How to Make an Orange Twist

A Orange Twist is usually used to garnish classic cocktail recipes such as an Old Fashioned. Orange peel garnishes are so easy to make and can be used for more more than just cocktails. Read on to learn how to make 4 different types of orange twists and different ways to use them.  

What is an Orange Twist

An orange twist, in the world of cocktails, is a delightful and versatile garnish that adds a burst of citrusy aroma and flavor and pop of color to your favorite beverages.

It’s typically created from the peel of an orange, and when most of us picture it, we envision a thin, elegant corkscrew of orange peel adorning the rim of a cocktail glass or speared on a cocktail pick.

However, the beauty of the orange twist lies in its adaptability. There are various ways to create this garnish, depending on the presentation you have in mind.

The key goal is to make the most of the orange peel while minimizing the use of the pith – the white part that connects the peel to the fruit – because the pith can be quite bitter.

In the following discussion, I’ll dive deeper into the different types of orange twist garnishes, how to create each of them, and I’ll also share some tips to ensure your success in perfecting this artful cocktail garnish.

4 Ways to Make an Orange Peel Garnish

There are four different ways to make an orange twist cocktail garnish: orange swath, orange spiral, flamed twist, and horse’s neck.

These garnishes are a great way to add extra visual appeal to homemade cocktails. Here’s a quick overview of the different orange twist varieties:

1. Orange Swath

An orange swath is a very common cocktail garnish: a wide strip of orange zest peeled from the orange’s skin. Once peeled, this zest strip is then gently twisted over the drink to release its flavorful oils.

This process not only infuses your beverage with a burst of citrus fragrance but also enhances the overall taste.

Some bartenders take it a step further by rubbing the freshly twisted orange swath on the rim of the glass.

You might also hear it referred to as a citrus swath or a rustic swath, depending on where you are and the particular style of your cocktail.

2. Orange Twist

When you hear the term “orange twist,” you probably think of the corkscrew-shaped variation. This slender, gracefully coiled orange peel might often be referred to as an orange spiral.

Not only is it elegant, but it’s also a breeze to create!

3. Horse’s Neck

The horse’s neck is a long, loopy garnish that curls around the inside of the glass of the prepared drink and is left to hang over the edge of your glass — hence the name, horse’s neck. 

It is typically seen made with lemon peel because a horse’s neck lemon twist is used to garnish a cocktail also called Horse’s Neck.

However, you can easily make this with orange peel as well!

4. Flamed Twist

A flamed twist resembles an orange swath, but with an added fiery twist.

To create it, a lit match or lighter is held between the drink and a piece of orange peel, igniting the orange oil as the peel is twisted.

This brief burst of flames adds both aromatic and visual flair to your drink, making it a memorable and enticing cocktail experience.

Tools Needed to Make a Orange Twist

You’ll need a few kitchen tools to prepare orange twists, however the tool depends on which kind of orange twist you plan to make. Here’s what I recommend having on hand before getting started:

• Vegetable peeler or Y Peeler — can be used to remove large pieces of zest from a orange to make any type or orange twist. Personally, I like the y-shaped vegetable peeler best.
• Matches — If you’re making a flamed twist, you’ll need something to ignite the oils released from the orange peel twist.  
• Paring knife — A sharp knife can be used to make thicker corkscrew-shaped orange twists; just make sure you have a sharp knife, otherwise cutting through the orange peel can be challenging.
• Channel knife — This citrus peeler makes cutting the orange peel in thin strips so easy. The strips are the perfect size for corkscrew twists.
• Chopstick, straw, or cocktail pick — Basically anything that is thin and round can be used to shape your orange zest into a corkscrew.  

Ingredients Needed for a Orange Twist 

The only ingredient you’ll need to make a orange twist is a orange. Please be sure to use organic oranges that have been washed under warm tap water. 

• You want the oranges to be pesticide free since you’ll be adding them to your food and drink.
• Washing the fresh oranges will also remove any wax on the skin of the citrus fruit. 

For the detailed instructions to make these orange peel garnishes, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

1. How to Make an Orange Swath

1. Run a vegetable or Y peeler down the entire length of the orange (from tip to tip) to remove a long, wide piece of zest. 
2. Twist the zest over your drink to release its oils. 
3. Optional step: run the orange peel around the rim of your glass for extra citrus flavor. 
4. The orange peel can then either be discarded or placed in the drink.

2. How to Make an Orange Flamed Twist 

1. Use a vegetable or Y peeler to remove a long, wide piece of orange zest.
2. Light a match and hold it above the cocktail.
3. Hold the orange peel orange-side down, position it about 2 inches above the lit match, twist, and gently squeeze to ignite it.
4. Blow out the match.
5. Optionally, run the orange swath around the glass rim for extra flavor.
6. Discard the orange peel or add it to the drink.

