What is typically used as a garnish for a martini?

In a traditional martini, the garnish most commonly used is an olive or olives. The practice of using olives adds not only a hint of flavor but also contributes to the cocktail's visual appeal, enhancing the overall experience. While a single olive can suffice, serving multiple olives, such as three, has become a popular way to garnish martinis, giving the drinker a bit more to enjoy. The choice of olives complements the dry, crisp flavor profile of the martini, particularly in gin-based versions.

Other garnishes like a lemon twist or an orange slice provide different flavor profiles and might be used in variations of the martini or other cocktails. However, they do not align with the classic presentation of a martini, which traditionally features olives. Mint leaves are not associated with martinis either, as they are more commonly found in cocktails that require a refreshing herbaceous element. This reinforces the signature characteristics of the martini, which is elegance and simplicity. Thus, the use of olives as a standard garnish is well-established in cocktail culture.