Ok – so for a lot of us, the best part of a luxury cocktail is its unforgettable taste and texture. Sweet, salty, smooth, fizzy – however you enjoy it, you do you.
However, when autumn and winter roll around, I try to make a few changes when it comes to the way I present and serve my drinks to guests. That means thinking carefully about seasonal garnishes that both complement the season and add a little extra sparkle to some already delicious drinks.
Now – take it from me. Garnishing is an art form that can take years for cocktail masters to perfect. And yet, we all have to start somewhere. I truly believe there are some genuine cocktail legends out there among you – but regardless, I’m here to share some quick tips on how to spice up SWISH cocktails with autumn in full swing.
Remember, if you have any tips or tricks of your own (or should that be tricks and treats?), reach out to us on socials.
In the meantime, here are some quick and tasty how-tos to really elevate your SWISH cocktail game this autumn.
Perfect a forager’s delight
Autumn is, for many people, all about foraging. Yes, many flowers are fading away for the season and we won’t see some fruit or vegetation again until next spring. In the meantime, however, there are lots of opportunities to add some of autumn’s most delicious fruit to your cocktails as garnishes.
Whether you pick fruit from your own garden or invest in a fresh punnet from the local supermarket, why not add a few seasonal berries to your cocktails as garnish? Seasonal fruits such as blackberry and elderberries pair well with a variety of drinks in our SWISH ready made cocktail range.
For example, juicy blackberries can make a spectacular secret combo with tropical and citrus flavours. You could, for example, add a berry or two to the edge or to the very top of a fresh Brazilian Lime Margarita Fizz, or a Naughty Passion Martini Spritz.
It’s an extra tartiness that you can't always get from summer cocktails. Many people will be expecting warm drinks and hot toddies at this time of year – so, surprise and delight your guests with some juicy berries to top a freshly poured SWISH over ice.
Skewer sensational drinks with seasonal herbs
A touch of seasonal herb here and there can also elevate your cocktail presentation even further. The right herbs can add a lovely aesthetic touch and a nice extra flavour atop your favorite drinks.
For example, you might consider skewering fruit you add as a garnish with a little lavender or rosemary. Both are extremely aromatic herbs that can bring out a range of fruity flavours in classic recipes – such as those available from SWISH.
Lavender, in fact, works brilliantly on the palate with a perfect, tart berry flavour – and even a slight nuttiness, too. Consider pairing it with our Breakfast Fizz over ice.
Rosemary, meanwhile, can be an acquired taste – but again, it really brings the best out of tart flavours and citruses.
It’s a surprisingly tasty addition to a Pina Colada – no, really! I’d also recommend trying a little basil or thyme if you have any available.
The best news is, of course, that we’ve made it easier for you to make a Pina Colada from scratch – our Pina Colada Spritz is available as a ready made cocktail and a ready made mocktail. Store in the refrigerator or cooler, then pour over ice, stir, and add your garnish.
Get creative with classic cinnamon
Ah, cinnamon. It’s a true staple of the season. You’ll be tasting it in hot toddies and spiced ciders from now until February, believe me. And yet, it’s also surprisingly versatile in a SWISH cocktail or two!
Believe it or not, a simple cinnamon stick can add a gentle, autumnal kick to SWISH classic cocktails with a twist. In particular, if you love trying creative, fun flavours, you could add a slim stick or two to a SWISH Dolce and Banana Spritz.
No, really – don’t judge this garnish until you’ve tried it. Cinnamon is one of the most potent autumn flavours and garnish staples around, meaning if there are any of your favourite drinks you feel could use a little extra spicy kick, this might just be what you’re looking for.
Oh – but try not to stir up your drink too much with your cinnamon sticks – it’ll lose flavour and fizz. Serve conservatively with your choice of SWISH drink and see what your guests think!
Do garnishes make cocktails perfect?
Well – there’s certainly an argument for a cocktail merely being a tasty drink without a little garnish. Whether it’s edible, herby, or purely for decoration, a great garnish can really help to complete the cocktail experience.
Now, of course, is hardly the time for cheesy umbrellas and sugared cherries. Autumn is all about tart berries and delicate flavours and tones. We all know what classic autumn looks and tastes like – and thankfully, there are plenty of great ways you can add those touches to a couple of classic cocktails.
As you can see from my recommendations, it’s really easy to get started with a couple of great garnishes to see in the season. However, ‘tis also the season to get experimenting. I very much believe in trying different flavours and styles based on one’s favourite flavours – while adding in a few new tricks and treats here and there.
With SWISH, actually making cocktails has never been simpler. You can leave the shaker to one side – simply serve fresh from the refrigerator in a glamorous looking glassware. That gives you more time to hunt down the perfect autumn garnish and to complete the look!
Be sure to take a tantalising look through our complete range of SWISH ready made cocktails and mocktails – and start experimenting with some fresh autumn looks and flavours.