True Press Citrus Juicer

The True Press Citrus Juicer is a hand-operated citrus press from Esplanda, sold as bar and kitchen merchandise rather than as a beverage. The product details don't give its material, size, or capacity, so check the listing's specifications for those. The name points to a press-style juicer. Tools of this type squeeze a halved lemon or lime between two arms or against a cup, which gets more juice out than twisting a half on a reamer. They also tend to leave the seeds and most of the pulp behind. A juicer like this matters mainly for cocktails. Sours and their relatives depend on fresh citrus. A daiquiri, a margarita, a whiskey sour, a gimlet, a Tom Collins, and a Paloma all read differently with juice pressed just before mixing than with bottled juice, which usually tastes flatter and sharper. Fresh juice also loses brightness within hours, so press it close to service and keep it chilled until you use it. Typical practice is to roll the fruit on the counter first, cut it in half, and press it cut-side down. Cutting through the equator rather than pole to pole usually yields more juice from lemons and limes. If the pressed juice is going into a shaker, straining it removes stray seeds and pith. Most presses of this style handle lemons and limes best, and larger models can manage small oranges or grapefruit halves. Check the listing for the size it accepts before buying. Rinse it soon after use, because citrus acid and sugars are easier to wash off before they dry. Hand-washing is the safer default unless the manufacturer states it is dishwasher-safe. It is a useful companion for a home bar that already has a shaker, jigger, and strainer, and for anyone who makes citrus-forward drinks, lemonade, or marinades often.