I’ve received so many questions about muddling…What is it? How do you muddle something? What does a muddler look like? etc…

Muddling is an action quintessential to any budding bartenders  repertoire. Simply it’s the action of squeezing the oils and juice from fruit by mashing them at the bottom of a flat mixing or cocktail glass. This is the same process used for “bruising” (mildly muddling) mint leaves and other herbs used in cocktails, for example, “The Mojito”.

The traditional muddler is made from wood, and typically measures anywhere from 6 to 12 inches in length, or longer. This bar tool resembles a baseball bat, and you’d use the thicker end to do your muddling (mashing).

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Now, when you visit your local kitchen supply store they may also carry an assortment of metal and plastic muddlers, which I try to avoid. Overtime they tend to discolor and I have to believe that the discoloring results in unwanted contaminants that are dissolving into my drink, and altering the taste. If you can’t find a wooden muddler, just “slow your roll down” and finesse your muddling with a wooden spoon.

And, please feel free to shoot me your questions and success stories about your muddling.

Cheers, and drink responsibly…