
How to make (and use) dried fruit for gin garnishes
When it comes to jazzing up your gin drinks, few things add a touch of elegance and flavour quite like dried fruit garnishes. They’re a fantastic way to use up leftover fruit or fruit that’s nearing its use-by date. Plus, they’re easy to make at home and can elevate your gin cocktails to a new level.
Let’s dive into the process of making dried fruit and how to use them as garnishes for your favourite gin drinks.
How to dry fruit at home
Drying fruit at home is easier than you might think, and there are two simple methods to choose from. Whether you prefer using an oven or an air fryer, both techniques result in beautifully preserved garnishes ready to elevate your gin drinks.
Oven method
Using your oven is one of the most accessible ways to dry fruit at home. Here’s how you can do it:
Prepare the fruit
- Wash the fruit thoroughly in cold water.
- Remove any pits, stones, or stems.
- Slice the fruit evenly to ensure uniform drying.
Arrange the fruit
- Place the slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Ensure the slices aren’t overlapping for even drying and keep equally spaced.
Dry the fruit
- Set your oven to the lowest temperature, typically around 60°C.
- Let the fruit dry for 4 to 12 hours, checking and flipping the slices every 30 minutes.
- The drying time will vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the type of fruit.
Store the fruit
- Allow the dried fruit to cool completely before storing it.
- Store in an airtight container, in a cool, dry, dark place to keep them fresh.
Airfryer (or dehydrator) method
If you’re serious about drying fruit, a dehydrator is a great piece of kitchen equipment that allows you to dehydrate almost any ingredient from dried herbs to DIY dog treats! But if you have an air fryer, you can use it in a similar way.
Prepare the fruit
- Follow the same steps as the oven method for preparing the fruit.
Arrange the fruit
- Place the fruit slices on the trays of your dehydrator or air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overlapping.
Dry the fruit
- Set the dehydrator or air fryer to around 50°C or use the built-in dehydrator mode.
- The fruit will take between 1-8 hours to dry depending on size, thickness and appliance used.
- Check every hour and turn the fruit over in the basket to prevent sticking until completely dried.
Store the fruit
- Once the fruit is completely dried and cooled, store them as described in the oven method.
Here are some quick tips to help get the best out of your dried fruit:
- The fruit is ready when it feels moisture-free and has the texture of paper.
- Keep sliced fruit thin to speed up the drying process.
- Soak the slices in a mixture of lemon juice and water to prevent discolouration, or to add extra flavour. Using sugar water will also sweeten up more bitter fruits like grapefruit.
- Dried fruit can last up to a year if stored correctly, so make sure to keep them in a cool, dark place.
Types of fruit to use
Citrus wheels
Dried citrus wheels work beautifully with a Gin and Tonic, and are a fun way to mix up the traditional lemon wedge garnish. Or dry citrus peel to add a pop of colour to a Gin Fizz. Experiment with lime, lemon and orange to get different levels of zesty sweetness
Apples and pears
Dried apple and pear slices add a touch of warmth and sweetness to gin cocktails. Pair these with a Ginger Apple cocktail for a cozy autumnal vibe.
Tropical fruits
Tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and kiwis are perfect for adding a sunny twist to your gin drinks. Dried passionfruit, for instance, pairs wonderfully with the Passionfruit Ginita, offering a vibrant tropical note.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit slices work beautifully as a garnish for a Grapefruit Martini, bringing a refreshing bitterness that complements the gin’s botanicals.
Berries
Dried berries like blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries add a touch of elegance and extra fruitiness to your gin drinks. They’re perfect for sparkling serves or sweet gin drinks like the Berry Sour and Pink Gin Spritz.
Grapes
Grapes are a fun fruit to experiment with when it comes to drying. Sure, you can buy already dried raisins and sultanas–-but why not have a go at making them at home! Their natural sweetness intensifies during the drying process, making them a fantastic way to add a hint of fruity depth to your gin cocktails.
Garnishing your gin
Using dried fruit as a garnish is simple yet impactful. Here are a few tips:
- On the glass rim: Perch a slice of dried citrus or a berry on the edge of your glass for a visually appealing garnish.
- In the drink: Drop the dried fruit directly into the drink. As it rehydrates, it’ll release subtle flavours, enhancing the overall taste.
- Complementary garnishes: Pair dried fruit with other garnishes like cinnamon sticks, herbs (such as rosemary or thyme), vanilla pods, or star anise to create an elevated garnish with tons of flavour.
With these tips and methods, you can easily create and use dried fruit to elevate your gin cocktails. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, enjoying a quiet night in, or mixing up drinks for friends, dried fruit garnishes add a stylish and flavourful touch to every glass. So, next time you’re prepping for a gin night, don’t forget to include some beautifully dried fruit slices to impress your guests and make your drinks stand out!
Discover more about the best gin garnishes to use and get more gin cocktail ideas to make at home with Beefeater.

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