For many, the bustling holiday season means last-minute meal planning— we’re here to help with some (almost too) easy ways to level up your cocktail creations!
Get your cocktail recipes holiday-ready with these four festive final touches!
Take your holiday cocktails up a notch with our favourite simple and festive garnishes. Pulling inspiration from our most popular seasonal recipes over the years, we’ve compiled the best (and easiest) garnish ideas to try this winter!
From decadent frosted cranberries to a no-fuss coconut rim, these picks are sure to elevate your drink menu just in time for Christmas dinner. Read on for instructions (and cocktail ideas to pair), and be sure to tag us in all your celebratory creations!
1. dehydrated grapefruit
This citrus season, discover the perfect way to use up the lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruits in your fridge. Dehydrating is an all-too-simple way to stock up your garnish tool kit for the season— learn how you can create dried citrus wheels at home in 3 simple steps!
what you’ll need:
- Citrus of choice
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Baking tray
- Oven
METHOD:
- Preheat your oven to 150 degrees (Fahrenheit)
- Slice a grapefruit (or citrus of your choice) into 1/4″ wheels. It’s important to keep them as uniform as possible.
- Cover a baking tray with parchment paper and place the cooling rack on top. Spread the grapefruit slices evenly across the cooling rack, and place in the oven.
- Bake for 3-4 hours, flipping the slices every 30 minutes to 1 hour.
NOTE: Baking time may vary depending on the citrus you’ve chosen. Juicer citrus, like grapefruit, will likely take longer than lemons or limes. The citrus should be completely dry and slightly browning at the edges when complete.
2. FROSTED CRANBERRIES
Sweeten up the classic cranberry with this festive frosted twist! Serve on a cocktail pick for an extra special presentation.
INGREDIENTS:
- Whole cranberries
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- Small saucepan
- Cooling rack
METHOD:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water. Simmer until sugar is dissolved fully.
- Add cranberries and reduce heat to medium low. Let simmer for 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to let the cranberries start to break down.
- Remove cranberries from the pan and place on a cooling rack to dry.
- Once cooled & sticky (around 30 minutes), roll in remaining granulated sugar, and let sit for another 30 minutes or so.
NOTE: You can use the leftover cranberry syrup for tasty cocktails like the Cranberry Gin Fizz Cocktail by @bluebowlrecipes!
3. Shaved coconut Snow:
Whether you simply sprinkle it over your glass or opt for a frosted rim, shaved coconut creates the perfect illusion of a snowy winter’s day!
INGREDIENTS:
- Shaved coconut
- Cream of coconut syrup (optional)
- 2 small, wide bowls or plates
METHOD:
- To create a shaved coconut rim, fill one small, wide bowl or plate with cream of coconut syrup (or simple syrup), and another with shaved coconut flakes.
- Dip the rim of your glass in the syrup, followed by the coconut flakes. The flakes should stick to the syrupy rim.
4. FESTIVE HERBS & SPICES
If you’re truly in a pinch, this one’s for you; trust us when we say a simple aromatic garnish goes a long way! Pluck a rosemary sprig from your garden, or find some cinnamon sticks in the pantry. The result will add a delightful nose to your deserving holiday sips!
INGREDIENTS:
- Holiday spices or herbs of choice (we recommend rosemary, sage, thyme, cinnamon, cloves or star anise!)
METHOD:
- Simply place the aromatics in your glass to serve.
Looking for more cocktails to serve with these seasonal garnishes? Visit our instagram or signature cocktail page!
Sip responsibly!
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