The Foreplay of Cocktails: Garnish

"A proper garnish can improve your drink’s perceived value by $2 to $3" Betty Cocktail

Citrus

Baked citrus come alive with spices and seasoning. Shown here: tattooed oranges sprinkled with Pumpkin Sugar by Spaulding Specialty Spices.

The twist on this champagne cocktail gives it's drinker a bright aroma with each sip.

​Citrus naturally enhances the flavor of most cocktails. Decide before your event if your drink calls for a simple zest (as in an Old Fashioned or Cosmopolitan), or a more powerful contribution like a squeeze from a wedge (as in a vodka soda or Moscow Mule). Wedges are largely irrelevant in most craft cocktails because if you are cocktailing correctly, your drink is balanced and needs no additional citrus.
​PRO PREP TIP: Tattoo citrus with a zester ahead of time for a classy, architectural look.
​PRO SERVING TIP: Think beyond lemon and lime; incorporate orange, grapefruit, and even tangerine or kumquat. A fanned array of citrus wheels is attractive and functional. 
​PRO STORAGE TIP: Cut citrus should be stored in tall cylinders, leaving the least amount of citrus juice in the container, as this is what causes browning and aging of the rind.

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Herbs

Parsley on top of this easy vodka cooler gives the drinker a preview of what's to come. Parsley can be shaken into or muddled in the simplest of drinks to give them a savory and fresh flavor.

Basil and mint foreshadow the herbaceous qualities of this Square One Basil Vodka. The aromatics of basil and mint atop a cocktail can be enough to alter the flavor of the cocktail.

Herbs are best harvested or purchased hours before the event; many grocery stores today sell living pots of plants like rosemary, basil, mint, and thyme. Research the type of herb you plan to use and which method of storage will allow it to thrive the longest. Some plants perk up with ice baths while others enjoy fresh air. When considering edible flowers be sure to purchase only food grade flowers. Although florists may carry flowers that are biologically deemed edible, often they are treated with pesticides and other artificial ingredients that are not fit for human consumption.
​PRO PREP TIP: Avoid cutting stems with metal knives as this creates considerable 'rusting' at the cut site and will cause plants to deteriorate faster. If you feel you must cut a ceramic knife is a better alternative. 
PRO SERVING TIP: A gentle 'spank' to most leafy herbs will stimulate them just enough to increase their aromas while not damaging their gentle leaves. More dense herbs like rosemary are awakened with heat or pressure.
PRO STORAGE TIP: A dampened napkin atop most herbs (such as mint or basil) can help to lengthen their lifespan, Thyme stands alone in this instance. Wetness will actually cause thyme to brown and age faster.

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Berries

Berries are colorful, affordable, impactful, and readily available nearly all year long. Choosing seasonal berries is budget friendly and sensible. You may find that berries help your cocktail to reflect the mood of the event; in fact, most berries also reflect the fashion choices people make during that time of year. (Think of cranberries during the winter months, or strawberries in the summer.)
PRO PREP TIP: Most whole berries can be skewered ahead of time to make garnish a breeze. Do avoid cutting berries too far in advance as the texture can soften and colors can bleed.
PRO SERVING TIP: Berries are beautiful alone, or with other herbs, vegetables, or fruits. To make the most out of your berries, try to use them in a way that helps their color stand out. For example red against green in a raspberry and basil drink or blue against yellow in a blueberry Lemon Drop. Use skewers to keep berries from getting lost in cocktails.
PRO STORAGE TIP: Rinsing berries with fresh water will help to wash off any mold spores which may have landed on the fruit during transport. Store berries in the same containers you purchase them in. Tiny slits and holes are designed to help fruits breathe and last longer.