The Daily Garnish: Flowers (2024)

In our new series, we’re sharing the creative ways hospitality workers are garnishing their drinks and the brands launching new and improved tools that help make drinks look good. Flowers make a great garnish.

Check out our latest garnish series on smoking co*cktails.

This week, we are looking at floral garnishes for co*cktails. After all, there is nothing more pleasing to the eye than a bright-colored flower-topped co*cktail.

Floral garnishes can take a mediocre drink and give it a beautiful presentation. Flowers are naturally something that looks appealing. Adding a delicate or unique flower can not only make a drink look prettier, but they can give the drink flavor. The garnishes don’t have to strictly garnish; edible flowers add flavor as well. Once a flower sits on the co*cktail, it will give the overall drink a light essence.

The Daily Garnish: Flowers (1)

The Bluebonnet

The JL Bar Ranch created a co*cktail that pays homage to their state flower: the Bluebonnet. Using a local flower in co*cktails is a great way to source sustainably. The Bluebonnet is an indigo-hued flower, which originated the inspiration. Not only is the co*cktail garnished with the flower, but the whole idea came from the flower. It’s a great way to look at nature and create something drinkable.

The Daily Garnish: Flowers (2)

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge offers a perfect summer co*cktail using an edible flower. This is an example of how to add a fresh and lively component to a drink. Without a flower garnish, the co*cktail would be lackluster. Adding the edible flower gives some texture and a pop of color. When creating summer co*cktails at a bar, using flowers to add color can entice the guests. Edible flowers safe for co*cktails are baby’s breath, chamomile, honeysuckle, hibiscus, angelica, and more.

The Daily Garnish: Flowers (3)

Ginger Sage Smash

Katie Stryjewski runs a co*cktail blog called Garnish. She recently launched a book called, co*cktails, Mocktails, and Garnishes from the Garden. It includes the basics of using edible gardening and how to create co*cktails and mocktails. The book has recipes like this Ginger Sage Smash that uses beautiful edible flowers. She wants to inspire those to plant their own co*cktail gardens to utilize. At your own venue, this could be a great way to build a sustainable co*cktail. Having a small garden where you can take from for co*cktail making can also mean experimenting with different flowers.

The Daily Garnish: Flowers (2024)

FAQs

What flowers can you use as garnish? ›

Edible flowers include citrus blossom, clover, daisies, dandelions, hibiscus, honeysuckle, lavender, lilac, mums, nasturtium, pansies, roses, sunflowers and violets, among others.

Can I put flowers in my drink? ›

Flowers are often used to garnish co*cktails and sometimes as flavoring to infuse into co*cktail ingredients. Only use edible flowers designated for food use, as decorative flowers can be full of pesticides. Many flowers are poisonous whether they're home grown/organic or not.

What are the common non edible garnishes? ›

Common inedible garnishes
  • Bead necklaces (especially common during Mardi Gras and Carnival)
  • Candles.
  • co*cktail umbrellas.
  • Drinking straws (colorful or unusually shaped)
  • Fire (see Flaming beverage)
  • Flags.
  • Inedible flowers.
  • Plastic animals (attached to the rim of the glass)

What are 4 popular garnishes? ›

  • Cilantro. Cilantro is one of the most popular garnishes in Asian culinary cuisine. ...
  • Parsley. In the Middle Eastern dishes, parsley is an indispensable herb. ...
  • Mint. Elevate the overall taste of your dishes with mint leaves. ...
  • Chives. If you have chives available, add them to your dishes right now. ...
  • Basil. ...
  • Sorrel. ...
  • Bay Leaves. ...
  • Thyme.
14 Oct 2022

What are 3 examples of a garnish? ›

Simple garnishes such as chopped herbs, decoratively cut lemons, parsley and watercress sprigs, browned breadcrumbs, sieved hard-cooked eggs, and broiled tomatoes are appropriate to a wide variety of foods; their purpose is to provide contrast in colour, texture, and taste, and to give a finished appearance to the dish ...

