5 Simple Garnish Hacks to Elevate Your Cocktails at Home

It’s true what they say, we eat and drink with our eyes first. A great garnish doesn’t just look pretty—it sets the tone, adds aroma, and tells your guest (or yourself) that yes, this moment is worth making a little extra effort for.

The good news? Whilst we provide the garnish for every cocktail we make, you don’t need to be a pro with a blowtorch or a dehydrator to create something beautiful. Just a few clever tricks can take your drink from everyday to extraordinary.

1. Citrus Twists & Dehydrated Slices
A classic for a reason and the ones we supply. Use a vegetable peeler to create long, elegant strips of lemon or orange peel. Give them a little twist over the drink to release the oils, then perch them neatly on the rim. Feeling fancy? Thinly slice citrus, lay them on baking paper, and pop them in a low oven for a couple of hours until they dry out. The result? A garnish that looks like it belongs in a high-end bar.

2. Herbs & Edible Flowers
A sprig of rosemary in a gin cocktail. A few mint leaves with your Mojito. A little basil floating in something zesty. Fresh herbs do more than look good—they add fragrance, texture, and an extra layer of flavour. And if you can get hold of edible flowers, even better. They’re effortless wow factor in a glass.

3. Sugared Rims & Simple Syrups
It’s easy but effective. Dip the rim of your glass in a little citrus juice, then into sugar or salt. It gives a clean finish and helps balance the drink’s flavour. Want to go a step further? Homemade syrups are your secret weapon. Simmer equal parts sugar and water with your flavour of choice—think ginger, lavender, or berries—and you’ve got a custom touch without the fuss.

4. Creative Ice
Ice is more than a way to keep things cold. Freeze mint leaves, citrus peels, or berries into oversized cubes for drinks that stay cool and look cool. You can even make tea or juice cubes to add colour and flavour as they melt. It’s the kind of detail people notice.

5. Garnish Don’ts
Not all garnishes are created equal. Avoid anything bulky or awkward—no one wants to dodge a huge orange slice to take a sip. And keep strong-smelling herbs in check. You want a gentle lift, not an overpowering waft of sage.

Pair any of these with a Letterbox Cocktail and you’ve got yourself a moment. Because it’s not just what’s in the glass—it’s how it makes you feel.