How to Use Citrus in Cocktails

Why fresh juice matters, how to juice efficiently, and how to use whole citrus for garnish and aroma.

Fresh vs. bottled juice

Bottled lime and lemon juice loses its bright, volatile aromatics within days of being pressed. Fresh-squeezed juice makes a noticeably better drink, and it's one of the easiest upgrades you can make.

Getting the most juice

Room-temperature citrus juices more easily than cold. Roll the fruit firmly on the counter before cutting to break down the internal membranes and release more juice.

Juice ahead of time — carefully

Fresh juice keeps well for about a day in the fridge in a sealed container. Beyond that, it starts to lose brightness, so juice only as much as you'll use soon.

Using the whole fruit

Don't throw away the peels — express the oils over a finished drink for aroma, or use a peeler to cut long twists for garnish. Wheels and wedges add both visual appeal and a squeeze of extra juice for the drinker.