That magic twist of orange or lemon peel is one of the biggest differences between a drink at some fancy cocktail bar and most drinks made at home. It’s just a little thing, but it’s one of the most vital techniques in a bartender’s bag of tricks.

What you want from a citrus peel is the oil. Using a peeler or channel knife, get yourself a nice piece of peel from a well-rinsed lemon or orange, making an effort to get as little of the bitter white pith as you can. Notice the little bit of spray and puff of aroma when you make the garnish— that spray is the oil you want to get onto your drink. Some people will peel the citrus directly over the drink, but others find it difficult to aim. When you’ve got the peel, twist it or pinch it over the drink. If you look carefully, you should see a light film of oil over the surface of the cocktail. That’s the stuff! Mission accomplished!

Depending on the recipe, you might also want to rub the peel around the rim of the glass. Either way, you’ve added a potent little ingredient to your cocktail that can really contribute something to the overall experience.