Orange peels are not just for compost; they are a beautiful and versatile garnish. A well-cut orange peel can add a bright citrus note to almost any cocktail or non-alcoholic drink. Here are a few ideas for orange peel garnishes that will add a touch of elegance to your next party.
Basic Orange Peel Garnish
The simplest orange peel garnish is a classic for a reason. To make a basic orange peel garnish, simply use a sharp knife to peel a thin strip of orange zest from the orange. The zest should be about 1/4-inch wide and 2-3 inches long. Twist the peel into a spiral and place it in the glass. You can also use a vegetable peeler to create a wider, flatter peel.
You can use a basic orange peel garnish to add a touch of citrus to any cocktail or non-alcoholic drink. It is a particularly good choice for drinks that are made with orange juice or liqueur.
Here are a few variations on the basic orange peel garnish:
- Flamed orange peel: To make a flamed orange peel, simply hold the peel over a flame until it begins to curl and brown. Be careful not to burn the peel. Once the peel is flamed, place it in the glass.
- Candied orange peel: To make candied orange peel, simply sprinkle the peel with sugar and let it dry for a few hours. Once the peel is dry, it can be used to garnish cocktails or desserts.
- Chocolate-dipped orange peel: To make chocolate-dipped orange peel, simply dip the peel in melted chocolate. Let the chocolate cool and set before using it to garnish drinks.
Creative Orange Peel Garnish
In addition to the basic orange peel garnish, there are many other creative ways to use orange peels to garnish drinks. Here are a few ideas:
- Orange peel wheel: To make an orange peel wheel, simply cut a thin slice of orange and remove the flesh. Use a sharp knife to cut the peel into a wheel shape. You can use a wheel as a garnish for cocktails or desserts.
- Orange peel fan: To make an orange peel fan, simply cut a thin slice of orange and remove the flesh. Use a sharp knife to cut the peel into a fan shape. You can use a fan as a garnish for cocktails or desserts.
- Orange peel twist: To make an orange peel twist, simply cut a thin strip of orange zest from the orange. Twist the peel into a spiral and place it in the glass. You can use a twist to garnish cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks.
- Orange peel bow tie: To make an orange peel bow tie, simply cut a thin strip of orange zest from the orange. Tie the peel into a bow tie shape and place it in the glass. You can use a bow tie to garnish cocktails or desserts.
- Orange peel rose: To make an orange peel rose, simply cut a thin strip of orange zest from the orange. Roll the peel up into a rose shape and place it in the glass. You can use a rose to garnish cocktails or desserts.
With a little creativity, you can use orange peels to create beautiful and unique garnishes for your next party. So next time you have an orange, don’t throw away the peel! Use it to create a delicious and eye-catching garnish that will impress your guests.
