There are several cocktails that incorporate dried orange as an ingredient, adding a unique and flavorful twist to the drink. Here are a few popular ones:
1. Old Fashioned: The classic Old Fashioned cocktail can be enhanced with the addition of a dried orange slice. To make it, muddle a sugar cube with a few dashes of Angostura bitters in a glass. Add a splash of water and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Then, add your preferred whiskey or bourbon and stir well. add ice cubes and garnish with a dried orange slice.
2. Boulevardier: Similar to a Negroni, the Boulevardier is a delicious cocktail that combines whiskey, Campari, and sweet vermouth. To make it, combine equal parts whiskey, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass with ice. Stir well and strain into a glass with ice. Garnish with a dried orange slice for an added burst of citrus flavor.
3. Cosmopolitan: While the traditional Cosmopolitan does not typically include dried orange, you can experiment with adding a twist to this classic vodka cocktail. To make a Cosmopolitan, combine vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, and freshly squeezed lime juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. If you want to incorporate dried orange, you can garnish the drink with a dried orange slice instead of the usual lime wheel.
4. Whiskey Sour: The Whiskey Sour is a refreshing and tangy cocktail that can be made even more interesting with the addition of a dried orange slice. To make it, combine whiskey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass with ice. Garnish with a dried orange slice for an extra touch of citrus.
5. Sangria: While not a cocktail in the traditional sense, Sangria is a delightful and versatile drink that can be customized with various fruits, including dried orange slices. To make a red wine Sangria, combine red wine, orange juice, brandy, and a sweetener of your choice (such as simple syrup or honey) in a pitcher. Add sliced fresh oranges, apples, and any other fruits you desire. Let the flavors meld together in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. When serving, garnish each glass with a dried orange slice for an added burst of citrus aroma.
These are just a few examples of cocktails that can be elevated with the addition of dried orange slices. Feel free to get creative and experiment with other recipes as well!