Decorating Your Cocktails
Decoration of a drink will normally consist of one or two fruit, herb, or cherry garnishes that either complement the flavor of the drink, contrast with the color, or both. It is important that you avoid overpowering the drink. When garnishing with fruit, be careful with the size. If it is too thin, its flimsy and uneventful. A too-thick slice can unbalance the look and even flavor of the cocktail.
Citrus Twists
To make a citrus twist, cut a thin slice of the fruit crosswise and simply twist to serve on the side of a glass or in it.
Citrus Peel Spirals
To make a spiral of citrus peel, use a parer or vegetable peeler to cut away the skin, working in a circular motion. Take care not to cut into the bitter pith.
Citrus Peel Knots
Use strips of peel and carefully tie each strip into a knot. Drop into the drink for a nice garnish.
Cocktail Sticks
These extremely useful wooden cocktail sticks are needed for spearing through pieces of fruit and cherries. These are not re-usable. Plastic cocktail sticks, however, are re-usable provided they are washed and boiled.
Frosting/Rimming
Margaritas and other mixed drinks often call for the rim of the glass to be coated with salt, sugar, or some other ingredient. This is known as frosting or rimming. The easiest way to do this is to rub the rim of the glass with a slice of citrus fruit and then dip the very edge of the rim into a small bowl filled with the sugar or salt.
Maraschino Cherries
You should always have a plentiful supply of red maraschino cherries to decorate your cocktails with. These are the most widely used of decorations, as well as being available in multiple colors and flavors.
Olives or Onions
Martinis are often garnished with olives or cocktail onions. Simply skewer one or two with a toothpick and drop into the drink.
Straws
Straws are essential and go well with many cocktails. These, of course, should never be re-used.
Before we move on to the good part recipes we need to address the issue of bar safety and hygiene.
Bartending Safety and Hygiene
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