To create a quick sort-of dehydrated orange slices1 using a torch2 for a single cocktail, follow these steps:
Materials:
- Thinly sliced orange (cut as evenly as possible)
- Culinary torch
- Heat-resistant surface (e.g., a baking sheet or fireproof plate)
- Optional: Fine sugar or a spice blend (for added flavor)
Steps:
1. Prep the Orange Slice:
Place the thin orange slice on the heat-resistant surface.
If desired, lightly dust it with fine sugar or spices to caramelize during torching.
2. Torch the Slice:
Hold the torch a few inches above the orange slice.
Move the flame in a circular motion to evenly heat the slice without burning it.
Focus on the edges first, as they tend to dehydrate faster, then move to the center.
3. Check for Dehydration:
The slice should turn slightly translucent and lightly browned around the edges.
The sugars in the orange will caramelize, enhancing both the appearance and aroma.
4. Cool and Use:
Allow the slice to cool for a few seconds.
Once cooled, it should have a firmer texture and be ready to garnish your cocktail.
This method gives a quick, visually appealing garnish with a hint of caramelized citrus flavor, perfect for an elevated cocktail presentation. As an added bonus youâll be able to burn/char orange peels to create nicely flavored âburnt orangeâ simple syrup. I find that adding both burnt orange citrus peels PLUS peels that havenât been seared and leaving them in the (rich) simple syrup for a few hours before removal makes the best, most flavorful burnt orange simple syrup.
In addition, once youâve removed the heavily syrup coated peels from the burnt orange simple syrup you can add a mixture of equal parts Maraschino Liqueur, Peter Heering Cherry Liqueur, and 5 Star Brandy (to cover) and immersion blend them into a thickened mixture that you can then strain to remove any orange skin bits, and add that to hand whipped heavy cream for topping Hot Toddies, Ciders, and even Irish Coffees. Feel free to fold in a bit more of the Burnt Orange Rich Simple Syrup to add additional smoothness and sweetness to your heavy whipped cream, as desired for taste.Â
Site Author, David J. Curtis: David Curtis, a seasoned professional with decades of Bartending and Bar Management experience began his career in Midtown Manhattan, NY, tending and managing bars before diving into Manhattanâs bustling nightlife club scene. Over the years, he has mastered high-volume, high-pressure bartending as the lead bartender in iconic Midtown Manhattan nightclubs (Pursuits, Sybils, Club 53), Coconuts Comedy Club, the Fitzpatrick Hotel, British Airways Hotel, and tended bar briefly in the Wall Street area, generating over $1,350,000.00 annually in personal drink sales. He has since extended his expertise to establishments in Georgia (Marriot Hotel) and now Tampa Florida, in an Exclusive Platinum Service Award winning club. Davidâs roles as a Bartending Instructor at the American Bartending School in Tampa, while maintaining a second job bartending, and his years experience of managing bars, and working as a Brand Ambassador along with his extensive professional library of over 1,000 bartending books, highlight his dedication to continually refining his craft. He holds a diploma in Bar Management and is BarSmarts certified by Pernod Ricard.
Footnotes đ
- These slices will not be 100% dehydrated, but they will be firmer and more dried than previously. Depending upon how long you torch them and what size and type of torch you use, results will vary.[â©]
- For better results use the BernzomaticÂź DuraCastÂź Wide Surface Torch â Durable Cast Body Aluminum Construction for Cooking, Heat Shrinking, Metalworking, and Vinyl Wrapping (TS 4500 Torch)(about $70, and the culinary outdoor and indoor searing blow torch handheld broiler attachment â Searzall Torch Attachment, Pro Grade, Chef Certified, Handheld Broiler, Perfect for Sous Vide Searing & Melting, for Use in Restaurants, BBQs, Home Kitchen & Camping â
Amazon Shopping â Bernzomatic BZ4500HS Torch Head
(often used for Sous Vide searing and melting) that attaches to the top of the blowtorch creating perfect searing temperatures without off-putting gas aromas[â©]
Amazon Shopping â Culinary Portable Broiler Torch-Head
