How to Garnish Your Gin

From wedges to wheels, and twists to peels, it can be hard to know what garnish to add to your gin. Every gin is made using a different combination of botanicals, so the choice of garnish can really help to complement or contrast its flavour. Keep reading for our quick guide on garnishing your gin.

What is a Garnish?

Essentially, it is anything added to a drink. A great garnish can help to enhance a drink’s visual appeal, add a sensory element and bring out flavours.

Types of Garnish

Peels

The peel of a fruit is packed full of oils, so it makes a fantastic garnish. Giving the peel a twist will release these oils, giving off some serious aromas when rubbed around the edge of a glass. At Hayman’s, we love to use citrus peels as they provide great flavour without being too overpowering and upsetting the balance of the gin. Oh – and we can brand them!

Cut Fruit

Using a wedge of fruit is great if you want to add a bit more flavour to your drink. Particularly in the case of citrus fruits, a wedge will add some acidity and sharpness.

Whole Fruit

Using whole fruit won’t give off as much flavour as a peel or cut fruit. But what they lack in aroma they make up for in visuals and using small berries can make a drink look very appealing.

So which garnish works best with our collection of True English Gins? We have chosen a couple of options for each gin which will help to complement or contrast their different flavour profiles.

London Dry Gin

Compliment

For a true English G&T we recommend using a lemon peel to accentuate this gin’s crisp, citrus notes.

Contrast

A touch of grated nutmeg or cinnamon will play on the spicier notes in this gin.

Buy Hayman’s London Dry Gin here.

Old Tom Gin

Compliment

Using a thin slice of orange will highlight the sherbet-like sweetness of this gin.

Contrast

For something different, our bartender recommends adding a physalis berry. Not only will this add a real wow to your drink’s visuals, it will also play on the rounded, citrus notes of Old Tom Gin.

Buy Hayman’s Old Tom Gin here.

Sloe Gin

Compliment

Maraschino cherries work well to bring out the sweeter, plum flavours of our Sloe Gin.

Contrast

Have you ever considered using almonds as a garnish? Sprinkling flakes on the top of your drink are a great way to bring out the nutty flavour of our Sloe Gin. Using pickled almonds would emphasise the hedgerow tartness of this gin, while caramelised almonds would accentuate the sweetness of the sloe berries used.

Buy Hayman’s Sloe Gin here.

Gently Rested Gin

Compliment

This gin finishes with bright citrus and warm coriander flavours.  Adding a grapefruit peel works well to bring body and balance to this gin.

Contrast

To bring out the peppery notes of this gin we like to use pink peppercorns. Just a few will accentuate the peppery spice to give a pleasant warmth.

Buy Hayman’s Gently Rested Gin here.

Royal Dock Gin

Compliment

This gin already has a big flavour, so we recommend floating angostura bitters and adding a slice of lime. This creates an aromatic G&T which harks back to traditional Victorian Pink Gin.

Contrast

The hearts of this gin give off tropical aromas, so adding a slice of mango will enhance these flavours.

Buy Hayman’s Royal Dock Gin here.

If you still feel you’ve got more to learn about garnishing you gin, why not book on to a cocktail masterclass at the Home of English Gin?