What is a common garnish that bartenders might cut during the bar opening process?

A common garnish that bartenders might cut during the bar opening process is olives. Olives are frequently used in a variety of cocktails, such as martinis and certain highball drinks, making them a staple garnish in many bars. Preparing olives in advance helps streamline service, as they can be quickly added to drinks upon ordering.

When preparing for a busy service, bartenders typically focus on garnishes that are versatile and used in multiple drink recipes. Olives fit this criteria perfectly, as they can cater to different customer preferences, whether it be green olives for a classic martini or black olives for a more casual cocktail. They are also easy to store and can be prepped in batches.

In contrast, while cucumbers can also be used in some cocktails like the Pimm's Cup or some gin drinks, they are not as universally requested as olives. Lettuce does not serve as a garnish for typical mixed drinks and is generally not associated with bartending. Bell peppers, while they can be used in some specialty drinks, are not standard garnishes found in most cocktail recipes. Thus, olives remain the most practical and commonly prepared garnish when bars are getting ready for opening.