How to Cut Orange Peel for Old Fashioned: 6 Easy Methods

Introduction

Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that has been around since the 1800s. It is made using whiskey or bourbon, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus fruit. The citrus fruit is usually an orange, and one of the key ingredients of the drink is the orange peel. To get the most out of the orange peel, you need to learn how to cut it properly.

Using a Knife

One way to cut the orange peel for an old fashioned is by using a knife. This method is simple and straightforward, but you need to be careful not to cut too much of the bitter white pith, as it can make your drink overly bitter.

Step-by-step Instructions:

• Wash and dry the orange.
• Cut off the top and bottom of the orange.
• Carefully cut away the skin from the sides of the orange in strips, being sure to leave the white pith behind.
• Once all of the skin has been removed, use a sharp paring knife to cut the orange peel into thin strips.

Tips & Tricks:

• Use a sharp knife for best results.
• Be careful not to cut too deep, as this will remove the white pith, which will make your drink overly bitter.
• For a more intense flavor, scrape the inside of the orange peel with the back of your knife before cutting.

Peeling with Fingers

Another way to cut the orange peel for an old fashioned is by using your fingers. This method is a bit more time consuming, but it is also more precise, so you can avoid cutting too much of the bitter white pith.

Step-by-step Instructions:

• Wash and dry the orange.
• Cut off the top and bottom of the orange.
• Using your fingers, carefully peel away the skin from the sides of the orange in strips, being sure to leave the white pith behind.
• Once all of the skin has been removed, use your fingers to cut the orange peel into thin strips.

Tips & Tricks:

• Make sure your hands are clean before handling the orange.
• Be gentle when peeling the orange to avoid tearing the skin.
• Use your fingernails to help separate the skin from the flesh of the orange.

Steaming Method

A third way to cut the orange peel for an old fashioned is by using the steaming method. This method is simple and requires minimal effort, but it does require some patience as it takes a few minutes for the steam to soften the orange peel.

Step-by-step Instructions:

• Fill a pot with water and bring to a boil.
• Once the water is boiling, turn off the heat and place the orange in the pot.
• Cover the pot and let the orange steam for 3-5 minutes.
• Remove the orange from the pot and let cool.
• Carefully cut away the skin from the sides of the orange in strips, being sure to leave the white pith behind.
• Once all of the skin has been removed, use a sharp paring knife to cut the orange peel into thin strips.

Tips & Tricks:

• Make sure the water is at a rolling boil before placing the orange in the pot.
• Be careful not to overcook the orange, as this can cause it to become mushy and difficult to work with.
• For a more intense flavor, scrape the inside of the orange peel with the back of your knife before cutting.

Boiling Method

Another way to cut the orange peel for an old fashioned is by using the boiling method. This method is quick and easy, but it does require some caution, as boiling the orange can cause the peel to become mushy if left in the water too long.

Step-by-step Instructions:

• Fill a pot with water and bring to a boil.
• Once the water is boiling, add the orange and boil for 1-2 minutes.
• Remove the orange from the pot and let cool.
• Carefully cut away the skin from the sides of the orange in strips, being sure to leave the white pith behind.
• Once all of the skin has been removed, use a sharp paring knife to cut the orange peel into thin strips.

Tips & Tricks:

• Make sure the water is at a rolling boil before adding the orange.
• Be careful not to overcook the orange, as this can cause it to become mushy and difficult to work with.
• For a more intense flavor, scrape the inside of the orange peel with the back of your knife before cutting.

Microwaving Method

A fifth way to cut the orange peel for an old fashioned is by using the microwaving method. This method is the quickest and easiest, but it does require some caution, as microwaving the orange can cause it to become mushy if cooked for too long.

Step-by-step Instructions:

• Pierce the orange several times with a fork.
• Place the orange in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes.
• Remove the orange from the bowl and let cool.
• Carefully cut away the skin from the sides of the orange in strips, being sure to leave the white pith behind.
• Once all of the skin has been removed, use a sharp paring knife to cut the orange peel into thin strips.

Tips & Tricks:

• Make sure the orange is evenly pierced before microwaving.
• Be careful not to overcook the orange, as this can cause it to become mushy and difficult to work with.
• For a more intense flavor, scrape the inside of the orange peel with the back of your knife before cutting.

Conclusion

Cutting the orange peel for an old fashioned is an important step in making this classic cocktail. There are several ways to do this, including using a knife, peeling with fingers, steaming, boiling, and microwaving. Each method has its own pros and cons, so choose the one that works best for you. With a little practice, you’ll be able to make perfect twists of orange peel every time!

Summary of Methods:

• Using a Knife
• Peeling with Fingers
• Steaming
• Boiling
• Microwaving

Final Thoughts: No matter which method you choose, it’s important to be careful not to cut too much of the white pith, as this can make your drink overly bitter.