All About Cocktail Garnishes

When life gives you lemons, make a lemon drop. Many cocktails call for a garnish, like a citrus twist or maraschino cherries. And it’s not just for looks – a garnish can really make a difference in your cocktail. Think of an old fashioned without an orange peel, or a mojito without mint leaves or lime. It’s just not the same. Here are some tips to pick the best cocktail garnishes:

Citrus: Vodka-based cocktails tend to pair well with lemon and lime flavors. Tequila and rum go well with limes. Avoid citrus garnishes for cocktails with milk or cream.
Cherries: Maraschino Cherries pair well with any cocktail with grenadine. They’re also used with Collins mix, in Manhattans, and in some drinks with Sweet and Sour mix.
Olives: The quintessential garnish for Martinis. The traditional type of olive used is a green olive, like the Spanish Queen or Green Barouni olive. Do not use olives in a fruity martini.
Wedges: Citrus wedges are perched on the rim of a glass and can be squeezed and dropped into the drink once served. Wedges are used in Margaritas, Dark and Stormies, Bloody Marys, and more.
Wheels and Slices: Used to garnish cocktails like the Screwdriver, Pimm’s Cup, and Ramos Gin Fizz. Wheels and slices (half wheels) are a nice decorative (and edible) touch.
Twists: A twist is a floating garnish consisting of a thin oval of a citrus peel. It adds flavor to the cocktail with the aromatic oils concentrated in the peel. Use a citrus twist in a Cosmopolitan, Lemon Drop, and Long Island Iced Tea.

Depending on the kind of garnish you choose, you may need some equipment. We recommend a channel knife for cutting citrus ($8) and a zester and stripper tool ($6).

Garnishes aren’t decoration — they’re part of the drink. Get the rest of the recipe right at Cocktail Builder, where you can search by ingredient to find what to make with what you’ve got.

Last modified on June 1, 2026