ZEST WE FORGET
Citrus is not only a main ingredient to many a sour, but is low-hanging fruit… so to speak… when it comes to preparing garnishes for cocktails.
Do yourself a favor and pick up that fresh citrus. Grab a couple extra just to make sure you don’t run out because, worst comes to worst, you can always use some more juice– and definitely a citrus twist or two.
Before you juice the citrus for your cocktail, think about how they can be used for other drink decorations. Citrus rounds (fresh or dehydrated), wedges, or a nice swath of peel are quick and easy garnishes for cocktails that will work well with any citrus-based drink.
You don’t need to sacrifice an entire lime or lemon just for your delicate garnishes, either. If you cut a slice out of the center before you juice your citrus, you have a built-in garnish before you get started. If you ended up cutting a few too many rounds, not to worry: 2 – 2 ½ hours in an oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit on a nonstick baking sheet, and you’ll have perfectly dehydrated rounds for later use.
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Many cocktails call for a citrus peel. Try trimming the edges to get a much cleaner looking swath. I’d suggest using the new A Bar Above citrus peeler because it’s the perfect tool for removing lemon, lime, and orange peels without the bitter pith. It also works great as a vegetable peeler as well as for creating basic cocktail garnishes.
If you want even more decorative citrus peel garnishes, the new A Bar Above culinary channel knife goes a step further and creates thick, long — also without the white pith ruining your attractive garnish. This compact channel knife for garnishing is an essential tool for creating the perfect cocktail garnish you can tie into a bow or fold into a flower.
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Both of these bar tools feature ergonomic designs and quality, stainless steel blades for thicker peels off your fruit skins.
After getting a nice slice of peel, use your paring knife to give your twists a crisp edge. Incredibly versatile, the peel from a piece of citrus can be used for perfect twists, cut into intricate shapes, or even rolled into a citrus rose for those looking for a more complex cocktail garnish.
Kitchen gadgets for the win!
