Express

The technique of squeezing a citrus peel over a cocktail to release aromatic oils onto the drink's surface before using as garnish.

Expressing citrus oils adds an aromatic dimension to cocktails that goes beyond taste. The oils in citrus zest contain intensely flavored compounds that create a fragrant mist when the peel is squeezed. Hold the peel over the drink with the outer skin facing down, then fold or twist sharply to release a spray of oils. Some bartenders flame the expressed oils for a caramelized note.

💡 Pro Tips

• Hold the peel skin-side down toward the drink
• Watch for the spray of oils - you can see them
• Run the peel around the rim after expressing

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not expressing firmly enough to release oils
• Using old, dry citrus with depleted oils
• Expressing with the pith side facing the drink

📚 Related Terms

Garnish

A decorative and often functional element added to a finished cocktail, providing visual appeal, aromatic enhancement, and sometimes flavor.

Peeler

A tool used to remove thin strips of citrus zest for garnishes and expressed oils, creating elegant twists and flavor accents for cocktails.

Twist

A strip of citrus peel used as a garnish, expressing aromatic oils over the drink and often left in or perched on the rim.