There are few things more refreshing than a well made mixed drink. A cool beverage can be a relaxing end to a stressful day. If you’re entertaining your taste buds, why not go a step further and treat your eyes? Taking the time to garnish your cocktail glasses will enhance your own pleasure as well as convince your guests that you’re a host who really knows what he or she doing.
A simple way to garnish your cocktail glasses is to add a bit of fruit on the rim. The addition of fruit is a way to give the drinker a subtle hint about what their drink has in store. For example, a maraschino cherry on the rim of the glass can indicate a sweet drink, while a sharper cocktail would do well to have a slice of lemon or lime on the side.  If you’re planning on using fruit with the skin still on it, make sure to wash it well before using. It’s also not a good idea to use fruit that won’t keep its shape because it’s overly ripe.
Another method of decorating cocktail glasses is to add something to the rim. Sugar is a popular garnish that uses this method. To prepare a glass this way combine white sugar and grated lemon zest in a food processor. Cut a lemon and run the fruit over the rim of the glass. Move the sugar to a plate and dip the rim of the glass into it. To get an even coating make sure to rotate the glass in the mixture. It’s easy to vary this method depending on your drink. For example, a tropical drink can be dressed up by moistening your glass in honey and then dipping it into shredded coconut. Let your imagination run wild and you might come up with a new favorite.
While garnishing a cocktail glass with something edible enhances the taste, you can really spice up how your glasses look by using non-edible items. Try adding glitter, beads, paint, or anything else you can think of to add a distinctive flair to what you’re drinking. A bachelorette party would be a perfect place for a sparkly glass with pink accents, or you could haul out the tiny plastic swords for a more nautical themed event. If you think your guests are the hands-on type, why not give them the freedom to create their own style of glass?Â
At a cocktail party the drink is certainly the main event, but a well-dressed cocktail glass can bring a little something extra. Be creative and give your drinks the dressing they deserve!
