Mandarin and Lime Dust Recipes & Inspiration
Want to know how to diversify your mixology and cooking with our Lime and Mandarin Dust range? This blog will give you delicious cocktail garnishes, fun ways to elevate your dessert, and curious ways of serving salads and seafood.
What is Mandarin Dust / Lime Dust?
Made from the fruit strained off our best selling Mandarin Shrub Syrup and Lime Shrub Syrup, our Mandarin Dust and Lime Dust are an intriguing way to take your mixology, baking, and cooking to the next level. Not only do these zesty and magical dusts taste great, but they’re also a product that are environmentally friendly.
Created from only two ingredients - fruit and sugar - these dusts are zesty and tangy with a sweet finish. They’re most popularly used to rim the glass of cocktails/mocktails, however there are several ways you can elevate your cooking and baking with this ingredient. Keep reading to find out more!
Garnishing your drink
It is simple to use any of the dusts as a garnish on the rim of your cocktail/alcohol-free drink. Simply cut a wedge of citrus, and slide it along the rim of your glass. Then coat your glass rolling it on a plate lightly sprinkled with your chosen dust.
Mandarin Dust
Lime Dust
Margaritas: For those who aren’t a fan of a marg’s traditional salt rim, Lime Dust provides a sweet yet zesty alternative.
Shrub Elixir: Elevate a simple shrub and soda with a generous rim of Lime Dust. This will take any alcohol-free drink to the next level. See here for a video recipe
Martinis & Negronis: Tame your next classic cocktail with a rim of Mandarin Dust. The tang and sweetness of the Mandarin Dust will breathe new life into any classic cocktail.
Baking & desserts
One of our favourite ways to elevate desserts and baking, is with our magical dusts. Elevate a sophisticated dessert, or let the kids have some fun with their ice cream with a simple sprinkle.
Sprinkle over desserts
Delicious over a perfectly flamed meringue, or some delicious home cooked muffins. Check out our Key Lime Pie recipe or Chocolate and Mandarin Autumn Muffins.
A fun one for the kids!
A fun and tasty way to enjoy any of the dusts is sprinkled over ice-cream, or take it to the next level with a chocolate coated dust cone!
We recommend pairing your dust with these ice cream flavours:
Lime: white chocolate, coconut, macadamia, pistachio
Mandarin: chocolate milk/dark, coffee, vanilla, ginger
cooking
Add a level of intrigue to your cooking with these quick and easy ways to take your favourite meals to the next level.
Prawn and Avocado Salad with Mandarin
This delicious salad, featuring our Mandarin Shrub Syrup in the dressing, is a delicious example of how our range can be used for so many different things! Sprinkle with Mandarin Dust for a tangy and sweet finish, and you’ll have all of your friends begging you for this recipe.
lime dusted grilled PINEAPPLE
Courtesy of our Production Team, Nathan has pioneered this delicious way to enjoy Lime Dust!
Simply coat your pineapple rings in Lime Dust before placing them on the BBQ to grill. Once cooked place them in a burger, or even enjoy them topped with some ice cream as a dessert!
ready to get started using our dust range?
CHECK OUT THESE RECIPES USING LIME AND MANDARIN DUST
Curious Christmas Gift Ideas
Give the gift of curiosity this Christmas! We’ve curated a range of gifts perfect for family, friends, teachers and colleagues.
Stocking fillers
food and drink lovers
for the mixologist
wine lovers & entertainers
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Collaboration
SYRUPS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
In collaboration with Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, we have added to our award winning range of Shrub Syrups showcasing botanicals foraged from the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne. 5% of all proceeds from this range will be donated to Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria to raise money towards the continued conservation and research undertaken by the gardens.
The collaboration between The Curious Cabinet and Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria champions a shared value of engaging the community in sustainability and conservation.
the product range
what is a shrub syrup?
Shrub Syrups are based on an old-world recipe combining the flavours of fruit, apple-cider vinegar, and sugar. Originally used as a way of preserving fruit, (prior to refrigeration) Shrub Syrups have become a popular ingredient in bars across the world as a delicious and intriguing cocktail and mocktail ingredient.
recipes and serving suggestions
The new Botanic Gardens series can be enjoyed in a range of recipes, from simply mixed with soda water for an enjoyable alcohol-free drink, or shaken up in a cocktail.
They also taste great with gin, and in particular Anther Distillery’s Florescence Gin – another exciting Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria collaboration.
shared values for sustainability
The collaboration with Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria champions a shared value of engaging the community in sustainability and conservation. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria’s collaborations are an established way of raising funds and further engaging the community and increasing awareness of the work they do. These collaborations assist in achieving their mission to safeguard plants for the wellbeing of people and the planet toward a vision where all life is sustained and enriched by plants.
Having recently won a Bronze Medal in the 2023 Clean and Conscious Awards for best low-waste food product, we are so excited to be joining forces to raise money for a cause central to our sustainability philosophy as a small business.
“Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is a world-leader in botanical, horticultural and conservation research and we’re thrilled to be contributing - in our own, small way - to the amazing work they do. I am still pinching myself that we have been invited to collaborate on this new range.”
Pia Cook, Founder of The Curious Cabinet
We hope you will indulge your curiosity by exploring this range, and supporting a cause for conservation and sustainability.
Yours in botanical wonder, The Curious Cabinet.
suggested recipes
Must Try White Peach cocktails (boozy and dry)
For us, White Peach is the taste of warm weather, sunny days and sharing delicious drinks with friends and family. Whether you like your drinks boozy or dry, we have a drink option to suit your tastes.
White Peach Bellini
This drink is the perfect champagne or prosecco cocktail recipe, and will be sure to wow your guests, without taking away too much time from entertaining.
The recipe is simple, and to adjust it to an alcohol-free recipe, all you need to do is swap the sparkling wine out for an alcohol free option.
INGREDIENTS
1 shot The Curious Cabinet White Peach Shrub Syrup
5 shots champagne/prosecco/sparkling wine
Sprig of mint or rosemary to garnish
METHOD
Fill a spritz glass with ice. Add Shrub Syrup and sparkling wine. Adjust to taste. Garnish and serve.
Sparkling white peach
An easy white peach alcohol-free drink recipe that you can jazz up with some beautiful garnishes or your favourite spirit - if you like it boozy.
We recommend vodka and gin as they pair very nicely with the delicate flavours of the White Peach Shrub Syrup.
INGREDIENTS
1 shot The Curious Cabinet White Peach Shrub Syrup
5 shots soda water
Ice
Garnish, we suggest: rosemary, mint, thyme, sage
METHOD
Fill a tall glass with ice. Add Shrub Syrup and soda water. (Add your spirit of choice if you are having a hard version). Adjust to taste. Add your garnish and serve.
peach martini
This is a recipe that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways depending on whether you want an alcohol-free, or alcohol version.
INGREDIENTS
1 shot The Curious Cabinet White Peach Shrub Syrup
2 1/2 shots brewed and chilled green tea
Ice
Rosemary
METHOD
To a shaker with ice, add the Shrub Syrup and green tea. Shake until cold. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with rosemary.
NOTES
For a cocktail version of this recipe, we recommend adding a shot of gin or vodka to the recipe. For an even harder version, you can take out the green tea.
shop the recipe
2023 Clean and Conscious Award Results
We are thrilled that our Spiced Rhubarb Chutney has taken home a Bronze Medal, and our Lime Dust was a finalist in the 2023 Clean and Conscious Awards.
We are so proud as a small business that our efforts have been recognised for our sustainability philosophies in the Low Waste Food Category.
Keep scrolling to see what the judges had to say about our products!
Spiced Rhubarb Chutney - Bronze medal
I like the spice in this chutney and that it contains rhubarb (I LOVE rhubarb!). It’s a quality preserve that I can feel good about eating as it’s produced from ingredients that would have gone to waste, using renewable energy.
I love that the Curious Cabinet upcycle’s food that would have otherwise gone to waste (reducing greenhouse gas emissions) and that they use solar energy and don’t use gas in their production lines!
- Laura Trotta
A fantastic chutney made from great ingredients that otherwise would have been wasted. Fabulous spices and texture and tastes amazing on a sandwich! I also love the concept of re-using food that would otherwise be wasted to make delicious new foods.
- Corrine Sultana
Lime Dust - finalist
I like that it packs a zing and adds flair to dishes and cocktails. I can see cocktail bars and sous chefs in top restaurants enjoying adding the lime dust to their creations. I also love that the Curious Cabinet upcycle food that would have otherwise gone to waste (reducing greenhouse gas emissions) and that they use solar energy and don’t use gas in their production lines!
- Laura Trotter
This is a great idea to reuse ingredients to fancy up your drinks, desserts and other sweet things. Easy to dust and looks great too! I also love the concept of re-using food that would otherwise be wasted to make delicious new foods.
- Corrine Sultana
Shop the Clean + Conscious Range
2023 Clean and Conscious Awards Finalists
We are so proud to have our Lime Dust and Spiced Rhubarb Chutney feature as finalists in the 2023 Clean + Conscious Awards. Being recognised in the Low Waste Food category, these products are made from the fruit strained off our Shrub Syrups, meaning there is little to no waste in our production process.
Lime Dust
This delicious dust is made from the fruit strained off our Lime Shrub Syrup and sugar. It is zingy yet sweet, and is the perfect garnish for your margarita, desserts and more.
Spiced Rhubarb Chutney
A curiously spiced chutney, made from the fruit strained off our Rhubarb Shrub Syrup. This is perfect for cheese platters, sandwiches or burgers.
We look forward to updating you on the result of our products in the Clean + Conscious Awards.
In the meantime, make sure to check out other finalists in a range of categories.
