Best Dried Orange Slices for Holiday Drinks
Transform your holiday drinks with these stunning, easy-to-make dried orange slices. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you can create beautiful garnishes that look like they came from a high-end cocktail bar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 20-30 slices 1x
- Category: Garnish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 medium fresh oranges (navel, blood orange, or cara cara)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
- 1–2 cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces (optional)
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves (optional)
- 2–3 whole star anise pods (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
- Wash and dry your oranges thoroughly. If using conventional oranges, scrub them under warm water. Pat completely dry.
- Slice oranges into even rounds, about 1/4 inch (6mm) thick.
- Blot the slices with paper towels to absorb surface moisture.
- Arrange slices in a single layer on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving space between each. If using, sprinkle with sugar and add spices nearby.
- Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, flipping slices after 1.5 hours. They are done when dry to the touch but still slightly pliable.
- Let cool completely on baking sheets for 20-30 minutes.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
For best results, use organic oranges to avoid wax or pesticide residue. Consistent thickness is crucial for even drying. Blotting slices before baking significantly reduces drying time. In humid climates, add 30 minutes to drying time. Slices can be re-crisped in a 200°F oven for 10-15 minutes if they lose crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 1520
- Sugar: 3
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: dried orange slices, holiday drinks, cocktail garnish, homemade garnish, citrus garnish, edible decoration