How to Pair Chocolate Covered Orange Peels with Drinks
By Jacques Torres Chocolate | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to pair chocolate covered orange peels with coffee, tea, wine, and more. Discover simple steps to match flavors and avoid common mistakes.
Quick Answer
Pair chocolate covered orange peels with drinks that complement their bittersweet dark chocolate and bright citrus without overpowering them—think coffee, black tea, port, or bourbon.
Why the drink matters
The right drink can lift the orange and chocolate notes, while the wrong one can make the peel taste bitter or overly sweet. Because Jacques Torres's orange peels are coated in 60% dark chocolate, they have a balanced sweetness and a pronounced citrus tang. That means you can choose drinks that echo the orange, cut through the richness, or add a complementary warmth.
Matching intensity
A light drink like green tea may get lost next to the bold chocolate. Instead, look for drinks with enough body to stand up to the coating. Dark roasted coffee, full-bodied black teas, and fortified wines all have the depth to match. If you prefer something lighter, a sparkling water with a twist of orange can cleanse your palate between bites.
How to pair chocolate orange peels with drinks
- Start with coffee: Brew a dark roast or espresso. Take a bite of the orange peel, let the chocolate melt, then sip the coffee. The roast's bitterness will echo the dark chocolate and brighten the orange. Avoid light roasts; they can taste sour next to the citrus.
- Try black tea: Steep a full-bodied black tea like Assam or Earl Grey. The tea's tannins and citrus notes (especially in Earl Grey) will harmonize with the orange peel. Skip green or white teas—they are too delicate for the rich chocolate.
- Pour a glass of port or sherry: Choose a ruby port or an amontillado sherry. Sip between bites; the wine's sweetness and nutty notes will complement the chocolate and orange. Dry red wines can clash with the chocolate; stick to fortified wines.
- Experiment with bourbon or rum: If you enjoy spirits, pair the peel with a small pour of bourbon or aged rum. The vanilla and oak notes in the spirit will enhance the chocolate. Start with a small sip to gauge the strength; you can always add a splash of water.
The perfect companion
- NY Collection - Chocolate Covered Orange Peels: Jacques Torres's New York Collection includes Big Apple – House Blend 60% Dark Chocolate covered orange peels. The 60% dark chocolate provides a bittersweet base that pairs well with both coffee and wine without being overly sweet.
NY Collection - Chocolate Covered Orange Peels
