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    Home » Recipes » Drinks (Non-Alcoholic) » Lemon Spirals: Best Drink Garnish Ever (Bartender’s Secret)

    LAST UPDATED: January 29, 2022 • FIRST PUBLISHED: May 21, 2021 By Toni Dash 45 Comments

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

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    lemon curls on cocktail glass - titled image

    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!

    lemon curls on cocktail glass - titled image

    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.

    process of making lemon spirals with lemon peel soaking in water

    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!

    side view of cocktail glass with lemon spirals garnish

    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.

    rolled lemon peel with toothpicks and sliced into lemon spirals

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    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!
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    lemon curl on cocktail glass

    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
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    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.
      unblemished lemons
    • Slice the ends off a lemon to create a flat surface.
      slicing ends of lemon for lemon curls
    • Make one slice down the length of the lemon. Gently separate the peel from the inner fruit of the lemon.
      removing the flesh from a 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.
      rolling lemon peel for lemon twists
    • Place in water in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours, preferably overnight.
      soaking rolled lemon peel for lemon curls
    • 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.
      cutting rolled lemon peel into lemon curls

    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.

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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Carena says

      May 20, 2021 at 4:07 pm

      5 stars
      wow! This is so easy and so fancy! Love this!

      Reply
    2. Beth says

      May 20, 2021 at 8:05 am

      5 stars
      My hubby loved the curl and how the garnish completed the drink! So easy and I will be using this trick more! Thanks!

      Reply
    3. Amanda Livesay says

      May 20, 2021 at 5:41 am

      5 stars
      I can’t believe how simple this trick is! It worked perfectly.

      Reply
    4. Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says

      May 20, 2021 at 4:25 am

      5 stars
      Such a smart idea! Thanks for sharing the tips for these lemon spirals!

      Reply
    5. Jo says

      May 19, 2021 at 8:32 pm

      5 stars
      This is really genius, thanks for the tip!

      Reply
    6. Debi says

      May 19, 2021 at 1:36 pm

      5 stars
      This made it so easy to get those perfect little spirals. Thanks for all the tips and tricks as well as the beautiful photos!

      Reply
    « Older Comments

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    About Toni Dash

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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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