15 Holiday Themed Cocktail Garnishes

Dress your cocktails in more than a candy cane or cinnamon stick. These festive garnishes are original and will surely take your merrymaking up a notch.
By Kate Wilke

11466556846_e7b5ed76d6_zWill Cook For Friends

This article has been posted with permission and originally appeared as 15 Creative Garnishes for Your Holiday Cocktails on Relish

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Sugar-Coated Cranberries

IMG_17181The Clever Carrot

Sugar coat cranberries to give your cocktails a glistening red punch of color. Make them even more festive by pairing with green, fresh mint.

Pomegranate Arils and Rosemary

CocktailsInspired by Charm

When Pomegranate arils are added to sparkling wine, the drink will blush and the bubbles will coat the seeds for an-extra sparkly appearance. Oh, and don’t forget to add a sprig of rosemary!

Mini Gingerbread Men

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What better way to garnish a gingerbread martini than with mini gingerbread men? Make the little gingerbread look right at home atop cocktails by rimming them with vanilla frosting and white nonpareils.

A Festive Straw and Sprinkles

christmas-cookie-shots-49Sugar and Cloth

These fun holiday shots are decked out with candy cane straws and a rim of white sprinkles.

For Chocolate-Lovers

10-christmas-cocktails-mocktailsCelebrations

A chocolate garnish is super easy to achieve. Just dip the rim in chocolate and then in chocolate sprinkles. And what kind of cocktail should you pour? We’re thinking something with Bailey’s Irish Cream…

Sugar Cookies

cookie-cocktail-horizSimple Bites

Say hello to the ultimate adult version of milk and cookies.

Candy Canes Galore

11466556846_e7b5ed76d6_zWill Cook For Friends

Nothing spreads holiday cheer quite like a candy cane. Melt white chocolate for the rim, dip glasses in crushed peppermint candies, pour some White Chocolate Peppermint Bark Martinis and finish with a top of whipped cream.

Bite-Sized Donuts

eggnog-martini-holiday-cherylstyleCheryl Style

A bite-sized donut may not be the first garnish to came to mind when slinging cocktails, but the satisfying addition pairs exceptionally well with an eggnog martini!

Vanilla Macaroons

macaron-pom-parfaits-sprinkle-bakes-3Sprinkle Bakes

If you really want to impress your guests, try a lavish garnish of vanilla macaroons, whipped topping, and pomegranate arils. To top it off, add some sparkly, holiday sticks.

Cinnamon, Pomegranate, and Apples

img_4589Lexi’s Clean Kitchen

To increase the appeal of the cinnamon stick garnish, add pomegranate arils and chopped apples. Perfect for spiked apple cider.

Gingersnap Crumble

gingerbread_milkshake_recipe6Camille Styles

For an easy, yet creative garnish, add a cookie rim with agave nectar and crumbled gingersnap cookies.

Gingersnap Cookies

20111206-egg-nog-01-primary-thumb-625xauto-204279Serious Eats

Take the gingersnap rim one step further by adding a soft gingersnap cookie. Gingersnaps will go perfectly with any eggnog mixed drink.

Hot Chocolate Toppings

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It doesn’t get more decadent than this. Kahlua Hot Chocolate topped with mini marshmallows and drizzled with chocolate and caramel sauce.

Graham Cracker Crumbs

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Graham cracker crumbs are one of the easiest ways to quickly dress up a creamy cocktail.

Rock Candy

cadee2a636651c09cebf84f7be5b357eRock Candy

Add crystal rock candy to a champagne cocktail or any sparkling beverage for extra bubbles.

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  1. These recipes looks amazing. We are looking to shoot some recipes that require the use of a butane torch. If you would like to test and review one of our butane torch lighters, feel free to dm us.
    You may check them out at NewportButane.com/lighters

    Thanks for sharing
    Alexa

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