Orange Peel and Seltzer
Alcohol-free Mocktail, quietly spikeable if you'd like to indulge. Bright, restrained, and unfussy — a drink that fits seamlessly into office culture. For those who enjoy a cocktail, a small splash of gin turns it into a classic, low-key highball without changing its character.
Equipment
- Cutting Board
- Small paring knife or channel knife for the orange peel You can use a vegetable or citrus peeler
- Highball glass (or any tall glass) If you want to chill this ahead of time, fill it with ice and/or pop it in the refrigerator.
- Bar Spoon or long stirring tool
- Ice scoop or large spoon If you're feeling fancy.
- Jigger, small measuring cup, or tablespoon If you're going to spike this
Ingredients
- 6 - 8 ounces chilled seltzer or club soda You want something really fizzy
- 1 orange for the peel
- Ice at the volume you prefer
- 1/2 t 1 ounce London dry gin (optional) Only add this if you want to spike it. Don't use flavored gin.
Instructions
- Wash the orange and thoroughly dry it.1 orange
- Peel the orange using a knife or peeler, cut a wide strip of orange peel, trimming away most of the white pith.1 orange
- Fill a highball (or other tall) glass with ice to chill it.
- Pour chilled seltzer or club soda over the ice, leaving a little room at the top
- Hold the orange peel skin-side down over the glass and gently twist or pinch it to release the oils.1 orange
- Drop the peel into the glass or discard it, whichever you prefer
OPTIONAL - If you want to spike it
- Add 1/2 to 1 oz of London dry gin before the seltzer, then stir gently.1/2 t 1 ounce London dry gin (optional)
Notes
How to Express an Orange Peel
Hold the peel skin-side down over the glass and gently twist or pinch it to release the oils. You’ll see a fine mist hit the surface of the drink — that aroma is part of the experience. Drop the peel in or discard, depending on preference.
Hold the peel skin-side down over the glass and gently twist or pinch it to release the oils. You’ll see a fine mist hit the surface of the drink — that aroma is part of the experience. Drop the peel in or discard, depending on preference.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!