Lime Juice

Fresh lime juice is the cornerstone of countless classic cocktails, providing bright acidity and tropical flavor that transforms ordinary drinks into extraordinary experiences. Unlike bottled lime juice, fresh-squeezed lime juice offers vibrant flavor, natural oils, and the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness that makes cocktails taste alive and refreshing.

The sharp acidity of lime juice serves multiple purposes in cocktails. It balances sweet ingredients like simple syrup and liqueurs, enhances the flavors of spirits, and provides the refreshing quality that makes drinks like margaritas, mojitos, and daiquiris so appealing. The citric acid also helps preserve cocktails and prevents oxidation of other ingredients.

Essential lime juice cocktails include the classic margarita, where lime juice balances tequila and triple sec, and the mojito, where it enhances rum and mint. The daiquiri showcases lime juice's ability to create perfect harmony with rum and simple syrup, while the gimlet combines lime with gin for a crisp, sophisticated drink.

For best results, always use fresh limes and juice them just before making cocktails. Roll limes at room temperature before cutting to extract maximum juice. One medium lime typically yields about 1 ounce of juice. Fresh lime juice maintains peak flavor for 2-3 days when refrigerated in an airtight container.

When selecting limes, choose fruits that feel heavy for their size with bright green color and smooth skin. Avoid limes with dark spots or dried-out appearance. Keep a lime squeezer or reamer in your bar tools for efficient juicing and consistent results.