Dried Fruit Garnishes for Cocktails

The garnish on a cocktail is a key element in the presentation of the drink. The garnish adds visual appeal. It also contributes flavor and enticing aroma to the cocktail. The garnish often accentuates or complements the flavors used to make the cocktail.

A Colorful Garnish

Using dehydrated fruit for cocktails makes the more impressive. There are numerous ways to choose which dried fruit is best for the cocktail you’re making. One way to choose a garnish is by its color. If you’re making a holiday or Valentine’s Day cocktail, dehydrated strawberries would be an ideal choice. A dehydrated strawberry would be an attractive garnish for strawberry gin, strawberry champagne, or a strawberry Daiquiri.

Themed Cocktails

You could choose dried fruit for cocktails that complement a theme such as a tropical-themed cocktail party. Dried pineapples have a sweet tropical flavor and are typically associated with island life. You could use dried pineapple slices to garnish a pineapple vodka cocktail, a pineapple rum fizz, or a pina colada.

Dried apricots are also a good choice for tropical cocktails and summer parties. They pair well with a dried apricot martini and apricot rose julep.

Seasonal Fruits

You can select dried fruit for cocktails based on its compatibility with the seasons. Dried apricots are a dried fruit that’s as appropriate in autumn and winter as it is in the summer. One example of an ideal winter cocktail using dried apricot as a garnish is a spiced rum apricot cocktail.

Dried apples are often associated with autumn, winter, and the holidays. Dehydrated apples are an excellent garnish for a holiday spiced Honeycrisp apple cocktail or a Jack Rose Cocktail. There’s an abundant selection of cocktails that use dried apples as a garnish.

Making Dried Fruit for a Garnish

You can easily make dried fruit to use as a garnish for cocktails. To do so, turn your oven to its lowest setting. Thinly slice whatever fruit you’re using. Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the oven and check the fruit at least once every hour or half-hour to test for dryness. Allow the fruit to cool before using it. You can store the dried fruit in an air-tight container for about 4 weeks.