Craft and Garnish

Acing The Serve: Garnishes Your Ready-To-Drink Cocktails Deserve

Samantha and Chris, Boozing Abroad Contributors

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Just because it’s served in a can, doesn’t mean it’s not worthy of the ‘gram! You might think that ready-to-drink cocktails (RTDs) are merely meant to be enjoyed straight from the can or bottle. Think again. 

Don’t get us wrong, RTDs have a time and a place to enjoy straight from the packaging — when you’re out on the golf course, at the beach, or hanging around the backyard with friends. Or maybe it’s even every day for you. Believe us; there’s no problem with that.

But every once in a while, your ready-to-drink cocktails deserve a level-up. Something that you and your drinking cohorts would be proud of putting on display and drinking.

Even though your RTD is, well, ready to drink, you can still elevate your RTD cocktail serve by following a few of these tips and guidelines for a truly snazzy drink!

A On the Rocks Old Fashioned RTD is served in a proper rocks glass

Use the #ProperGlassware

The key to any social media-worthy cocktail has to start with the glassware. Sure, pulling out any ol’ glass will always do in a pinch. But we’re shooting for internet stardom here, and “any ol’ glass” just won’t do.

In addition to being cool to look at, proper glassware can also accentuate your cocktail, both visually and with its taste. You wouldn’t serve wine in a pint glass, right? So why would you serve this On the Rocks Old Fashioned in anything other than a true rocks glass designed to highlight this classic, spirit-forward cocktail? You also wouldn’t get your brunch game started right with a Miami Cocktail Co. Organic Blood Orange Mimosa in anything but a champagne flute.

A simple search of the world wide web will help you determine all the proper glassware for your favorite cocktails. But go ahead and push the envelope of what is “proper.”You have our permission — break the unwritten rules of alcohol lore. You might just start a trend of your own.

Truly Vodka Seltzers served with various complementary fruits

Fresh fruit is your friend!

On a normal cocktail night, your idea of incorporating fruit into a cocktail may just be adding a splash of store-bought lime juice. Not judging (currently sipping on a gin and tonic with the aforementioned store-bought lime juice). But this is not a normal cocktail night.

Why not take something like a Truly Vodka Seltzer and spruce it by cutting a few limes into wedges or slices? It’s easy, it’s fresh, it’s delicious. Maybe even expand your horizons and add in some lime zest or even a pineapple wedge!

Here are some other easy-to-do fresh fruit pairings that we love with our RTDs:

  • A wedge of pineapple with your Mai Tai or Piña Colada
  • A Maraschino cherry (muddled or not) to complete your Old Fashioned
  • An olive or two to make any Martini a little dirtier
  • An orange slice to brighten your Aperol Spritz or Mimosa
  • A lime to add a touch of tartness to your Vodka Soda or Margarita


We know what you’re thinking: “Anyone can cut a few lime or lemon wedges or toss in a cherry. I want to try something to REALLY ace the fruit game.” You can always lightly peel the outside of your fruit to create different shapes. If that sounds daunting, use a sharp knife to carefully peel a piece off and create a half-moon over a toothpick. Voila! 

An On the Rocks Mai Tai garnished with mint and pineapple leaves

Tall and Inviting Sprigs

Height adds a whole new dimension to a drink. Confused? We have some quick ideas for you. Mojitos and Mai Tais usually require muddled mint to release flavors. Instead of all that muddling, add a big sprig of mint and a freshly-sliced lime to the finished product. Even Ernest Hemingway would approve.

Too early for Mojitos? Bloody Marys can easily be dressed up with a stick of celery and even more whimsical garnishes like a slice of bacon, a toothpick of olives, fresh herbs like a sprig of dill, or even pickled jalapeños.

In the mood for a Strawberry Daiquiri? Add some color and earthiness to your sweet concoction using a thyme sprig. You can even add a strawberry on the end for an extra gold star.

Stock Your Cooler

A Tanqueray Gin and Tonic is poured over fresh, clear ice cubes and a cucumber slice

Ice, Ice, Baby!

It may sound silly, but ice (yes, frozen water) can add so much to your garnishment and presentation game. It just requires some forethought, so you have it ready. Whether it's one of the unique shapes of ice molds available, crushed ice, or just regular ice cubes you get from the freezer, it can all add to your RTD cocktail.

For example, a Tanqueray London Dry Gin & Tonic demands that you ditch the regular cubes and opt for perfectly clear ice instead.

And your ice can be more than just there to keep your drink cold, too. Try freezing some fresh fruit or herbs into your ice to add flavor and colors to your cocktails.

Looking to really make your ice useful? If you have a go-to drink like that Malibu Watermelon Mojito, freeze some fresh watermelon juice along with a mint leaf. It’s flavor in every sip, even as it melts! 

Jose Cuervo RTD Margaritas are poured into a glass rimmed with salt

Accessorize Your Glass

While these can get messy, rimming a glass instantly adds sparkle. Whether it’s salt, sugar, or chili powder (you wild child), it’s relatively easy to coat the rim of your glass. After all, can you really have a Jose Cuervo® Margarita without a salt-rimmed glass?

Simply pour out your chosen rim dressing on a plate. Wet the rim of your glass and turn the glass upside down onto the plate. Add your RTD and ta-da! You have a fun garnishment that adds even more flavor and texture.

One of our favorite rim additions is coffee grinds on a White Russian — sometimes, we even put a whole coffee bean on top. It adds some serious aroma, and the Dude will definitely abide. 

Mai Tais served with a fun straw and cocktail umbrella

Things you don’t eat

Last but not least are all the non-edible garnishments you can add to your RTD cocktail to give them some extra pizazz. From those festive baby umbrellas in Rum Punches to fun-striped straws in a Rainbow Sherbert to sparklers added to make your Vodka Cranberry more festive, there’s no limit to what you can add as long as your glass is big enough!

Requirement: when you come up with something epic, you must let us know!

You can liven up your RTDs with minimal effort and maximum effect, whether it’s glassware or garnishes (or if you’re feeling creative, both). After all, in a world obsessed with the visual, it’s all about the presentation of your drinks, especially your cocktails —taste is obviously important, but that’s a given.

When you’re finished with your cocktail creation, it will be something that is Instagram-ready. And who knows, depending on your creativity, you might even trick your friends and followers into thinking that you visited that fancy cocktail bar downtown rather than simply sprucing up an RTD from a can. Make sure to tag #MyCoolerIsCooler with the RTDs you aced the serve on!

Stock Up Your Serves