Lemon peel is the thin, yellow outer covering of the [ingredient=lemon lemon], which is typically used in cooking and baking to provide characteristic lemon aroma and flavor to dishes without the acidity and extra liquid adding [ingredient=lemon-juice lemon juice] would involve. Commercially, lemon peel is mechanically processed to make lemon oil -- there are small glands in the peel that rupture, releasing the oil. 

The aroma of lemon peel is sharp and fresh, with a strong, waxy-lemon-floral aroma, which is mainly limonene, beta-pinene, and gamma-terpinene, with neral and geranial also contributing some scent. In cocktail usage, lemon peel can either be muddled in the bottom of the tin to release oils, or used as a garnish to provide lemon aroma with each sip. 

Lemon peel can be cut into small matchsticks or removed from the lemon with a citrus zester to make [ingredient=lemon-zest lemon zest]. 

Some popular cocktails containing Lemon peel

  • Van Buren — Citrus vodka, Amaro, Sweet vermouth, Chocolate bitters, Lemon peel
  • Spyglass — Gin, Dry vermouth, Aquavit, White Crème de Cacao, fennel liqueur, Lemon peel
  • Fenton's Phantom — Pimm's No. 1 Cup, Aromatized wine, Swedish Punsch, Orange bitters, Lemon juice, Lemon peel
  • The Naughty Sundress — Old Tom Gin, Manzanilla sherry, Elderflower liqueur, Basil eau-de-vie, Peach bitters, Lemon peel
  • Suze and Treuse — Suze, Herbal liqueur, Seltzer water, Tonic water syrup, Lemon peel
  • Improved Morning Sour — Coffee liqueur, Bergamot liqueur, Lemon juice, Agave syrup, Chinotto, Lemon peel
  • Lima Sour — Pisco, Maraschino Liqueur, PInk grapefruit juice, Lime juice, Simple syrup, Lemon peel
  • Smoke Signals — Amaro, Mezcal, Scotch, Añejo tequila, Lemon peel
  • Siege of Havana — Gin, Dry vermouth, Swedish Punsch, Orange bitters, Apricot liqueur, Lemon juice, Lemon peel
  • Martini Parisien — Vodka, Elderflower liqueur, Aromatized wine, Lemon peel