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

    LAST UPDATED: January 29, 2022 โ€ข 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

    More recipes to try!

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    • How to Make Sugared Cranberries
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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. Angela says

      May 19, 2021 at 11:48 am

      5 stars
      I absolutely love this post! Fun things like these lemon curls can turn a good cocktail into a great cocktail! Your step by step pictures made it so easy!

      Reply
    2. Jere Cassidy says

      May 19, 2021 at 11:47 am

      5 stars
      These are awesome, and perfect for me to decorate my cakes and cupcakes. I’m so glad I have a lemon tree so I can try this out. Hoping I can do this with limes and oranges.

      Reply
    3. Phil says

      April 08, 2020 at 3:13 pm

      Hey there,
      This looks fantastic, I used to make my spirals differently but this is way easier, especially for doing a bunch of them at once.
      My only questions for you are: How would you store them? How long can you store them? And can they be frozen in an attempt to have them keep longer?

      Thank you again for sharing,
      Phil

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        April 08, 2020 at 3:23 pm

        Hi Phil! All great questions. I store mine in a container of water in the refrigerator. I recommend changing the water every couple days. I would keep them up to 5 days. I have not tried freezing them however you should be able to. Place them in a freezer safe container vs a bag. Freeze up to 3 months.

        Reply
    4. Amy says

      June 15, 2019 at 2:04 pm

      5 stars
      I use these to garnish lemon creme pie!!

      Reply
    5. Susan says

      October 13, 2016 at 3:42 pm

      I don’t know that I’ll ever have use for this technique, but I think it’s wonderful, so I’m saving it for just in caseโ€ฆ

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        October 13, 2016 at 4:27 pm

        These add a little whimsy to any drink Susan! Lemonade, iced tea….even a nice tall glass of water is more fun!

        Reply
    6. Melisasource says

      September 10, 2016 at 9:37 pm

      WOW, I’ve never done a garnish before but this looks like a great way to try for the first time!

      Reply
    7. Rachelle says

      September 10, 2016 at 8:38 am

      5 stars
      I had no idea they were so easy to make! I’m going to have to try this at my next get together!

      Reply
    8. Rosey says

      September 10, 2016 at 7:48 am

      5 stars
      That is a great looking garnish. It’s unique too.

      Reply
    9. Joyce Brewer says

      September 09, 2016 at 12:01 pm

      I’ve seen bartenders do this so easily. Great tutorial.

      Reply
    10. Nicole Escat says

      September 09, 2016 at 10:16 am

      5 stars
      Wow, looks really nice! I like doing garnish but I am not that good!

      Reply
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    Welcome! Iโ€™m Toni Dash. Iโ€™m a Certified Nutrition Coach and the professional writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavoreยฎ. Iโ€™m so glad you are here!

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