Orange peel is the outer colored layer of the skin of the orange, which, like all hesperide fruits, is thick, bumpy, and studded with oil-producing glands. Commonly used in both cooking and baking, orange peel can also be candied, used as a garnish, or expressed over the top of a cocktail to provide an aromatic punch to the drink. If the orange peel is cut into small pieces, especially with a citrus zester, it is usually referred to as zest.
An orange spiral is a long twist of orange peel, typically cut using a channel knife. Orange spirals are almost always used as a garnish, and can be hung from the rim of a cocktail glass in a decorative fashion.
Orange oil is made up of almost 90% limonene, a monoterpene aromachemical with a typical orange aroma. There are also small amounts of Bergaptene and Myrcene as well.
Some popular cocktails containing Orange peel
- Red Danube — Zwack liqueur, Sweet vermouth, Campari, Orange bitters, Lime juice, Orange peel
- Spring Reviver — Gin, Elderflower liqueur, Calvados, Absinthe, Lime juice, Gentiane de Lure, Gomme syrup, Orange peel
- K.B.M. — Bourbon, Bitters, Coffee liqueur, Amaro Meletti, Orange peel
- Intro to Aperol — Aperol, Gin, Bitters, Lemon juice, Simple syrup, Orange peel
- Kingston Club — Drambuie, Fernet Branca, Bitters, Pineapple juice, Club soda, Lime juice, Orange peel