Place the leaves or sprig in one hand and gently smack it with the other — this warms up the mint slightly and starts to extract the oils before you use it to garnish your drink.
Step Two (optional): Remove the bottom 6 or 8 leaves from your sprig if you want your mint to look like a palm tree. I just leave all of the pretty leaves on the stem. This will make your drink mintier as you sit with it, but that’s okay.
For years both at work and at home, mint would wilt and turn mucky brown after just a few hours in a fridge or on a counter top. My mint wastage in the last decade has probably accounted for some kind of landfill ph imbalance in Ontario. Then in 2015, at Tales of The Cocktail, I went to a mint seminar.
Step Four: Fill a cambro/winechiller/jar with ice water. The only thing to remember here is that your container needs to be deep enough to cover the entire bunch of mint.
The mint trick that we are about to explore will change your life. Especially if you are into Juleps, Mojitos or just having pretty things.
Step One: Wash your mint and get rid of any dead leaves or sprigs. Just a quick rinse will do.
How to properly use Mint as a Cocktail Garnish – DrinkSkool Bar Techniques
FAQ
Is mint a good garnish?
How do you garnish a drink with a mint leaf?
Try mint leaves too. To garnish with a single leaf, place it in the palm of your hand and lightly slap it (this releases the essentials oils in the mint and adds extra aroma to the drink) before placing the leaf on the top of a drink.
What are the benefits of mint?
Mint is an excellent source of micronutrients like ascorbic acid, potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron. It is believed to have medicinal properties to treat several ailments like Polycystic ovarian syndrome. Mint is a natural coolant to the body that reduces the symptoms of irritable bowl syndrome and aids in relieving symptoms of constipation. Besides, it is a potent detoxifier and acts as natural mouth freshener.
What can you make with mint?
Mint is a cooling herb, so it’s perfect for creating summertime porch sippers like mojitos. If you’re avoiding alcohol, use mint to create a refreshing mocktail instead. Sauces like pesto and chimichurri are typically made with basil or cilantro, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make them with other herbs. Try making a mint pesto.
What can you do with mint leaves?
Add a few chopped-up mint leaves to freshen-up regular water, or add it to iced tea or lemonade. You can also freeze mint in ice cube trays to create a visually-stunning addition to any drink. Mint is often used as a garnish for chocolate desserts, but you can turn it into the dessert itself.