Cocktail onion facts for kids
A cocktail onion is a small, sweet onion that has been pickled. It's usually a type called a pearl onion. These onions are kept in a special liquid called a brine, which often has a little bit of turmeric and paprika for color and flavor.
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What are Cocktail Onions?
Cocktail onions are made from sweet onions like pearl onions or crystal wax onions. These onions are naturally sweet, which makes them a great match for many drinks. Most people expect cocktail onions to be white, so white types of these sweet onions are often used. However, yellow or red sweet onions can also be used. In some fancy restaurants, you might even find sliced red onions that have been pickled in vinegar. Sometimes, the onions are also packed in white vermouth along with vinegar.
How are they made?
When cocktail onions are pickled, they usually stay a little bit crunchy. This crunchiness can add an interesting texture when you're enjoying a drink. Since they are made from sweet onions, they usually don't have a strong, sharp taste that might bother your stomach or make your eyes water.
How are Cocktail Onions Used?
While you might see olives or lemon twists more often, the cocktail onion is the special garnish for a drink called the Gibson.
The Gibson Cocktail
The Gibson is a type of Martini. Instead of the usual olive, a Gibson is garnished with a cocktail onion. This makes it unique and gives it a slightly different flavor.
