Lemon peel is the thin, yellow outer covering of the 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 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 lemon zest.
Some popular cocktails containing Lemon peel
- Up On The Roof — Rye, Aromatized wine, Madeira, Bitters, Cinnamon syrup, Lemon peel, Brandied cherry
- Steppin' Out — Gin, Palo Cortado Sherry, Dry vermouth, Crème de Banane, Lemon peel
- The Night Terror — Rye, Maurin Quina, Black Balsams, Blackstrap Bitters, Lemon peel
- Against the Grain — Gin, Dry vermouth, Pear eau de vie, Crème de Violette, Apricot liqueur, Lemon peel
- Fillmore — Cognac, Manzanilla sherry, Fernet Branca, Absinthe, Cinnamon syrup, Lemon peel
- Van Buren — Citrus vodka, Amaro, Sweet vermouth, Chocolate bitters, Lemon peel
- Personal Item — Amaro, Rye, Grappa, Lemon peel
- Cherchez Le Parc — Cognac, Dry vermouth, Herbal liqueur, Cassis, Suze, Absinthe, Lemon peel
- Spyglass — Gin, Dry vermouth, Aquavit, White Crème de Cacao, fennel liqueur, Lemon peel
- The Naughty Sundress — Old Tom Gin, Manzanilla sherry, Elderflower liqueur, Basil eau-de-vie, Peach bitters, Lemon peel