What turns that drink in your hand into the perfect refreshment on a summer day?  A bright splash of citrus!  From lemonade to margaritas, that sweet and sour citrus flavor invites us to relax back into our chairs and enjoy the cool drink in our hands. But citrus is not just about the juice, the zest of citrus fruits also adds an amazing flavor pop!

So whether you are a bar or restaurant owner, somebody who loves to entertain, or just loves the taste of lemon, grapefruit, lime or orange in your food and drinks, then consider the Zip Zester^TM as your newest kitchen accessory – it for sure is my new fave!

The Zip Zester is super-efficient and easy to use.  Have you ever spent WAY too much time carefully peeling a lemon into twists for drinks?  How about painstakingly zesting multiple oranges to add to your favorite cranberry orange quick bread? Struggling to avoid the bitter pith?  The Zip Zester will make those tasks a breeze … it only took 10 seconds to do a whole orange – amazing!

Now that you have a fantastic tool to speed through those tedious tasks, you have more time to get creative in the kitchen!  How about zesting a whole orange or lemon into some simple syrup and making a special sweetener for your summertime drinks?

Try my recipe for Zesty Lemon Syrup to add a flavorful kick to your favorite iced tea or cocktail, such as a lemon drop or my Zesty Spiked Lemon Splash. Or try a lime version for a zesty margarita! Use the d’lish syrup to sweeten up your favorite drinks, and then use one of the two twist blades (Little Twist^TM or Big Twist^TM) to create a beautiful garnish that will impress any guest.

What a great way to “zest” up your next cocktail party!  Cheers! – Kathy

Zesty Spiked Lemon Splash

1 1/2 oz vodka or gin
3/4 oz Zesty Lemon Syrup (recipe follows)
3/4 oz fresh Sunkist lemon juice
1 – 2 oz sparkling water, chilled
Garnish: long fresh lemon zest twist

Fill a large tall glass with ice. Measure in the vodka, Zesty Lemon Syrup and juice.  Add sparkling water and stir. Garnish with lemon zest.

Zesty Lemon Syrup

Makes 1 1/2 cups

1 1/2 Tbsp. finely minced lemon zest
1 cup sugar
1 cup water

Combine the zest, sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a quick boil over high heat. Immediately remove from heat and let cool. (Do not strain). Store refrigerated for up to 3 weeks.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Liquid Kitchen®