Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice is an essential ingredient that brings bright, zesty acidity to countless cocktails, from whiskey sours to gin fizzes. The clean, tart flavor of freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the acidic component needed to balance sweet and strong ingredients, creating well-rounded, refreshing drinks that showcase proper cocktail balance.

The high acidity and clean citrus flavor of lemon juice makes it perfect for shaken cocktails where it emulsifies with other ingredients to create smooth texture. Classic lemon juice cocktails include the whiskey sour, where it balances bourbon's sweetness, and the gin fizz, where it provides tartness against the botanicals and bubbles.

Lemon juice contains natural oils and fresh flavor compounds that bottled versions cannot replicate. These elements add complexity and brightness that elevate cocktails from good to exceptional. The juice also provides natural preservation and prevents other ingredients from oxidizing too quickly.

Essential lemon cocktails span multiple spirit categories. The aviation showcases lemon's compatibility with gin and maraschino liqueur, while the bramble demonstrates how lemon enhances fruit and herb combinations. The Boston sour proves how lemon juice creates the perfect foundation for egg white cocktails.

For optimal results, use freshly squeezed lemon juice within 24 hours of juicing. One medium lemon typically yields 2-3 tablespoons of juice. Choose lemons that feel heavy for their size with bright yellow color and smooth, thin skin. Store lemons at room temperature for juicing, then refrigerate cut lemons to maintain freshness.