cocktail onions are the popular choice, but crunchy fresh pickled onion rings work just as well to add a savoury depth and complexity. The refreshing piquant onions go well with dry Martinis. Try it with a Smirnoff No 21 Vodka for a simple but delicious drink.