Cutting Boards, Peelers & Zesters
Cocktails are more enjoyable when garnished with a twist of lemon zest. Complete your bar's cocktail setup with Rapids Wholesale's selection of bar cutlery, including a wide range of bar cutting boards and lemon zesters and peelers. For larger, kitchen-sized cutting boards, explore our selection of Commercial Cutting Boards.
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Red Cutting Board, 12" x 18"Special Price $9.59 Regular Price $11.04 -
Green Cutting Board, 12" x 18"Special Price $9.59 Regular Price $11.04 -
Yellow Cutting Board, 12" x 18"Special Price $9.59 Regular Price $11.04 -
White Cutting Board, 12" x 18" x 1/2" thickSpecial Price $9.59 Regular Price $10.71 -
Winco White Cutting Board, 15" X 20"Special Price $13.34 Regular Price $14.91
What is a Lemon Zester and How Important Are They in Cocktails?
Zest is a food ingredient that is scraped or cut by a citrus zester or peeler from the outer, colorful skin of citrus fruits such as lemon, orange, citron, and lime. Zest is used in food or drinks, particularly cocktails, not only to bring out the flavor and aroma but also to add color, decoration, and garnish. As a cocktail garnish, zest is usually cut in a long spiral called a twist. An example of a cocktail that is commonly garnished with a twist is a martini. For maximum flavor and aroma, zest is usually cut from the citrus fruit with a knife or a peeler or zester.
There are various methods of making and using twists for cocktails. Twists are typically cut from a whole fresh fruit with a small kitchen knife or, better yet, with a lemon zester or citrus peeler or other similar utensils. The curled shape or twist, as its name suggests, may come from cutting the wedge into a spiral or twist, and winding it around a straw or other object.
The Perfect Bar Zester and Fruit Peeler to Serve Your Cocktails with a Twist
Ian Fleming's James Bond character has his popular signature drink, the Vesper Cocktail. Here's the Vesper, according to Bond:
"Three measures of Gordon's, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it's ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon peel. Got it?"
Now what would be 007's perfect cocktail be without the ubiquitous lemon peel or lemon zest?
Serve any stylish cocktail with a twist with Rapids Wholesale's citrus zester. Lime? Lemon? Orange? No problem. Our zester can even double as a peeler!.
Rapids also offers a cutting board and a bar cutting set that includes two paring knives, one utility knife, and one 6" x 12" cutting board.
Need More Help with Bar Cutting Boards or Zesters? No Problem.
Many of our expert Sales Representatives have years of experience in the food-service and beer industries before coming to join us. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here in our website, at one of our convenient locations, or even in our frequently mailed catalogs, please feel free to contact us, and one of our knowledgeable Rapids Wholesale Sales Representatives will immediately assist you in locating the products that you need.
Essential Bar Tools for Garnishes and Prep
A well-equipped bar or cocktail station relies on more than just spirits and mixers. Cutting boards, citrus zesters, and peelers are essential tools that help bartenders and mixologists prepare garnishes efficiently, safely, and professionally. Fresh garnishes not only enhance the flavor and aroma of cocktails but also elevate their visual presentation, creating a more enjoyable experience for patrons.
At Rapids Wholesale, we provide a variety of bar-sized cutting boards for prep work, as well as larger commercial kitchen boards for high-volume operations. These boards are durable, easy to clean, and designed to withstand frequent use. Properly prepared ingredients, whether it’s a thin twist of lemon peel or a finely sliced lime wedge, ensure consistency in both presentation and flavor.
Using the right bar tools can also reduce prep time and prevent cross-contamination, keeping your station organized and sanitary. Whether for a busy bar, restaurant, catering service, or home bar setup, having high-quality cutting boards and citrus tools is an investment in efficiency and professionalism.
Create Perfect Twists and Zests for Cocktails
Citrus zesters and peelers are indispensable for any bar that serves cocktails with garnishes. Zest refers to the outer, colored peel of fruits like lemons, limes, oranges, and citrons. It contains essential oils that deliver bright flavors and aromatic notes, enhancing the overall cocktail experience.
Twists, spirals, or thin strips of zest are often used as garnishes in cocktails such as martinis, old fashioneds, and specialty drinks. A proper zester or peeler allows bartenders to remove the zest without including the bitter white pith beneath the skin. This precision ensures a clean flavor and visually appealing garnish.
How to Use a Zester or Peeler:
- Hold the fruit securely in one hand and the zester or peeler in the other.
- Lightly scrape or peel the colored portion of the citrus skin, avoiding the white pith.
- Twist or curl the zest as desired and place it on the cocktail glass or in the drink.
- For maximum aroma, gently squeeze the zest over the glass to release essential oils before using it as a garnish.
Our zesters and peelers are made from durable materials such as stainless steel and food-safe plastics. Many are designed for easy cleaning and long-lasting use. They are ideal for professional bar use and equally effective for home enthusiasts who want to craft cocktails with precision and style.
Why the Right Cutting Board is Essential
Cutting boards are fundamental tools for any bar or kitchen environment. Bar-sized boards provide the perfect surface for prepping fruits, herbs, and other small ingredients for cocktails, while larger commercial boards can accommodate high-volume prep tasks.
Choosing the right cutting board helps maintain hygiene, efficiency, and safety. Non-slip designs prevent accidents, while durable surfaces resist deep cuts that can harbor bacteria. Some boards come with integrated juice grooves or measurements, allowing bartenders to prep ingredients more accurately.
For home bar use, compact boards are convenient and easy to store, while for professional kitchens, heavy-duty boards withstand frequent washing and cutting. Rapids Wholesale offers a variety of cutting boards in multiple sizes and materials, including polycarbonate and wood, ensuring that each bar, restaurant, or catering service can find the ideal board for their workflow.
Some cutting board sets even include paring knives or utility knives, providing an all-in-one solution for preparing garnishes and ingredients efficiently. With the right combination of zesters, peelers, and cutting boards, bartenders can maintain speed and precision, keeping cocktails fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented.