What are the five edible flowers? ›

Shanthni picks five edible flowers, easy to grow and commonly available. They are the Hibiscus, Rose (heirloom variety such as Edward), Moringa flowers (drumstick), Roselle (gongura) and Basil flowers.

What flowers are used for plating? ›

Here's a list of flowers that not only dress up a plate but also add a boost of flavor.
  • Flowering Herbs.
  • Marigolds.
  • Violas.
  • Pansies.
  • Nasturtiums.
  • Candied Flowers.
1 Oct 2015

Which flower is used for alcohol? ›

Mahua – A flower that is eaten or used to make alcohol.

Can you eat garnish flowers? ›

Insider's takeaway. Edible flowers are a beautiful and unique option for garnishes, whether you're putting together a colorful dessert or serving a co*cktail. Edible flowers can also add great texture and flavor to savory dishes such as soups, salads, and appetizers.

What happens if you put sugar in water for flowers? ›

Sugar increases fresh weight of the flowers and prolongs the vase life. Use 0.5 - 1% Floralife (concentration of sugar not specified). 2% sugar solution doubles the vase life of the cut inflorescence. Some sugar in the vase solution increases the number and size of open flowers as well as prolongs the vase life.

Does adding Sprite to flowers help? ›

Don't throw away those last drops of soda! Pour about 1/4 cup into the water in a vase full of cut flowers. The sugar in the soda will make the blossoms last longer. Note: If you have a clear vase and want the water to remain clear, use a clear soda, like Sprite or 7-Up.

What is the most popular garnish? ›

Herbs and leaves are the most commonly used garnishes, adding color and an unbeatable, distinct, mouth-watering aroma to the dishes. They're also the most varied—there are multiple garnishing possibilities with herbs and leaves. Herbs and leaves can be used fresh or dried for garnishing.

What is garnish and example? ›

A garnish is a small amount of salad, herbs, or other food that is used to decorate cooked or prepared food. ... a garnish of chopped raw onion, tomato and fresh coriander.

What are the 9 garnishing tools? ›

  • This set includes:
  • V-Carving tool.
  • Double-V carving tool.
  • Thick U-shaped carving tool.
  • Skinny U-shaped carving tool.
  • Two-Sided wavy-edge melon carving tool.
  • Edged carving tool.
  • Carving knife.

How do I choose a good garnish? ›

Color and Texture: Pick a garnish that enhances the color and texture of the food it will accompany. For example, use a bright-colored garnish with light-colored foods, or accent soft-textured food with a crisp garnish.

Why is it called garnish? ›

The answer lies in the word's Anglo-French root, garnir, which has various meanings including "to give notice or legal summons" and "to decorate." Before wages were garnished, the debtor would be served with a legal summons or warning.

What are garnishes and decorations? ›

A garnish is an item or substance used as a decoration or embellishment accompanying a prepared food dish or drink. In many cases, it may give added or contrasting flavor. Some garnishes are selected mainly to augment the visual impact of the plate, while others are selected specifically for the flavor they may impart.

What is the most popular edible flower? ›

1. Hibiscus. Hibiscus plants produce large, ornate blossoms that usually grow in tropical and subtropical climates around the world. Hundreds of hibiscus species exist, but the most popular edible variety is known as roselle or Hibiscus sabdariffa.

What is the most common edible flower? ›

For flowers that look good as well as taste good, consider some of the following:
  • Alliums. Chives, leeks and garlic are all delicious in green salads, potato and pasta salads and dips. ...
  • Nasturtiums. ...
  • Marigolds. ...
  • Pansies and Johnny jump-ups. ...
  • Calendula. ...
  • Anise hyssop. ...
  • Honeysuckle. ...
  • Scarlet runner beans.
25 Jan 2021

What flowers are edible for decoration? ›

Varieties of edible flowers may include: Carnations, Hollyhocks, Daisies, Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Chrysanthemums, Chicory, Cornflower, Lavender, Snapdragon, Violets and Pansies. Few of the edible flowers have a lot of flavor; they are primarily added for color, design and aesthetic value.

