Elevate Any Drink By Garnishing With Brûléed Fruit

Well-mixed ingredients are crucial for a good drink, but it's the garnish that makes it all the more enjoyable. It's astonishing the difference a simple maraschino cherry, a lime wedge, or an herb sprig can make — taking a drink from looking plain and ordinary to an absolute eye-catcher. If those typical garnishes have gotten too repetitive, however, perhaps brûléed fruits are worth a try.

On their own, fruits are already quite enticing with popping hues and vibrant tastes. When brûléed, these elements are taken to new heights. The surface is beautifully charred around the edges, striking a stunning contrast against the beverage's colorful backdrop. Meanwhile, the flavors are beautifully caramelized. The fruits' natural sweetness is deepened and highlighted with subtly smoky notes, creating a sumptuous fragrance that enhances the drink's overall taste.

Much like other garnishes, brûléed fruit can be used for a wide range of beverages. Whether we're talking party favorites like cocktails, mocktails, and lemonade or something more casual like tea, smoothies, and juices, a slice of brûléed fruit is all it takes for that drink in your hand to look and taste utterly mesmerizing. This makes it a particularly fitting choice for celebrations and special occasions, but feel free to add it to any beverage for a touch of sophistication.

When it comes to getting brûléed, citrus fruits like grapefruit, lemon, lime, and orange are the top contenders. Slice them into wheels, use a paper towel to dab away the moisture, and sprinkle some sugar over the surface. Then, torch them with a kitchen torch until the sugar melts into a crispy, amber layer and the edges blacken. If you don't have a kitchen torch, worry not, the oven will also suffice. The preparation is pretty much the same, you just need to let them broil in the oven for a few minutes. Remember to watch them closely to avoid burning.

Of course, if citrus fruits aren't really your thing, there are so many other fruits to choose from. Pineapples are marvelous as well, especially if they're accompanying tropical drinks. Whatever juice you're making, consider brûléeing the fruit as well. Apples, berries, watermelons, peaches, and more — there are so many to choose from.

Beyond garnishing, you can also use brûléed fruits for various other purposes. Top them over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a delightful breakfast to start the day. On the other hand, with a dollop of cream over top or laid over yogurt, they make a sensational dessert that guarantees to end the meal on a memorable note. You can also incorporate them into ice cream or creme brûlée to give these familiar sweet treats a special twist.