3. How to Make an Orange Horse’s Neck 

1. Position a channel knife or paring knife at one end of the orange.
2. Carefully and consistently trace the knife around the orange’s circumference, turning the orange as you go to create a single, lengthy, unbroken peel from end to end.

4. How to Make a Corkscrew Orange Twist 

1. With a channel or paring knife, cut a thin orange zest spiral with just a couple of turns.
2. Wrap the thin orange peel around a chopstick, straw, or cocktail pick.
3. Ensure the orange peel is snug around the object.
4. Gently release and remove the peel, leaving it in a corkscrew shape.

Tips for Making Orange Peel Garnishes

• Leave a small amount of pith: You’ll need part of the white pith attached because it will help the orange peel garnish hold it’s shape, but remove any excess for a cleaner appearance. 
• Use organic oranges: Eliminate lingering pesticides from your cocktail recipes by using organic oranges when making drink garnishes.  
• Wash and dry the oranges before peeling: Citrus fruits are sometimes coated in wax, so it’s important to run your oranges under warm tap water to remove any wax or dirt. 
• Swap the oranges, if desired: You can use this tutorial with other varieties of citrus fruit.
• Use room temperature oranges: They make for easier peeling than oranges that have been stored in the fridge. 

Orange Twist FAQs

Got questions about making and using orange twists? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.

Do you need to wash oranges first? 

Yes! You want to remove any dirt or bacteria from the peel before letting it touch your drinks or food. 

What kind of knife is best for making orange twists? 

A paring knife is arguably easiest to use, but a channel knife is the traditional choice for making pretty corkscrew twists. 

Do orange twist garnishes add flavor? 

Yes! Orange peel is packed with fragrant oils that are released when twisted over the cocktail (hence the name, “orange twist!”)

How many twists can you make from one orange? 

Depending on the size and width of the twists, you can make anywhere from 4 to 8 twists from one orange. 

Can orange twists be made in ahead of time? 

Yes, you can make the orange twists in advance and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. 

How should you store orange twist garnishes? 

Seal them in an airtight container and refrigerate them. 

How long are orange twists good for? 

Up to 4 days in the fridge. 

What should I do with the leftover orange?

After removing the orange peel, you’ll have leftover fruit. Instead of throwing it away:

• Eat it
• Use it in a smoothie
• Squeeze it and use the orange juice in simple syrup.

What Cocktails Are Garnished with a Orange Twist? 

You can garnish any cocktail you like with a orange twist, but here are a few cocktails that traditionally have an orange peel garnish: 

• Americano
• Boulevardier
• Mimosa
• Old Fashioned
• Planters Punch
• Tequila Sunrise
• Sea Breeze
• Whiskey Sour

Tip: Don’t recognize some of these? Head over to the International Bartenders’ Association website for more info.

Recipes That Can Be Garnished with a Orange Twist

Don’t reserve your orange garnish skills for drinks and cocktails! You can garnish any of the following with a orange twist. 

• Cocktails: Tequila Old Fashioned, Pumpkin Martini, Mulled Wine, Blood Orange Whiskey Sour, Mimosa, Aperol Spritz
• Non-alcoholic beverages: Pomegranate Orange Ice Cream Float, Hot Spiced Apple Cider
• Cakes: Cranberry Orange Cake, Cardamom Citrus Coffee Cake, Chocolate Gingerbread Cake
• Other desserts:  Cranberry Tartlets, Cranberry Crumb Bars, Chocolate Orange Pudding
• Frozen treats: Strawberry Orange Granita, Pomegranate Sorbet, Dark Chocolate Gelato
• Scones: Cranberry Orange Scones
• Other Recipes: Cranberry Relish

Try Making Orange Twists at Home!

Next time you’re looking for a citrus cocktail garnish, give this orange twist tutorial a try! 

Did you love the way they elevated the look of your cocktails? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought of this great garnish idea.

On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see a photo of your citrus garnishes!

More Cocktail Garnishes

You need just two ingredients to make these simple Sugared Cranberries! Use them to garnish drinks, serving platters, cakes, and more. 

Dried Orange Slices make a pretty cocktail garnish. Learn how to dry orange slices and all the different ways you can use them. 

A Lemon Twist is commonly used to garnish cocktails such as the Cosmopolitan, Martini, and Gin Fizz. However, this lemon peel garnish can also be used to decorate cakes, cupcakes, and more! 

Don’t see what you’re looking for here? You can always head over to check out the recipe index to look for more recipes.

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