Best Garnishes for Gin Cocktails

Gin cocktails vary from high-class martinis that are ideal for special occasions to light and refreshing gin and tonics for your standard bar order. Whether you enjoy gin on occasion or it's your go-to, everyone who drinks it knows that this spirit has some incredible botanical flavors that lend themselves well to very specific flavor combinations. Whether you’re looking for a great gin cocktail to try this summer or want to experiment with flavors on your own, this garnish guide is a great place to help you craft gin cocktails worthy of any bar menu.

Fresh herbs

If you’ve ever been to a cocktail bar, you’ve likely seen all sorts of garnishes in jars lined up near the spirits. While to many this seems overwhelming to pair each one with the best spirit, it is truly the beauty of mixology to top a delicious concoction with the perfect garnish. Because many gins have a slightly sweet flavor profile due to juniper berries and other infusions, fresh herbs are a great way to add a savory note.

Rosemary is the most popular herb garnish for gin cocktails as its earthy notes marry beautifully with any sweet hints in the spirit. Another interesting herb garnish is thyme. Similar to rosemary, its earth-forward notes add just enough savory elements for a delicious cocktail.

Fruits and vegetables

Citrus fruits are incredibly versatile and refreshing which is why they make amazing garnishes for all sorts of cocktails. For dryer gins, try adding lemon, lime, grapefruit, or blood orange to your next cocktail for a sweet and acidic treat. Another great fruit to try with your gin cocktail is strawberry. Strawberries generally pair well with fresh herbs so the added bonus of a splash of gin makes for a real treat. One unique vegetable to consider in your neck gin cocktail is the rhubarb. Its distinctive tart flavor makes it a natural in your gin and tonic. As an added bonus, the stalk looks beautiful and can function as a stirrer.

Delicate flowers

Since gin is known for being a botanical spirit, it lends itself well to light and aromatic florals. The most popular flower to use as a garnish for a gin martini or specialty cocktail is lavender. Lavender has a subtle but soothing taste and smell which makes it a beautiful complement to the sweet and often dry flavors found in gin. Looking to go one step further in your presentation? Try out some edible flowers as a beautiful garnish like these ones recommended by First Order Gin: roses, zucchini blossoms, pansies, borage blossoms, and hibiscus.

Mahón Gin 

Mahón gin is an award-winning gin from Spain  that is known for its bold flavors that take any gin cocktail to the next level. The Juniper berries used to make Mahón gin are sea-salt air aged for up to 4 years in open crates at the distillery, thus concentrating the flavors and delivering a smooth gin, without bitterness. This versatile gin lends itself seamlessly to any of the garnishes listed above as it’s ideal for both a refreshing cocktail and a dirty martini. 

At Glass Revolution Imports we specialize in importing the finest spirits from across the globe to the United States including Mahón gin. Click here to find out where to buy a bottle of your own and make sure to sign up for our newsletter to be the first to learn about new spirits coming to the US, exclusive virtual tastings, and more.