Drinks with Pizazz!

Ignore all those people who make fun of you for liking sugary colorful drinks! People love them for one simple reason: they taste good! There's no doubt that the multiple spirits and mixers that create a wonderful concoction is what makes such a tasty cocktail, but little do people know how important and crucial the right garnish is when it comes to mixing up a cocktail. Don't know how to decorate those pretty drinks? eHow has got a simple guide on How to Garnish a Drink. An easy recap on their guide is to simply use their mixer guide. If you use one of these popular mixers in your cocktail, garnish accordingly:

• Cranberry juice = Lime
• Soda/tonic = Lime
• Cola product = Lemon
• Orange juice = Orange
• Sour mix = Orange and cherry
• Olive juice = Olives
• Lemonade = Lemon

For all other drinks, garnishes are really up to personal preference, as long as they compliment the cocktail's flavor and not hinder it. Be sure to know, though, that many bartenders distinguish the extra piece of fruit or decorative item on a cocktail to either be garnish or garbage. To them, if what you add to a drink changes the way it tastes, then it is a garnish. If it is only for appearance, it is called garbage. To me, if everything tastes good it doesn't matter what it's called! Here are a few rules on Garnishes (and Garbage):

1. Try and avoid using apples, pears or other fruits that will turn brown quickly; thought it may still taste good, it can downgrade the overall appearance of your drink.
2. Go the extra step and garnish your garnish! Coat berries in lemon juice and dip them in powdered or crystallized sugar, or even salt for some drinks, for a fancy finish.
3. If you're using savory mixers, consider vegetable or herb garnishes; experiment with mint, basil, cucumber peels/slices, olives and cherry tomatoes!

The combinations are endless when it comes to decorating your cocktail. Don't worry about following rules and be sure to experiment! Happy drinking!