Save A festive selection of garnishes to elevate your Champagne experience, perfect for parties and celebrations.
This garnish bar has been my go-to for every festive occasion, adding color and flavor that guests always enjoy.
Ingredients
- Fresh Fruit: 1 cup raspberries, 1 cup sliced strawberries, 1 cup pomegranate seeds, 1 cup blackberries, 2 limes sliced into thin wheels, 2 lemons sliced into thin wheels, 1 orange sliced into thin half-moons
- Herbs & Edible Flowers: 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup edible flowers (such as violets, pansies, or nasturtiums)
- Sweet Additions: 1/2 cup sugar cubes, 1/4 cup candied ginger diced, 1/4 cup dried rose petals (food grade)
- Specialty Touches: 1/2 cup gold leaf flakes (optional, for luxury touch), 1/2 cup maraschino cherries (check for pits and stems)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Wash and dry all fresh fruit, herbs, and edible flowers thoroughly.
- Step 2:
- Arrange each garnish in small, attractive bowls or on platters for easy access.
- Step 3:
- Slice citrus fruits into thin wheels or half-moons for an elegant look.
- Step 4:
- Place sugar cubes and candied ginger in small ramekins.
- Step 5:
- If using, set gold leaf flakes in a small dish with tweezers for delicate handling.
- Step 6:
- Set up the garnish bar near the Champagne station, providing small tongs, forks, and spoons for guests.
- Step 7:
- Offer guidance cards suggesting pairing ideas, such as Strawberries + Mint or Pomegranate + Lemon.
Save This garnish bar always brings smiles as families gather and enjoy creating their perfect Champagne glass.
Required Tools
Small bowls or ramekins, serving platters, slicing knife and cutting board, tongs forks or spoons for serving, tweezers (for gold leaf if used)
Allergen Information
Possible sulfites in Champagne, possible nuts if cross-contaminated, edible flowers may cause reactions in sensitive individuals verify safety, maraschino cherries may contain artificial coloring or preservatives, always check labels for allergies
Nutritional Information
Calories 30, Total Fat 0 g, Carbohydrates 7 g, Protein 0.5 g (per serving estimate will vary by garnish choice)
Save These simple garnishes add an elegant final touch that delights guests and elevates any celebration.
Recipe FAQs
- → What fruits work best as garnishes for Champagne?
Fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, and pomegranate seeds add vibrant color and subtle sweetness to sparkling drinks.
- → How should citrus fruits be prepared for garnishing?
Slice limes and lemons into thin wheels and oranges into half-moons for an elegant and easy-to-use garnish.
- → Can herbs and edible flowers be used safely as garnishes?
Yes, fresh mint and basil leaves offer aromatic notes, and edible flowers like violets or pansies add visual appeal. Always verify flower edibility and safety.
- → What sweet elements complement a garnish bar?
Sugar cubes, candied ginger, and dried rose petals provide gentle sweetness and interesting textures alongside fresh ingredients.
- → Are there any optional luxury touches for garnishes?
Gold leaf flakes add a shimmer of elegance when used sparingly, perfect for elevating festive gatherings.
- → How can guests personalize their sparkling drinks using the garnish bar?
Encourage mixing fruits, herbs, and sweet accents to create signature flavor combinations, such as strawberries with mint or pomegranate with lemon.