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Twist

Garnish

A twist is a thin strip of citrus peel that you squeeze over a drink and then use as a garnish.

Also called: citrus twist · lemon twist · orange twist · swath

Width
about 0.5 inch (12 mm)
Pre-cut twists keep
about 1 day, refrigerated under damp paper towel

What twist means

The twist is only the colored peel of a citrus fruit. The white pith underneath tastes bitter, so you keep just a thin layer. You meet it as a garnish, and the oil in the peel gives the first smell before the first sip. Use citrus peel from firm, washed, unwaxed fruit.

Most beginners assume a thick strip with plenty of white pith makes a sturdier twist. It only makes a more bitter one. Peel thin, so you get the oil from the colored skin and leave the spongy white layer on the fruit.

A citrus wheel is a different garnish: a round slice of the whole fruit, not the peel. Pre-cut zest keeps about one day, as long as it stays in the fridge under a damp paper towel. Only the peel goes into the twist, so keep the rest of the fruit for juice or another drink.

How to make a lemon twist

You need firm, unwaxed citrus and a Y-peeler or paring knife. A channel knife makes long, thin spirals.

  1. 1.Choose firm, washed, unwaxed citrus. The method is the same for a lemon, lime or orange.
  2. 2.Cut a strip about 0.5 inch (12 mm) wide with a Y-peeler or paring knife, keeping just a little pith. For long, thin spirals, use a channel knife.
  3. 3.Turn the fruit, not the tool, so the strip comes off even.
  4. 4.Hold the peel over the drink and express the oil. Then drop the twist in, hang it on the rim, or throw it away.
  5. 5.Cut twists just before you serve them.

Twist compared

  • Express a peelExpressing squeezes the oil from a peel over the drink. The twist is the peel itself.
  • Citrus wheelA wheel is a round slice of the whole fruit. A twist is only the colored peel.
  • SwathA swath is a broad, flat piece of peel from a Y-peeler. A twist is often narrower and curled.

Related terms

Ingredients

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Garçon explains every step as you make the drink.

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