Lemon Spirals: Best Drink Garnish Ever (Bartender’s Secret)

Ever wonder how bartenders make those cool Lemon Spirals for cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks? Well I asked and have the scoop! Super easy to make at home!

A fun garnish is a great way to dress up a cocktail or non-alcoholic drink. Lemon curls are a classic.

A bartender gave me his method to make this lemon garnish and I think you’ll love it too.

It can be used to make lemon curls, lime curls or orange curls too.

How to make Lemon Curls

Years ago I was having lunch at the now defunct Kevin Taylor Prima Ristorante in Denver. I chatted with the bartender over a pomegranate martini and asked how he made the whimsical lemon spiral hanging off the side of the glass.

He let me in on a secret I’ve loved knowing ever since: how to make Lemon Spirals.

Having been served cocktails with the whimsical swirls before (the ones that look like tiny citrus corkscrew pig’s tails), I was always curious how they were made.

When I asked the bartender he showed me step by step how to do it.

It’s quite easy and was something I would never have figured out on my own.

No fancy equipment or channel knife is needed.

Using Lemon Twists

Lemon Spirals (also called lemon curls or lemon twists) can be used in any sort of drink, alcoholic or otherwise.

I try to choose larger lemons to yield a longer spiral though any size lemon will work.

The spirals may be added to the drink, trellised over the edge of the glass or both. They are great for decorating baked goods too.

However you use them they make the drink more eye-catching and fun!

How to make Lime Twists or Orange Twists

This easy method can be used for any type of citrus fruits. Limes and oranges make great curls too.

Storing Lemon Curls

Store lemon twists in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

More recipes to try!

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• Dilled Beans
• Orange Zest: Tips, Tools & How to Use It
• How to Make Sugared Cranberries

How to Make Lemon Curls (drink garnish)

This easy method for creating lemon spirals (also called lemon curls or lemon twists) perk up any cocktail or drink. They can be kept in the refrigerator on the ready for entertaining.

5 from 12 votes

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Course: Cocktails, Cocktail Syrup

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Soaking time (miniumum): 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 10 spirals per lemon approximately

Calories: 3kcal

Author: Toni Dash

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Ingredients

• ▢ Lemons

Supplies

• ▢ sharp knife
• ▢ toothpicks
• ▢ bowl or jar

Instructions

• Select unblemished lemons.
  
• Slice the ends off a lemon to create a flat surface.
  
• Make one slice down the length of the lemon. Gently separate the peel from the inner fruit of the lemon.
  
• Gently roll the peel lengthwise to form a tight spiral (leave no space between the layers). Insert 2 toothpicks on either end to secure the lemon peel.
  
• Place in water in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  
• Remove from the water and remove the toothpicks. Slice into 1/8-1/4 inch slices. Uncoil and place into a drink or hand off the side of a glass.
  

Notes

Yield: you’ll get approximately 10 lemon curls per lemon as a guideline. 

TIP: larger lemons will make longer curls.

This method can be used with any citrus fruits. It’s great for making lime twists or orange twists too.

How to store lemon curls

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 3kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 0mg | Potassium: 14mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 0g | Vitamin C: 5.7mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!

Originally published December 2010.