Shop the Clean + Conscious Range
World Environment Day: Our Sustainable Philosophy
With World Environment Day coming up on June 5th we thought we would shine a light on some of the ways we try to make a difference and how we respect our beautiful planet.
Our products would not be as delicious if it weren’t for Mother Nature and the amazing ingredients we have at our fingertips. Our team therefore always try our hardest to prioritise the environment in all aspects of our production and distribution.
With World Environment Day coming up on June 5th we thought we would shine a light on some of the ways we try to make a difference and how we respect our beautiful planet:
Re-using Cardboard
We have many fun machines in our production line, but our personal favourite is our cardboard shredder. We use this to convert the cardboard we receive everyday into material that is used to pack orders and keep your curious items safe during transit. Our version of bubble-wrap. We also re-use any bubble wrap or filling materials we receive from our suppliers, so any time you receive any plastic in your parcels - it's been re-used with love.
Fruit
The fruit strained from our Shrub Syrups is transformed into a range of products including preserves, jams, and our personal favourite ... our Mandarin Dust. As much as possible, the only food waste we put in the bin is the leaves and pips!
Packaging
Where possible we avoid single use packaging and prioritise reusable materials such as glass and aluminium.
About World Environment Day
The theme for World Environment Day this year is “ONLY ONE EARTH”. It is being hosted in Stockholm to celebrate 50 years since the establishment of the United Nations Environment Programme which was formed in 1972 at the UN Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm. Find out more about World Environment Day here.
CELEBRATE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY WITH SOME GOODIES RIGHT FROM MOTHER NATURE
Move Over Tonic - There's a new kid in town!
IF YOU LOVE GIN YOU’RE NOT ALONE, and while many of us love a G&T, it’s great to have an alternative.
IF YOU LOVE GIN YOU’RE NOT ALONE, and while many of us love a G&T, it’s great to have an alternative.
From the old world to the new, The Curious Cabinet’s range of award winning Shrub Syrups and Sparkling Shrub Elixirs are set to change the way you drink gin!
So - what is a Shrub Syrup? While the name conjures up the idea of a small woody tree, the product is anything but that! Based on an old colonial American style of drink, they’re a tart, sweet, combination of fruit, sugar and apple cider vinegar.
Pia Cook, Founder of The Curious Cabinet, originally started experimenting with Shrubs Syrups as a non-alcoholic option when she was pregnant. “The deliciously refreshing combination of fruit, sugar and apple cider vinegar gave me the kick that made me feel like I was drinking a cocktail even though there wasn’t any alcohol”.
Little did she know, at the time, how perfectly her Shrub Syrups paired with a range of spirits – especially gin! Once she tried the Rhubarb Shrub Syrup with gin and soda, she knew she was on to something. “I started suggesting it to my customers as an alternative to a gin and tonic, and before I knew it, a romance of the ages developed… Gin & Shrub!”.
“They’re tart and sweet at the same time, so they mirror some of the flavour profiles that tonic provides, however with the added deliciousness of fruit.”
An intriguing alternative for those who want to try something different.
Steeped in history, Shrubs have seen a rebirth internationally over the last decade, being featured on cocktail menus around the world.
Closer to home, The Curious Cabinet has worked on collaborations with two of Victoria’s most highly regarded gin distilleries, Bellarine Distillery and Anther Distillery.
Bellarine Distillery recently featured The Curious Cabinet’s Mandarin Shrub Syrup in their canned, sparkling gin cocktail, The Tarty Ted, a combination so popular it sold-out within a matter of weeks. Owner of the Distillery, Lorelle Warren, commented that “The pairing of Bellarine Distillery’s Teddy & the Fox Gin with The Curious Cabinet’s Mandarin Shrub is a match made in heaven”.
Lorelle also mentions that it “provides a great alternative for drinkers who are tonic averse. The mandarin shrub highlights the citrus profile of the gin and combined with the soda makes for an exceptional cocktail.” They stock the full range of The Curious Cabinet Shrub Syrups in their cellar door and often feature cocktails matching the Shrubs with each of their gins.
Also located in the Geelong region, Anther Distillery have recently featured The Curious Cabinet’s Strawberry Shrub Syrup in a pairing for The Royal Botanic Gardens of Victoria with their Florescence Gin.
Derv McGowan, Founder of Anther, said that “The quality and flavour of the shrubs made by Pia are exquisite and compliment gin perfectly. The Strawberry Shrub has been matched with Florescence Gin which is a perfect complement to a spirit that captures the essence of the Royal Botanical Gardens of Victoria.”
Due to the popularity of The Curious Cabinet’s Shrub Syrups, The Curious Cabinet have also launched our ready-to-drink Sparkling Shrub Elixirs, which can be enjoyed on their own or used as mixers.
Ditch the G&T and start your G&S journey now!
Our Shrub Syrups & Elixirs can be purchased at a variety of stockists and through our online store.