How to Make Your Drinks Look More Appealing in Photos

Photography Tips from a Salt Lake Cocktail Photographer

Ever scroll past a drink photo that made you instantly want to order it? That’s the power of great beverage photography. Whether you’re showcasing a signature cocktail, mocktail, or specialty coffee, how your drinks look online can directly impact sales.

As a brand photographer who specializes in food and beverage imagery, I help restaurants, bars, and beverage brands make their drinks impossible to ignore. Here are my top tips to make your drinks look more appealing in photos—whether you're snapping quick shots in-house or planning a full campaign.

1. Glassware Matters More Than You Think

The shape and clarity of your glassware can make or break a drink photo. A cloudy or smudged glass distracts from the drink itself. Always clean your glassware thoroughly and choose shapes that complement the drink—like a coupe for a delicate cocktail or a highball for a citrus spritz.

Pro tip: Keep a microfiber cloth nearby during your shoot to wipe away fingerprints or smudges.

Pro tip #2: Yeah, you can Photoshop it. But what takes a couple seconds in real life will usually take longer in the edit. Don’t screw over future you.

2. Use Fresh Garnishes (and Don’t Skimp)

Garnishes are your drink’s accessories—they add color, texture, and character. Use fresh herbs, citrus wedges, salt rims, or edible flowers to make your beverage pop visually. Avoid wilted mint or dried-out fruit—these will look flat and lifeless in photos.

I like to prep extra garnishes so I can swap them out quickly between shots to keep every photo looking fresh.

3. Play with Light to Make It Sparkle

Lighting is key to creating an appealing, thirst-quenching image. Use natural light whenever possible (just my opinion) and aim for side or backlighting to highlight the drink’s color and transparency. This helps capture the texture of ice, the effervescence of bubbles, and the shine of the glass.

Need something more dramatic? Studio lighting with modifiers can be used to create moody, bar-style shots that still make your drinks shine.

4. Add Condensation and Ice for the Chill Factor

Want your drink to scream “refreshing”? Use clear ice (or faux ice for longer shoots) and mist the glass with water or glycerin to simulate condensation. That frosty, dewy look gives your drink an extra sensory appeal—it’s almost like you can feel how cold it is.

5. Think About the Setting

Your background and props should support—not compete with—your drink. Use textured surfaces like wood, marble, or linen napkins, and keep clutter to a minimum. A carefully placed citrus wedge, cocktail shaker, or fresh herbs in the background can subtly reinforce the drink’s ingredients and vibe.

For brand shoots, I often help clients style a scene that reflects their identity—elegant, casual, rustic, modern, or bold.

Let Your Drinks Speak for Your Brand

Whether you're promoting a seasonal menu, launching a new product, or just trying to elevate your Instagram game, how your drinks look in photos truly matters.

As a food and beverage photographer, I specialize in making drinks look irresistible—so your customers are already saying “yes” before they even take a sip.

🍸 Ready to make your beverages look as good as they taste? Let’s connect and plan your next shoot.