Cocktails with Orange zest
Orange zest is the colored outer layer of an orange’s peel, prized for its aromatic essential oils.
How it's used
A thin strip, cut without the white pith, scents a drink with its oil. Grated on a microplane, zest goes into the liquid instead, so the oil spreads through the drink rather than sitting on top. Grated zest suits shaken or blended drinks, sugar rims and syrups.
Substitutes for Orange zest
Tangerine or clementine peel
Does the same job, with a slightly different aroma.
Works too, but the drink then smells of lemon rather than orange.
A dash brings the orange note back with some spice and bitterness. If the drink already takes orange bitters, add one more dash.
Wide orange twist
Usually for the garnish. Squeeze it over the glass so the oil lands on the surface, then drop it in or discard it.
Dried orange peel
Will not work. Dry and brittle, so no oil sprays from it when squeezed.
