Fruits like sweet lime, grapefruit, kiwi and oranges are known to add freshness to desserts and drinks. Traditionally, candied fruits and fruit peels have been used to garnish cakes, pastries and the making of many a cocktail. The best part of citrus fruits is its burst of zesty flavour, that make your cocktails seem more refreshing while obviously enhancing its taste. Candied fruit and peels can be directly used in the making of cocktails and even as a decorative element in cocktails. While also being a great way to upcycle what is potential kitchen waste, candying fruits and fruit peels adds depth and nuance to your drink.
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Process Of Candied Fruit
Having a sharp paring knife, vegetable peeler, cutting board and ripe fruit with a smooth exterior is the first step to candying fruit. Choose the juiciest fruits to make sure your candy has the right amount of flavour as under-ripe or partially-ripened fruits can be hard to peel, look less attractive and have less aroma. Peel each one carefully and dunk them in some sugar syrup, infused with aromatic oils and spices of your choice. Remove the pieces of fruit and peels on a wire rack to cool before putting them in the freezer. To make your cocktails more flavourful and aromatic you can also pour the aromatic syrup at the bottom of the serving glass before adding the other ingredients.
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Flavour Pairings
While candied fruits and peels are staple in the spirit world, vodka offers a range of possibilities when combined with citrus candies like orange or lemon. Create the perfect cocktail mixes like the orange crush or screwdriver using candied orange, which highlights the brightness and sweetness in the drink whereas vodka adds tantalising flavour. Fruit candy like mango or pineapple pair well with a spiced rum since opposite flavours contrast well with one another, balancing the spice and sweetness.
For the winter, a great way to include candied fruit is to pair it with ‘warm’ liquors like whiskey – think candied orange, lemons or grapefruit. Candied citrus helps in balancing the sweet and woody notes of whiskey and also opens up an avenue of drinking whiskey to people who do not prefer drinking it. Similarly, the combination of candied citrus like lemon, lime and orange, naturally complement the botanical flavours of gin. Elevate your classic gin & tonic with some whole spices and candied lemon peel for extra oomph.