"Not only can a well-placed cocktail garnish make a drink look and feel fancy, the right choice can enhance the liquid that is poured into your glass. We spoke to Justin Lavenue, master mixologist and co-owner of The Roosevelt Room, as well as owner of both The Eleanor Event Space & Cocktail Bar and RoadHaus Mobile Cocktails, for expert tips on how to spruce up a classic Manhattan cocktail with the right garnish."
"When faced with garnishing options like a traditional cherry or alternatives like lemon or orange peels, Lavenue suggests first considering the ingredients you've used to make your drink before finalizing decisions. "Like everything with a Manhattan, the key is choosing a garnish that supports the spirit and vermouth you've selected, rather than defaulting to habit," he instructs. "With so few ingredients in play, the garnish isn't there to hide flaws or add sweetness," says Lavenue, "It's there to reinforce what's already working.""
""Garnishes are often misunderstood as decorative afterthoughts, but at their best, they're the final seasoning of a cocktail," Lavenue explains. In fact, he compared the garnishing element to an "aromatic handshake before the first sip." Lavenue also details that the right choice of garnish can elevate a drink's flavor profile while demonstrating both care and intent in a well-made drink."
A well-placed garnish can elevate a Manhattan's presentation while enhancing aroma and flavor. Select garnishes based on the specific spirit and vermouth so the garnish supports and reinforces the cocktail rather than masking flaws. Aromatic garnishes coax out fruit and botanical notes and act as a final seasoning or "aromatic handshake" before the first sip. Avoid bright red, artificially sweetened grocery-store maraschino cherries and opt for higher-quality alternatives. Thoughtful garnish selection demonstrates care and intent in spirit-forward recipes with few ingredients.
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