Seasonal Garnishes for Winter Cocktails in the UK: A Creative Guide

Winter in the UK is a time for cosy gatherings, rich flavours, and cocktails that warm the soul. But what really elevates a drink? The garnish. A great garnish doesn’t just look good—it enhances the flavour, complements the ingredients, and creates a memorable experience.

Drawing inspiration from leading bars and mixologists, we’ve curated a list of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs available in January, February, and March to make your winter cocktails stand out. These garnishes are not only fresh and flavourful but also locally sourced, sustainable, and wonderfully creative. Explore our vodka collection to pair these garnishes with the perfect drink.

Blood Oranges

Blood oranges are at their peak during winter. Their vibrant red hue adds visual drama, while the tangy-sweet flavour complements a variety of spirits.

Creative uses:

• Dehydrated Slices: Slice thinly, dehydrate, and use as a crisp and colourful garnish for Negronis or Old Fashioneds. Bonus: They’re shelf-stable and sustainable.

• Caramelised Wedges: Sprinkle with sugar and torch lightly for a burnt caramel edge. Perfect for bourbon-based cocktails or mulled vodka drinks.

• Expressed Peel: Twist a strip of the peel over the glass to release its aromatic oils before dropping it in for a fragrant finish.

Pears

Pears are in season well into February and bring a delicate sweetness and subtle texture to winter cocktails.

Creative uses:

• Pickled Pear Slices: Quick-pickle pear slices in white wine vinegar, sugar, and spices like star anise and cinnamon. This pairs beautifully with gin or vodka-based cocktails. This pairs wonderfully in a mulled cider.

• Pear Fans: Slice the pear thinly and fan it out on the rim of a glass for an elegant touch. Works particularly well with pear martinis or brandy cocktails.

• Infused Syrup: Create a pear and vanilla syrup to drizzle over cocktails and finish with a matching garnish of a pear sliver.

Rhubarb

Forced rhubarb comes into season in January. Its bright pink colour and tangy flavour add excitement to any drink.

Creative uses:

• Rhubarb Ribbons: Shave thin ribbons using a vegetable peeler and curl them into elegant spirals for garnish, ideal in a Rhubarb Martini.

• Candied Rhubarb Strips: Simmer rhubarb in sugar syrup, then dry to create chewy, decorative strips. Use them to adorn whiskey sours or prosecco-based cocktails.

• Rhubarb Puree Swirl: Add a dollop of rhubarb puree to the top of a drink and swirl gently with a skewer for a visually striking garnish.

Beetroot

Earthy and rich, beetroot is surprisingly versatile in cocktails and adds a deep red or purple hue that adds a rich warmth to winter.

Creative uses:

• Beetroot Chips: Thinly slice, bake, and use as a crunchy garnish for vodka cocktails.

• Spiral Garnishes: Spiralise raw beetroot for a dramatic, textured garnish that’s as eye-catching as it is flavourful.

Thyme and Rosemary

Hardy and evergreen, these herbs thrive in winter and bring a woodsy aroma and flavour to cocktails.

Creative uses:

• Smoked Sprigs: Light a sprig of rosemary on fire and place it on the glass rim for a smoky aroma. 

• Herb Ice Cubes: Freeze sprigs of thyme into large ice cubes for a subtle infusion as the drink melts. Works beautifully in tall vodka cocktails.

• Honey-Thyme Syrup: Infuse honey with thyme and drizzle it over the top of your drink for a sweet and herbaceous finish.

Apples

British apples are in season well into the winter and are a classic, versatile garnish.

Creative uses:

• Dried Apple Wheels: Dehydrate apple slices and dust them with cinnamon for a warming garnish perfect in cider-based drinks.

• Apple Roses: Thinly slice apples and roll them into rose shapes to float on top of cocktails. A stunning addition to martinis.

• Cider-Glazed Apples: Caramelise slices in cider and brown sugar, then use them to garnish mulled drinks.

Celery and Fennel

Celery and fennel offer a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to rich winter drinks.

Creative uses:

• Fennel Fronds: Use the delicate, feathery fronds as a light, elegant garnish for vodka cocktails with soda.

• Celery Ribbons: Create long, curled celery ribbons for a unique twist on a Bloody Mary.

• Fennel Sugar Rim: Mix finely chopped fennel with sugar to rim the glass of an anise-forward cocktail.

Wild Garlic (Late Winter)

Wild garlic appears towards the end of March and offers an unexpected savoury note that adventurous drinkers will love.

Creative uses:

• Wild Garlic Oil Drops: Infuse oil with wild garlic and use a pipette to drop it into martinis for a striking visual effect and savoury aroma.

• Garlic-Infused Vodka: Create a wild garlic vodka and garnish with a small leaf for Bloody Mary-style drinks.

• Wild Garlic Salt Rim: Combine wild garlic with sea salt to create a vibrant green rim.

Final Thoughts

Winter garnishes are about more than decoration—they bring depth, flavour, and artistry to your drinks. By focusing on what’s in season, you not only support local growers but also ensure that your cocktails are as fresh and sustainable as they are delicious. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a quiet night in, these creative garnishes will make your winter cocktails truly unforgettable.