Peeler

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

Y-peelers and channel knives are the most common bar peelers. Y-peelers create wide swaths of zest perfect for expressing oils over a drink, while channel knives cut thin, curly strips ideal for decorative twists. The zest contains aromatic oils that add bright citrus notes when expressed over a cocktail. The white pith beneath should be avoided as it adds bitterness.

💡 Pro Tips

• Peel away from yourself for safety
• Express the oils by twisting the peel over the drink
• Store peeled twists in cold water to keep them fresh

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Including too much bitter white pith
• Not expressing the oils over the drink
• Using old, dried out 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.

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.

Garnish

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