Cocktail garnish

[1] They are used to complement and enhance the flavors in a drink by stimulating the special nerve cells in the nose and mouth[2] A large variety of cocktail garnishes are used.

Tequila-based drinks favor limes and other citrus fruits.

Gin- and vodka-based drinks tend toward garnishes with a more dignified flair (olives, onions, or possibly a citrus twist or a single maraschino cherry), unless they are variations of a fruity rum-based drink.

[citation needed] Some garnishes are essential to completing the recipe, as in the case of the olive in the Martini, the maraschino cherries in the Queen Mary and the Manhattan, or the onion in the Gibson.

Another reason for garnishes is to make cocktails more "camera ready" so that when photos are taken for the press or social media, different drinks will not look so much alike.

A whiskey sour, served in a coupe glass , is garnished with a spiral of lemon peel and two maraschino cherries on a cocktail pick, along with drops of bitters swirled into the foam (from egg white) atop the drink.
A lime peel " twist " for a garnish adds an elegant touch to this Martini