Garnishes for hot drinks

Just as the right wrap or a chic handbag can complete an outfit, a colourful garnish can give a hot drink that perfect finishing touch.

Candied citrus peel and ginger
Candied citrus peel and ginger are a delicious accompaniment to juice- or tea-based hot drinks. Skewer them for a fancy and decorative touch, or just float them on the drink to infuse some of the flavour. The instructions are simple. For candied citrus peel, take the peel of a citrus fruit, scraping off as much of the white part (pith) as possible; for ginger, use 1/2 cup peeled, thinly sliced ginger root. Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar in a small saucepan and heat over medium-high heat until boiling, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the citrus peel or ginger root, reduce the heat to low, and simmer until translucent, 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and strain, reserving the peel or ginger. Using a fork, shake off any excess water, dredge the peel or ginger in sugar, and gently shake off any excess sugar. Cool completely before using.

Decorative rims
Rimming a glass with sugar, chocolate or crushed nuts is yet another way to impart flavour to your drink. Rub the rim of a glass with a wedge of lemon, lime or orange, or dip it in a shallow dish filled with liqueur, juice or water. Next, dip the rim in a shallow dish filled with sugar, unsweetened cocoa, shaved chocolate, or whatever else complements your drink. Gently shake off any excess. It's always fun to experiment. Try using two different liqueurs or a cinnamon sugar to create more complex flavours.


Dipped Popsicle sticks
For a fun and kitschy accompaniment to any drink, dress up a Popsicle stick with melted chocolate or caramel. Melt 3/4 cup chopped chocolate or caramel (and 1 tablespoon shortening if you are using chocolate) in a double boiler over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally until melted. Remove from the heat and pour into a shallow dish. Dip in a Popsicle stick, turning to coat two thirds of it. Set on a piece of waxed paper and repeat the process with the remaining Popsicle sticks. Cool in the refrigerator before using.

---

Excerpted from Some Like It Hot by Holly Burrows and Katie Walter. Excerpted by permission of Chronicle Books. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.