In the cocktail world, citrus is one of those ingredients that truly reigns supreme. From lemon cocktails like the whiskey sour and Bee’s Knees to refreshing favorites like margaritas, palomas and more, there are about a billion citrus cocktails served up every single day (don’t quote us on that math). The best of them all have one thing in common—the juice was made fresh.
The Juice is Worth the Squeeze
Fresh squeezed citrus, with its amazing aroma and color, has an almost magical quality that bottled juices tend to lack. The natural acidity gives it a livelier flavor which provides a perfect balance when combined with the base spirit (your whiskey, vodka, etc.) and the sweet component of the drink.
How to Juice Citrus
Juicing citrus couldn’t be simpler and you probably have most of the tools at home. All you need is a knife, cutting board, juicer (a simple handheld one will suffice) and something to juice into, like a bowl or measuring cup. Cut the citrus in half, place it cut side down and squeeze.
With fresh juice on hand, you can get straight to mixing your favorite cocktails. But if you do want to save some for later, make sure to refrigerate it in an airtight container. It will last about 24-48 hours. After that, oxidation will cause it to become too sour or bitter to use.
Now that you know the secrets of fresh citrus, get juicing and enjoy!
