Mocktail garnishes can take drinks to the next level by adding color, texture, and a touch of elegance. They range from classic citrus twists, olives, and cocktail cherries to more creative choices like fruit skewers, sugar or salt rims, and edible flowers. Here are my top 10 creative mocktail garnish ideas to make your drinks pop!
Fruit Skewers
Fruit skewers are fantastic for garnishing mocktails! They not only add a pop of color but also infuse fresh fruit flavors into the drink. The versatility of fruit skewers allows for endless variations and combinations to suit different mocktails.
Citrus Wheels/Slices
To garnish a mocktail or drink with a citrus wheel, simply slice a thin round piece of citrus fruit (such as lemon, lime, orange, or grapefruit) and place it on the rim of the glass right before serving.
Dried Fruit Slices
Dried fruit slices can add a lovely touch to your drinks. Many fruits can be dried and used as garnishes, such as citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Cocktail Umbrellas
Cocktail umbrellas are typically used as garnishes in tropical and summer mocktails. They usually have bright colors and add a fun and festive touch to your drink.
Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs are commonly used to garnish mocktails to add aroma, flavor, and visual appeal. Mint is one of the most commonly used herbs in mocktail garnishes, especially in drinks like Mojito mocktails and non-alcoholic Mint Juleps. Rosemary and basil add herbal flavor and aroma to drinks.
Chocolate Shavings
Using chocolate shavings as a garnish for mocktails can add a touch of decadence to the drink. It can complement a variety of mocktails, especially those with creamy or dessert-like flavors like espresso martini mocktail, chocolate martini mocktail, and non-alcoholic frozen mudslide.
Sugar/Salt Rims
Mocktails can be served with salt or sugar on the rim of the glass. Salt or sugar on the rim can complement the flavors of the drink. Margarita mocktails, Virgin Bloody Mary, and Virgin Paloma are served with a salt rim.
Cinnamon Sticks
The cinnamon stick gives a hint of flavor and warmth to the drink. Apple cider mocktail, Virgin hot toddy, ginger cinnamon mocktail, and many other mocktails can be garnished with a cinnamon stick.
Citrus Twists
A citrus twist is one of the easiest ways to garnish a mocktail. A citrus twist is a thin strip of the peel of a citrus fruit, such as lemon, lime, or orange. It is often used as a mocktail or cocktail garnish to add a burst of citrus aroma and flavor.
Maraschino Cherries
Maraschino cherries are a type of cherry that is preserved in a sugar syrup. They are commonly used as a garnish for drinks, desserts, and other dishes. They add a pop of color and a sweetness.
FAQs
Are Mocktail Garnishes Necessary?
Cocktail garnishes are not always necessary, but they can add color, texture, and a touch of elegance to the drinks.
Do Garnishes Affect the Taste of a Drink?
Yes, garnishes add flavor and aroma to the drinks. For example, a mint sprig garnish can add a refreshing note to a mojito.
