Stainless Steel Cocktail Picks

Stainless steel cocktail picks are a bar tool: a slim metal skewer that holds garnishes in a drink. This set is made by Esplanda. The listing doesn't give the count, length or tip style, so check the product specifications for those. The main advantage of metal over wood or plastic is reuse. Stainless steel doesn't absorb flavors, doesn't splinter, and can be washed after each use. Because it's non-porous, it also doesn't pick up the brine from olives or the oils from citrus peel. Picks like these are usually used for the classic garnishes: olives in a Martini or Gibson, a cocktail onion, brandied or maraschino cherries in a Manhattan or Old Fashioned, and a citrus twist or wheel pinned to the rim. They also work for skewering a cube of pineapple or a few berries for a tiki-style drink, and for building a Bloody Mary garnish from pickled vegetables, cheese cubes and cured meats. A pick lets you spear the garnish, set it in the glass, and lift it out without using your fingers. A few habits help with metal picks. Chill them in the freezer with your glassware if the drink is served very cold, so the garnish doesn't warm the first sip. Lay the pick across the rim or rest it diagonally in the glass so the tip stays clear of the drinker's mouth. For drinks served in a coupe or Nick & Nora glass, a shorter pick usually sits better, while a tall highball or Bloody Mary glass can take a longer one. Hand wash them or use a dishwasher, and dry them before storing so they stay bright.