14 Creative Cocktail Garnish Ideas for the Holidays
These creative cocktail garnish ideas are the perfect way to spice up your holiday drinks! They’re simple, yet sophisticated, and perfect for elegant cocktails all season long!
I’m sharing stunning cocktail garnish ideas that are deceptively easy!
Guests will love the festive touch, and you’ll love how easy they are to prepare.
From dehydrated fruit to crushed peppermint, there’s something for everyone and every drink recipe, including Thanksgiving drinks, your favorite alcoholic Christmas drinks and mocktails, and New Year’s Eve libations.
Use these ideas for elevated drinks from November to January!
Creative Cocktail Garnish Ideas
1. Sugared Rosemary Sprigs
Frosty and fragrant, these rosemary sprigs are perfect for gin or vodka cocktails or really any holiday drink. They’re easy to make in a few simple steps. Here’s a step-by-step recipe to follow!
2. Cranberry Skewers
It doesn’t get easier than fresh cranberries on a cocktail pick! Freeze them for extra chill.
3. Dehydrated Citrus Wheels
Dehydrated citrus is a holiday staple. You can use them for garland, wreaths, simmer pots, and elevated cocktails! Use orange, lemon, or blood orange slices for a jewel-toned holiday look.
4. Candy Cane Stir Sticks
Candy cane stir sticks double as garnish and a flavor enhancer. They’re great for hot cocktails, creamy drinks, and cold beverages, too!
5. Star Anise Pods
These festive floating spice stars add warmth and aroma for cozy drinks.
6. Cinnamon Stick Stirrers
Cinnamon sticks are rustic, aromatic, and especially great for mulled wine or cider cocktails.
7. Pomegranate Arils
Add jewel-like pops of color that float and bob with pomegranate arils. Or, you can break off chunks of the pomegranate fruit to add to the rims of your glasses.
8. Edible Glitter or Gold Dust
Food-grade glitter or edible gold dust add festive shimmer for sparkling cocktails or any of your favorite holiday drinks.
9. Sprigs of Pine or Fir (Food-Safe, Untreated)
Add a sprig of pine or fir to add rustic appeal and earthy aroma to whiskey or gin drinks.
10. Mini Gingerbread Cookies
Bake or purchase mini gingerbread cookies and perch one on the rim of a creamy holiday cocktail.
11. Orange Peel Twists
Orange peel twists are elegant and aromatic. Stud them with cloves for extra festive flair!
12. Whipped Cream with Crushed Peppermint
For an extra decadent touch, add whipped cream and crushed peppermint to dessert-style cocktails.
13. Halved Fresh Figs
Fresh fig halves add dramatic garnish to holiday drinks, and they’re especially great for darker spirits.
14. Rosemary Wreath
Tie rosemary sprigs into a small circle and add a cranberry bead. Or, coral the sprigs in a circle just beneath the rim of each glass.
More Like This
If you liked these creative cocktail garnish ideas, you’ll love these other holiday favorites!
