Channel knife
ToolA channel knife is a small hand tool with a V-shaped notch that cuts a thin strip of citrus peel for a twist garnish.
- Strip length for a twist
- 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm)
What channel knife means
Recipes that call for a twist need a strip of citrus peel, and the channel knife is the tool that cuts it. The peel holds the citrus oil, the part you smell when the drink reaches your nose.
The strip should run about 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) for a twist. Sharpness is the thing to check when you buy one. A dull blade skids and snaps the strip short, and America's Test Kitchen found many channel knives were not sharp enough.
To express the oil, hold the strip over the drink and squeeze it, so a fine mist lands on the surface. A narrow strip does this well, and it can then curl into the twist you leave in the glass.
How to use a channel knife
You need a channel knife, a piece of citrus and a steady hand to cut one long strip.
- 1.Press the notch of the knife firmly into the peel.
- 2.Pull the knife around the fruit in a spiral to cut a strand 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) long.
- 3.Curl the strip tightly to set the twist.
No channel knife? Without a channel knife, a vegetable peeler takes the peel, but its wide strip will not curl into a neat twist.
Channel knife compared
- ZesterA zester's row of small holes shaves several fine threads at once. A channel knife's single V-notch cuts one long ribbon.
- Vegetable peelerA peeler's strip is wide and flat, best for expressing. A channel knife's narrow strip curls into a twist.
- TwistA twist is the finished garnish. The channel knife is only one tool for making it.
Related terms
Ingredients
Put it to use in your next drink
Garçon explains every step as you make the drink.