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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)

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    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
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    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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    Recipe

    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 minutes
    Soaking time (miniumum): 2 hours hours
    Total Time: 2 hours hours 15 minutes 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
    lemon curls on cocktail glass - titled image
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    Originally published December 2010.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Brianne says

      September 09, 2016 at 8:43 am

      Oh this is so cool. I am going to make these for my moms night out next week!

      Reply
    2. Janell Poulette says

      September 08, 2016 at 10:18 pm

      This is so cute and not something I would have ever thought to do. I will definitely be making these for my next get-together, or even just for my glass of iced tea at dinner. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    3. Annemarie LeBlanc says

      September 08, 2016 at 7:51 pm

      I always thought there was some kind of special kitchen gadget to make those spirals! Thanks for sharing the information.

      Reply
    4. Amanda Love says

      September 08, 2016 at 7:18 pm

      That’s pretty awesome! I’ve never tried doing this before, I had no idea it was this easy. Thanks for the awesome tip and the instructions!

      Reply
    5. Don Cresswell says

      September 08, 2016 at 7:06 pm

      I use a kitchen/bar tool called a “Channel Knife” it gives you a “twist” but without the bitter pith. To make a spiral from your twist, simply wrap it around your cocktail stirrer like a candy cane or barber pole.

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        September 08, 2016 at 8:38 pm

        Thanks for the tip Don. I have not noticed any flavor from the pitch of the spirals when adding these to drinks. It was something I tested in the beginning not loving the taste of pith…imagine that!

        Reply
        • Don Cresswell says

          September 10, 2016 at 10:28 am

          Theoretically it can be bitter but in retrospect I didn’t notice anything in my vodka or bourbon drinks when being served by a barkeep who hand cuts the peels. This clearly states that my taste buds are focusing on the finer things in life…LOL!

        • Toni Dash says

          September 10, 2016 at 1:18 pm

          Ha, ha! Maybe that’s the ticket; serve them in strong drinks?

    6. Lisa Favre says

      September 08, 2016 at 6:27 pm

      I often see these on drinks at restaurants but never thought of doing it at home. Don’t know why! Definitely something I’ll start doing.

      Reply
    7. Pam says

      September 08, 2016 at 6:23 pm

      I love the look of lemon spirals. They’re beautiful on cocktails or even on lemonade or tea.

      Reply
    8. Anjanette @MommaYoung says

      September 08, 2016 at 6:23 pm

      How great! I have wondered this as well. I never would have thought to soak overnight. I’ve tried before on-the-fly and it didn’t quite work. Makes sense now! Thanks for the info! Now to make a cocktail….

      Reply
    9. Liz Mays says

      September 08, 2016 at 5:41 pm

      Oh these are awesome. Great guide! I want to start adding these to some cocktails!

      Reply
    10. Marcie W. says

      September 08, 2016 at 4:15 pm

      I have always wondered how lemon peels are shaped for garnish. I think I am far too heavy handed to pull these off, but am willing to bet my husband can make them no problem.

      Reply
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    Welcome! I’m Toni Dash. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and the professional writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. I’m so glad you are here!

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