How to Make A Citrus Spiral Garnish for Cocktails
Here’s how to make spirals of citrus zest without a channel knife.
A spiral of citrus zest does more than add an eye-catching swirl of color to a cocktail. The essential oils in the zest and bitter compounds in the pith enhance the aroma and flavor of the drink as well. Many bartenders make the garnish with a specialized tool called a channel knife that creates narrow strips of zest with a thin layer of pith attached. Here’s how to make spirals of zest without this tool.
- Remove 3-inch strip zest with vegetable peeler, then slice zest lengthwise into slender strips.
- Twist each strip around your finger to create spiral.