5 Tropical Garnishes That Will Rock Your World

Forget the paper umbrellas and maraschino cherries - the quality frozen cocktails you're mixing in your margarita machine deserves a unique garnish that'll turn heads. Try these five fun, festive drink toppers next time you whip up a tropical drink in your party machine. 

1. Frozen Melon Balls 
When your cocktail is ice cold, your garnish should be too. Try using frozen melon balls in your next cocktail, foodie blogger Laylita suggested on her website.

Simply use a melonballer to scoop out a variety of your favorite melons - watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew and white honeydew, for example. Then place them on a baking sheet covered in wax paper and freeze. Space them evenly to keep them from sticking together. Now you have dozens of cold, colorful garnishes that'll make your drink sweeter as the melt, not watery. 

2. Pineapple 
Pineapple is a classic tropical garnish, and for good reason - it's delicious. There are a variety of ways you can use pineapple in your drink. Some people prefer the classic wedge of pineapple that sits on the edge of the glass. Although this is a great option when you're short on time, some prefer to cut the wedge from the top of the fruit, so the leaves of the pineapple are on the garnish as well. This is more extravagant and will make feel like you're drinking out of an actual pineapple. 

3. A Banana Dolphin
Bananas are one of the most common fruits in the U.S., but they usually only make it into drinks for daiquiris. Buck this trend by incorporating a banana into your drink as a garnishing dolphin. Bartender Paul McGee told People magazine about his recipe for this aquatic garnish. This is a great choice for almost any tropical drink, and it's sure to impress your friends. 

4. Twisted Orange Peel 
Rather than the classic lime, lemon or orange slice as a garnish, Red Book Magazine explained that a twisted peel can offer a one-of-a-kind, colorful touch. Cut a strip of orange peel, twist it several times around your finger and slit it through its layers so it keeps its twisted shape on the glass. 

5. Fresh Berries 
Don't get hung up on the ingredients most bars use. When you're playing bartender at home you don't have to worry about having limes or olives, so think outside the box. Try some fresh raspberries, blackberries or other berries to top off your margarita or cocktail. 

Your fellow Parrotheads at Margaritaville® Cargo remind you to enjoy your frozen concoctions responsibly and obey all drinking laws.