Cocktail garnish Cocktail garnish Cocktail garnishes are decorative ornaments that add character or style to a mixed drink, most notably to cocktails. They are used to compliment and enhance the flavors in a drink by stimulating the special nerve cells in the nose and mouth A large variety of cocktail garnishes are used. Many rum-based cocktails, especially those with fruit flavors, tend to be decorated with tropical-themed garnishes or slices of fruit. Tequila-based drinks favor limes and other citrus fruits. Gin- and vodka-based drinks tend toward garnishes with a more dignified flair (olives, onions, or possibly a citrus twist or a single
Cocktail strainer Cocktail strainer A cocktail strainer is a metal bar accessory used to remove ice from a mixed drink as it is poured into the serving glass. A type of sieve, the strainer is placed over the mouth of the glass or shaker in which the beverage was prepared; small holes in the device allow only liquids to pass as the beverage is poured. There are two common types of strainers. The Hawthorne strainer is a disc (called the "rim") with a handle and two or more stabilizing prongs. A metal spring fixed around the edge of the rim rolls inward