How to Garnish a Cocktail With a Citrus Twist

A basic citrus twist is simply a piece of citrus rind that is bent slightly so it curves up. Though simple to make, the basic twist brings visual appeal to a cocktail, and the citrus oils in the rind add a vivid aroma and extra flavor to your drink. Here’s how to make a basic citrus twist: 1. __Choose a citrus fruit__. While lemon and orange twists are the most common types of these stylish citrus garnishes, you can use a lime twist or grapefruit twist if the occasion calls for it. Pick a fruit that's ripe (which makes it easier to peel) and free of bruises or blemishes. 2. __Wash the fruit__. Thoroughly wash the citrus with cold water, then dry it. 3. __Cut out a thin oval-shaped slice of peel__. Using either a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife (ideally a paring knife), place your citrus on a cutting board and cut out an oval-shaped thin slice of citrus peel. You should only be cutting off the rind, not the actual fruit. Make sure your peel still has a small amount of white pith so that it isn't too flimsy. 4. __Express the citrus oils__. Hold the citrus peel over your cocktail so that the outer rind is facing down toward the cocktail. Pinch the peel in half horizontally so that it forms a little citrus peel taco shell with the pith on the inside and rind on the outside. This creates a mist of oil that settles on the surface of your cocktail. 5. __Add the peel to the drink__. Rub the peel along the rim of the glass, then drop the peel into the cocktail to finish it off. For a stylish garnish, try making a spiral citrus twist. It may be a trickier perfect than a traditional citrus garnish, but its playful corkscrew shape livens up the look of any cocktail. Here’s how to make a spiral citrus twist: 1. __Choose a citrus fruit__. Pick citrus fruit that's ripe (which makes it easier to peel) and free of bruises and blemishes. 2. __Wash the fruit__. Thoroughly wash the citrus with cold water, then dry it. 3. __Cut out a long, skinny strip of peel__. To make a spiral twist we recommend using a channel knife (commonly found in the middle of a zester's blade). Firmly place the channel knife's notch against the rind, cutting into it slightly. Then, slowly rotate your citrus fruit to create a long, thin strip of peel around six inches long. Keep your cut shallow enough that you don’t slice into the white pith. 4. __Tighten the spiral__. Once you have your long strip of peel, wrap it around the handle of a bar spoon or a skewer and hold it there for a few seconds. Once you remove it, you'll notice your spiral curls will be even tighter. 5. __Place the twist onto the rim of the glass__. The citrus twist spiral should hang partially inside and partially outside the cocktail glass. Learn more about mixology from award-winning bartenders. Refine your palate, explore the world of spirits, and shake up the perfect cocktail for your next gathering with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com/). You can use a simple citrus wedge or citrus slice as a cocktail garnish, or you can elevate your garnishing game with a simple citrus twist. Topping off a cocktail with a citrus twist is a great way to add flavor, fragrance, and elegance to a cocktail.