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.

A twist provides aromatic oils from the citrus zest without adding juice. The oils are expressed by twisting or squeezing the peel over the drink's surface, releasing a spray of fragrant compounds. Twists are typically cut from lemon, orange, or grapefruit using a Y-peeler or channel knife. The pith (white part) should be avoided as it adds bitterness. A proper twist enhances both the aroma and visual appeal of a cocktail.

💡 Pro Tips

• Express the oils by twisting skin-side toward the drink
• Run the twist around the rim for extra aroma
• Wide twists from a Y-peeler express more oil

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not expressing the oils
• Including too much bitter pith
• Using old, dry citrus

📚 Related Terms

Express

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

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.