In a standard cocktail preparation, what ingredient is typically added after shaking with ice?

In standard cocktail preparation, garnishes are typically added after shaking with ice. The purpose of shaking a cocktail is to thoroughly mix the ingredients and chill the drink, which also dilutes it slightly as ice melts. After shaking, the drink is usually poured into a glass, and the garnish is added as a finishing touch to enhance the presentation and add a burst of aroma or flavor. Common garnishes include citrus peels, herbs, or cocktail cherries, each chosen to complement the specific flavors of the cocktail.

In contrast, sweeteners, spirits, and water play a role in the mixing and dilution process before shaking. Sweeteners are incorporated to balance flavors, spirits are the primary alcohol components, and water is a result of dilution from melting ice during the shaking. These ingredients are all vital to the initial preparation phase, while garnishes serve primarily for presentation and enhancement after the mixing process is complete.