The Polka Guide to Garnishes

A few simple ways to make a very good drink look - and taste - even better.

A garnish might be the last thing that goes into your glass, but it can make all the difference.

The right citrus, herb or something fresh can bring out the flavours already in your drink, add a little fragrance and make even the simplest pour feel a little more considered.

And no, you don't need a perfectly stocked bar cart to get it right. A sprig of rosemary from the garden, an orange from the fruit bowl or a cucumber ribbon can be all it takes.

So, consider this your very unfussy guide to garnishing your next Polka.

01 / ROSEMARY

Keep it herbaceous.

Rosemary is one of those garnishes that does almost all the work before you even take a sip.

Its fragrance pairs beautifully with botanical drinks, adding a fresh, herbaceous note without needing to add another ingredient to your glass.

Before adding your sprig, give it a gentle clap between your hands. This helps release the natural oils and makes that beautiful rosemary aroma even more noticeable.

For a simple serve, fill a coupe or wine glass with your favourite mixer, add Polka Botanical Spirit and finish with a fresh sprig of rosemary.

Try it with: Botanical Spirit + tonic or Lilly Pilly Sparkling

02 / ORANGE

A classic for a reason.

When in doubt, add orange.

Fresh orange brings sweetness and citrus aroma, while a dried orange wheel adds a slightly more elevated finish - particularly when you're entertaining.

It's also the natural partner for anything bittersweet.

Fill a glass with plenty of ice, add Polka Italian Aperitif, top with soda and finish with a generous orange wheel.

Simple. Very good.

Try it with: Italian Aperitif + soda.

03 / CUCUMBER

Fresh & crisp.

Cucumber is perfect when you want something light and refreshing.

You can keep things very simple with a thin slice, or use a vegetable peeler to create a long cucumber ribbon. Tuck it between the ice and the side of the glass before pouring your drink.

It looks impressive, takes approximately ten seconds and adds a subtle fresh aroma to every sip.

Try it with: Botanical Spirit + soda or tonic.

04 / PINK GRAPEFRUIT

For something bittersweet.

Pink grapefruit might be one of our favourite garnishes.

It brings beautiful colour to the glass, but more importantly, its fresh citrus aroma and gentle bitterness work particularly well with aperitivo-style drinks.

Add a fresh wedge to the side of your glass or cut a thin half-moon and tuck it between the ice.

If you're feeling a little fancier, use a strip of grapefruit peel instead. Give it a gentle twist over the drink before dropping it in to release the aromatic oils from the skin.

Try it with: Italian Aperitif + soda.

And a few more worth keeping in the fruit bowl...

Once you've got the basics down, there really aren't many rules.

Lemon

Bright, fresh and almost impossible to get wrong.

A fresh lemon wheel is our go-to with the Polka Limoncello Spritz. Or use a vegetable peeler to create a long strip of lemon peel and twist it over the glass.

Try it with: Limoncello Spritz

Mandarin

Sweet, fragrant and particularly good with citrus-led drinks.

Add a fresh mandarin wheel or small wedge, or gently squeeze a piece of peel over the top of your glass to release its oils.

Try it with: Yuzu & Mandarin Spritz

Berries

Strawberries, raspberries and blueberries are an easy way to add colour to sparkling drinks without doing very much at all.

Drop them straight into the glass or add a sliced strawberry to the rim.

Try it with: Sparkling Rosé

Fresh or dried citrus?

Both.

Fresh citrus gives you more fragrance, juice and brightness, making it perfect for everyday serves.

Dried citrus is brilliant to have on hand when you're entertaining. It lasts longer, looks beautiful and makes a simple two-ingredient drink feel instantly more polished.

Our answer? Keep fresh citrus in the fruit bowl and a little jar of dried wheels in the cupboard.

If you're entertaining...

Don't spend the afternoon individually garnishing everyone's drinks.

Instead, slice a few lemons, oranges, grapefruits and cucumbers ahead of time. Add some rosemary or mint and arrange everything on a plate or small platter.

Put the Polka on ice, set out the glasses and let everyone build their own.

It looks good, requires very little effort and means you're not stuck making drinks while everyone else is having a good time.