How To Cut a Lime

Learning to cut a lime wedge is a basic bartending skill all hosts and hostesses should have underfoot. Lime wedges serve double duty as both a cocktail garnish and a drink modifier, giving your guests the freedom to add an extra burst of citrus to their favorite beverage as desired.

Looking for cocktail basics to master? Add this easy Strawberry Simple Syrup to your must-make list!

HOW TO CUT A LIME WEDGE

Paring knives are small and easy to handle, giving you more control and precision, especially when it comes to slicing into small fruits like limes and lemons. If you have one, consider it the perfect tool for cutting into those lime wedges!

To cut a lime into wedges, use your paring knife to cut the lime lengthwise, from end to end.

Now, you'll need to determine if your lime wedges will be used to garnish a cocktail glass or if they are just for squeezing!

If they are going to be used for cocktail garnishing purposes or adding a salt rim to the glass, you'll need to make an extra cut.

These techniques are great to know when making drinks like Best Margaritas!

Here's how you do it: Once you have your lime cut in half, set it down and make a small cut crosswise in the center of the lime. Take care to cut only through the flesh and not all the way through to the rind.

Then, lay the lime cut side down on your cutting board and cut it into three wedges, running your knife once again lengthwise, from end to end.

Love lemon? This exact same method is perfect for cutting lemon wedges as well!

TIPS FOR CUTTING LIMES

Citrus at room temperature will be both easier to juice and to cut.
Never underestimate the power of a sharp knife. It makes for nice, clean cuts and makes for simplified knifework.
Use your paring knife; it is the ideal size for cutting into small citrus fruits.
Wash your citrus before cutting! Often times lime wedges are added directly to a cocktail once squeezed. You want to be sure you remove any bacteria from the exterior of the fruit before it goes into your drink.

HOW TO CUT LIME WHEELS

Want to make that cocktail look extra fancy? Lime wheels are a great way to do it.

To cut a lime wheel, you will again call upon your paring knife. Then, place the lime on your cutting board and begin slicing it into ¼"-thick rounds. Once you have all of your wheels cut, lay a stack of two or three lime wheels on top of one another, and use your paring knife to cut a slit from the center of the lime wheel through the rind.