Good food, good music, great company; what else would one need to complete a great evening? The perfect drink, of course. It’s a common misconception that only an alcoholic drink or champagne can be counted as a ‘real’ drink for an occasion, but nothing could be farther from the truth. Non-alcoholic, halal wine or sparkling drinks can be as refreshing and soothing as any other, provided they are garnished well. Garnishes add flavour and nutrients to a drink and can make them much more visually appealing as well as appetising.
Garnishing an alcohol-free drink is quite an art, but you don’t need to be a bartender to perfect it. In fact, you might have everything you need for it right in your kitchen or your garden. All you need is a little bit of creativity. Keep in mind that the garnished bubbly drinks could very well be the highlight of your buffet or table, so striking a fine balance between the taste and the appearance is crucial.
Here are a few pointers to get it just right.
A DASH OF LIME
Lime wedges are the most popular garnishes for non-alcoholic drinks, and for good reason. The right amount of lime, just one wedge, can do wonders to your drink and turn it tangy and vitamin-rich at the same time. Anything more and it could overpower the drink. Sliced cucumber can balance any extra tanginess and also cool the drink.
FRESH FRUIT
Apple slices, cherries, plums, and orange have all been hot favourites as garnishes for alcohol-free drinks, but you can experiment a bit more with something more colourful, like blood-orange, watermelon or blueberry.
MINT AND STRAWBERRY
A popular combo, the red of the strawberry and the green of the mint together are sure to find the most takers just for the striking appearance, in any gathering.
SALT ON THE RIM
A classic, salt on the rim of the glass is the easiest garnish but needs to be done by an expert, as it should not be too much or too little. The right amount will turn your 0% alcohol drink into a lip-smacking one in an instant, be assured!
HERBS FROM THE GARDEN
A sprig of mint, rosemary, basil or combinations of these will infuse not just taste but a heady aroma as well to your drink. Crush or squeeze the leaves a little before adding them, to get the full effect. Strain and serve.
ICED GARNISHES
When it comes to presentation, nothing can beat ice cubes with fruits or herbs. All you need to do is pick the garnishes you need in the prettiest colors, shred them to bits and add them to the water as you fill the ice tray. Voila! The ice cubes formed would not just look aesthetically appealing but can infuse the flavors slowly into your drinks.
The longer the fruits and herbs sit in the drink, the better the flavors as they would infuse more into the drink. So, what are you waiting for? Pop the sparkling bubbly, get the party going!
