If you’ve been to a true dive bar, maybe you’ve witnessed a bartender grab a slimy lime wedge from a sketchy-looking jar and mount it on the rim of your Gin & Tonic. On the other end of the spectrum, it’s now common to be presented with a showy drink topped with a tower of questionable flowers and trinkets designed to pop on your social feed. In either scenario, it’s natural to wonder: Is it OK to eat the garnish?
While some cocktails shine solo, we always appreciate when a good garnish amplifies the drinking experience, or at least provides us with a little snack. To find out which garnishes are cool to consume and which you should avoid, VinePair tapped Katie Kennedy, head bartender at Contento in NYC’s East Harlem.
Kennedy shares that in general, it’s safe to eat your cocktail garnish, but some finishing touches just aren’t meant to be consumed as part of the experience. “Garnishes like twists aren’t meant to be eaten, but they won’t hurt you if you do,” Kennedy says. “Eating a wedge of raw lemon isn’t my thing, but if it’s yours, go off.”
Some items used to top drinks obviously aren’t edible at all. While hopefully no one would try to eat a cocktail umbrella, more subtle ingredients like flowers are things to watch out for. While some varieties like orchids and violets are safe for consumption, it’s usually best to double-check with the staff.
“If you’re ever in doubt, just ask
