Citrus wedge
GarnishA citrus wedge is a lime or lemon cut lengthwise into pieces that you squeeze over a drink or hang on its rim.
Also called: lime wedge · lemon wedge
- Wedges per lime
- 8 (halve, then cut each half into 4)
What citrus wedge means
You will see a lime wedge with a highball, a rickey or a buck. The flesh holds the juice, so you squeeze the wedge over the drink and then drop it in or leave it on the side of the glass.
One lime gives you 8 wedges when you halve it lengthwise and cut each half into 4. A lemon wedge is cut the same way, and it is the easy swap when you have lemons and no limes on hand. For a round of drinks, cut fresh wedges for each one, so the garnish looks as good as the drink.
The wedge is the part of the garnish that does the squeezing. Unlike a twist, it adds taste you can drink, because the juice comes out of its flesh into the glass. A wedge also leaves the choice with the drinker, who can squeeze as much or as little as they like.
How to cut lime wedges
You need one firm lime, a cutting board and a sharp knife. The cut is the same for a lemon.
- 1.Trim the ends so the lime sits flat, then roll it on the board first so it gives more juice.
- 2.Halve the lime lengthwise, then cut each half into 4 wedges, for 8 in total.
- 3.Cut a small slit across the middle of the flesh so the wedge hangs on the rim.
Citrus wedge compared
- Citrus wheelA wheel is a round slice cut across the fruit, and it mostly decorates. A wedge is cut lengthwise so you can squeeze it into the drink.
- TwistA twist keeps only the peel, for its oil. A wedge keeps the flesh, for its juice.
Related terms
Ingredients
Put it to use in your next drink
Garçon explains every step as you make the drink.