Twist

What is a twist?

A twist is a small piece of citrus peel, usually lemon or orange, expressed over the drink. As the peel is twisted and gently squeezed, the essential oils from the coloured outer skin spray as a fine mist over the surface of the drink. You smell it the moment you lift the glass, and that is where the magic lies: a twist works with aroma, not with acidity.

Afterwards the peel is usually wiped briefly along the rim of the glass so a little oil stays there too, and then it goes into the drink or onto the side plate. Some hosts also place the peel decoratively on the rim, but the oils are always expressed first, that is the classic way.

What does the twist do for the drink?

The coloured outer layer of citrus fruit contains essential oils that the juice simply does not have. They smell intense, fresh and light, but they are barely acidic. That is why a twist gives a drink:

• Fresh citrus aroma in the nose before you drink
• A touch of bitterness that adds depth
• A shimmering film of oil on the surface that plays along with every swirl of the glass

That is exactly why classics like the martini or the Negroni call for a twist: it brightens the drink without diluting it or making it sour.

Twist, wedge, slice: what is the difference?

Three citrus additions end up in glasses at the bar, and they are easily confused:

• Twist: only the peel, expressed for aroma and scent
• Wedge: a piece of fruit with flesh and juice, squeezed over the drink
• Slice / wheel: a thin cut, usually decorative or to add a hint of fruit

In short: the twist is the elegant aromatic version, the wedge is the juicy version, the slice is the visual one.

The classic: martini with olive or twist

The martini comes with its famous garnish question: olive or twist? The olive brings salt and savoury notes, the twist brings freshness and aroma. Both are right, both have their fans, and both say something about your taste. Our advice: try both, on different evenings, that is how you slowly find your favourite.

At our lounge

If you order a drink with a twist with us, you will see us briefly twist the peel over the glass. The fine drops of oil visibly spraying over the drink are the best show of the evening, promise. If you want to know which twist suits which drink, just ask our team at the bar.