How To Make an Easy Citrus Twist Garnish For Cocktails

A citrus twist is one of the easiest and most popular ways to garnish a cocktail! This technique works with any citrus — be it lemon, lime, orange, or grapefruit — and is so easy that literally anyone can do it.

Looking for tips on how to make the perfect citrus twist garnish for cocktails that anyone can make? Then you’ve come to the right place! A citrus twist is a fun, simple garnish that adds a nice pop of color and elevates the overall presentation of so many cocktails, but it can be intimidating if you haven’t made one before. I personally was always amazed by how some bartenders cranked out drink after drink, all with a flawless citrus spiral, and wondered how they got it to maintain its curly shape. After trying a few methods when I started developing my own cocktails, I found this to be the easiest and most reliable way to get a perfect spiral every time!

Equipment for a citrus twist garnish

There are a few different ways to make a citrus twist garnish, but I think simple is always better! This method doesn’t require any fancy tools, and you likely already have all of the items you need somewhere in your kitchen. Here’s the rundown on what you need!

• Ripe citrus fruit
• Cutting board
• Vegetable peeler
• Sharp knife
• Chopstick (or something of similar length and size, like a bar spoon handle)

How to make an easy citrus twist garnish

Step 1: Pick the right fruit

The first thing to think about when it comes to making a citrus twist is obviously the fruit! An overripe fruit’s peel will be too floppy, and if it’s underripe it’ll be more rigid and difficult to work with. So opt for a fruit that’s perfectly ripe and gives only a little bit when you squeeze it. Make sure it also has a pretty, bright color for the best result!

Step 2: Remove a piece of the peel

Using a vegetable peeler, peel off as large of a piece of the peel as you can so you have a nice big swath to work with. Make sure you’re peeling off an even slice without too much pith in the process, as this will make twisting the peel more difficult later.

Step 3: Trim the peel into a uniform ribbon

Now that you have a big swath of peel, it’s time to trim it into a ribbon shape. As far as what size to trim it to, you don’t want it to be too thick since it doesn’t look as good when twisted, or too thin since it breaks more easily and could look flimsy. You also want to make sure the peel is long enough that it can make about three coils. In my experience, I’ve found roughly a 1/4 of an inch in width and 5 inches in length is the perfect size. Use a sharp knife and drag it along the edges of the entire length of the peel until you have a clean, uniform ribbon.

Step 4: Twist the peel

And just like that, it’s time for the twist! The secret to a perfect twist is to spiral the peel around a chopstick or anything of a similar length and size. This will result in the best spiral radius that will still hold its shape for a long time. Simply twist the peel around the chopstick and hold it there for about 30 seconds. For the tightest spiral, gently twist the peel as you’re holding it against the chopstick. Once it’s holding its form, slide it off the chopstick and you have a beautiful citrus twist garnish that will take your cocktails to the next level!

Step 5: Garnish the cocktail

Now that you have your perfect citrus twist, it’s time to add it to your cocktail! As for how you use it as a garnish, you have a few options.

1. Hang it: Hang the twist artfully from the edge of the glass. This is the most popular way to use a citrus spiral, and it looks amazing on a coupe, champagne, or martini glass.
2. Drop it in: Drop it right in the cocktail! This is best for drinks served on the rocks in a wider-mouthed glass.
3. Use a cocktail pick: Put the spiral on a cocktail pick or toothpick and set it on top of the glass. This is the least common way to use a citrus twist, but it’s convenient if you don’t want the peel touching the drink and looks really nice on a fancy cocktail pick.

Cocktails with a citrus twist garnish

Obviously you wouldn’t add a citrus garnish to something like a White Russian or any drinks with dairy, but you can add a citrus garnish to most simple cocktails and cocktails that uses citrus as an ingredient! If you’re wanting to test out your brand new citrus twist skillset, try one of the below cocktails and let me know how it goes 🙂

• If you like complex and interesting cocktails, try the Trinidad Sour! The pop of yellow from the lemon twist looks absolutely gorgeous against the drink’s deep reddish-brown color.
• For a more summery cocktail with strong notes of citrus, check out my St Germain Lemon Basil Martini.
• Love simple cocktails and gin? Then you’ll love the bright and citrusy Army & Navy cocktail, which is typically garnished with a grapefruit peel or lemon peel.