Many bartenders select fresh herbs as accents for their cocktails because of the vibrant colors and bold aromatics. To use herbs in a cocktail, the most important step is to release the oils (just like we did with our citrus peels!) using a technique called “awakening.” Let's awaken some herbs!
Select an herb: mint, basil, sage, thyme, rosemary - any type you'd like!
Place a few leaves from the herb in the palm of your non-dominant hand, held upwards.
Bring your other hand down and gently slap to awaken the flavors and scent of the herbs.
Voila! Smell the room fill with the bright scent of fresh herbs.
Place on top of your drink as garnish.
tips for garnishing with herbs
Using a long stem of herbs for a cocktail garnish instead? Like, mint sprigs for a julep or rosemary clipped to the side of a rocks glass? Simply grasp the stem of your herbs and smack the entire sprig of garnish against your opposite hand to achieve awakening en masse.