What are the 5 basic types of flower arrangement? ›

7 Different Types of Flower Arrangements for Various Occasions
  • S-SHAPED FLOWER ARRANGEMENT. ...
  • OVAL FLOWER ARRANGEMENT. ...
  • HORIZONTAL FLOWER ARRANGEMENT. ...
  • VERTICAL FLOWER ARRANGEMENT. ...
  • FAN-SHAPED FLOWER ARRANGEMENT. ...
  • CRESCENT FLOWER ARRANGEMENT. ...
  • TRIANGULAR FLOWER ARRANGEMENT.

What is the flower in gin? ›

Juniper, angelica, and coriander are probably the most essential botanicals used to make gin, and the tastes and scents of all three blending together make gin what we know it. Coming from Florence in Italy, the root of the iris flower, known as orris root, is outside of gin mostly used in perfumes.

What plants are used for drinks? ›

From tree bark to herbs, we round up the plant heroes essential to the art of co*cktail-making.
  • Fever tree (Cinchona spp.) An essential component in a classic gin and tonic, tonic water compliments the fruity flavour of gin and gives it a tangy taste. ...
  • Mint (Mentha) ...
  • Coffee (Coffea) ...
  • Pomegranates (Punica granatum)
8 Jun 2020

Which plant is used to make a drink? ›

The tea plant is an example of a plantation crop. It has green and thick leaves. It is found in hilly areas and requires moisture to grow. It is of course used to produce tea, a very common beverage.

Are flower food packets poisonous? ›

While consumption of these products should not cause any health problems, they should still be kept out of children's reach. If one of these products is ingested, it can potentially cause a bad taste or gagging. If you notice that your child has ingested cut flower food, it is important not to panic.

How long do edible flowers last? ›

All fresh produce should be used as soon after harvest as possible, and edible flowers are no exception. They are perhaps one of the most fragile in terms of shelf life, and their "best by" date is around two days. However, most edible flowers will be usable for 4-6 days if kept in an airtight container in the fridge.

How do florists keep flowers fresh? ›

While the ingredients vary depending on the manufacturer, most contain sugar to feed the flowers, acid to maintain the pH levels of the water, and a bit of bleach to reduce the bacteria and fungi in the vase water. All three help extend the life of the flowers.

Do pennies help flowers live longer? ›

Dropping a copper penny into the vase. The reason pennies are considered a smart way to keep flowers alive longer is because copper is a fungicide, so it naturally kills off those pesky bacteria and fungi that are trying to camp out in your flowers' vase and shorten the life span of your stems.

Does vinegar make flowers last longer? ›

The vinegar helps inhibit the growth of bacteria and keeps your flowers fresher longer. If you don't have vinegar and/or sugar, lemon-lime soda mixed with the water will do the same thing.

What kind of soda keep flowers fresh? ›

Citrus soda, such as 7 Up and Sprite, can effectively make flower water both acidic and sugary, Susan Han, a UMA plant physiologist, told Scientific American. Han recommends concocting a solution of one part soda and three parts water, along with a few drops of microbe-killing bleach.

What soda brings flowers back to life? ›

The theory is that the sugar in the Sprite acts as flower food, which in turn helps the flowers stay fresh and keep drinking water.

How many types of garnish are there? ›

The main types of garnish are herbs, leaves, roots, greens, fruit (often the peel), vegetables, purees, sauces and syrups.

What is garnish called? ›

Some common synonyms of garnish are adorn, beautify, deck, decorate, embellish, and ornament. While all these words mean "to enhance the appearance of something by adding something unessential," garnish suggests decorating with a small final touch and is used especially in referring to the serving of food.

Is an example of traditional garnish? ›

It's little known that it does, in fact, have a purpose (in theory at least), that of sweetening the breath after eating. Simple garnishes used in everyday cooking are chopped chives, parsley or other herbs, grated cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, or a wedge or thin slice of lemon, especially with fish.

What is classic garnish? ›

Simple garnishes used in everyday cooking are chopped chives, parsley or other herbs, grated cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, or a wedge or thin slice of lemon, especially with fish.

What should the garnishes always be? ›

Garnishes should always be edible, so avoid using parsley flowers, lemon twists, cinnamon sticks or raw herbs. Apply your garnishes quickly, so you can ensure food arrives at diners' tables warm.

Why are garnishes important? ›

Garnishes are substances that are used for decoration or embellishment of foods and/or beverages. They function as eye-appealing representations that inform diners of upcoming tastes and textures. This is why the same ingredients used as garnishes should appear in recipes, and be identifiable as such.

What herb is used most often in garnishes? ›

Parsley (Curly)

Curly Parsley brings a crisp taste to salads, vegetables, and herb butters. It's most often used as a garnish.

What ingredients will serve as a garnish? ›

Chopped herbs or small twigs of herbs, leafy vegetables, twirls of carrots or tomatoes, swirls of fresh cream, fruit glaze, chopped nuts, seedless berries, and lemon zest or slices are used for garnishing.

What are the edible garnish? ›

Edible items added to food dishes that provide added flavor and appealing appearances for the items being served. Garnishes may include sprigs of parsley or other greens, fruit slices, croutons, sauces, bits of herbs, or edible flowers.

Can you use flowers as a garnish? ›

Lavender, orchids, nasturtium, and rosemary – all of these are common edible plants used in co*cktail garnishes, but there are so many other plants you can choose from to create something that looks and tastes fantastic.

Can flower be a garnish? ›

Edible flowers are great garnishes for desserts, drinks, and charcuterie boards. It's important to confirm that a flower is actually edible before using it in a dish. You can harvest edible flowers from your own garden.

What flowers are safe for food? ›

Flowers That Are Safe: Pansies, Lavender, Violas, Violets, Roses, Marigold, Cornflower, Carnations, Chrysanthemums, Day Lily, Hibiscus, Peony, Chamomile, Freesia, Gerber Daisy, Lisianthus, Queen Anne's Lace, Primrose, Sunflowers. Here's a longer list (and what parts of each flower are actually edible!).

What is the most common garnish? ›

Herbs and leaves are the most commonly used garnishes, adding color and an unbeatable, distinct, mouth-watering aroma to the dishes. They're also the most varied—there are multiple garnishing possibilities with herbs and leaves. Herbs and leaves can be used fresh or dried for garnishing.

How do you keep flowers fresh for a garnishment? ›

Line an airtight, plastic or glass container with a damp paper towel, and place the harvested flowers gently on top. This will keep the flowers moist and prevent them from wilting. Close the lid and place it in the fridge, or use immediately.

What can be garnish? ›

Your wages can be garnished due to unpaid child support, back taxes, delinquent federal student loans or consumer debt, like credit card balances and medical bills.

What is garnish decoration? ›

A garnish is an item or substance used as a decoration or embellishment accompanying a prepared food dish or drink. In many cases, it may give added or contrasting flavor. Some garnishes are selected mainly to augment the visual impact of the plate, while others are selected specifically for the flavor they may impart.

Can you use rose petals as a garnish? ›

Rose petals are one such floral ingredient that is highly used in culinary art. From fresh to dried, rose petals are being used as a flavour and garnishing ingredient. There's no doubt in asserting that rose petals are used as a staple garnishing agent and centrepiece of the dishes, making them look appetizing.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Lakeisha Bayer VM

Last Updated:

Views: 5537

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Lakeisha Bayer VM

Birthday: 1997-10-17

Address: Suite 835 34136 Adrian Mountains, Floydton, UT 81036

Phone: +3571527672278

Job: Manufacturing Agent

Hobby: Skimboarding, Photography, Roller skating, Knife making, Paintball, Embroidery, Gunsmithing

Introduction: My name is Lakeisha Bayer VM, I am a brainy, kind, enchanting, healthy, lovely, clean, witty person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.