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…

Today, I’m starting my “Sexy Sippers” series with an introduction to my tantalizingly hypnotic cocktails inspired by the women hosts of daytime chatter…Oprah, Wendy, Ellen, Tyra, Martha, etc…These women all embody viewer friendly intoxicating charm, wit, intelligence and beauty that we thirst quenchingly invite into our living rooms, health clubs, and work places on a “daily”, and they are all deserving of “Sexy Sippers” unique to each.

First, Oprah has undoubtedly proven that she is the living legend and queen of daytime, unprecedented by her 25 year run, climaxing on her own terms…This calls for a “Sexy Silver Sipper”…

Wendy is that risque diva with a “cutting edge” and bold approach that can inspire even the most conservative of drinkers to join in her “Roast”, I mean “Toast”…”How U Doin” (lol).

Ellen has that nonchalant quirkiness and charisma that comes across as comical, of course, but also truthful.

Tyra has “Cat Walked” down many international runways, and now this “Pussy” has cleverly found her comfort zone into American homes…Tyra, u better work!!!

And then there’s Martha, our daytime resident “Jack of All Trades”…Martha’s plate is full!!! Of course this daytime diva needs a “Sexy Sipper” to wash down her daily grind.

“Sexy Sippers” will be delivered to you in visual format, with minimal recipe formulation, as to maintain the integrity and exclusivity of each until DR Mixologist has done a live presentation with each daytime diva on their respective shows.

Cheers!!! Drink responsibly….

People!!! Get on your marks, get set, now go….for the rebirthing of The Caipirinha. Yes indeed, The Caipirinha is making a ferocious comeback and plans to be the hot new trendy cocktail for this spring and beyond. The sole, spirited ingredient in The Caipirinha is Cachaca, also know as the national spirit of Brazil. Formerly condemned to collecting dust on most bars and liquor storage rooms because of it’s harsh taste, and inability to be resuscitated with even the most exciting fresh mixers, Cachaca producers took heed. Cachaca is no longer produced in steel vats in 3 short days, but processed more like a cognac in oak barrels, and aged anywhere from 1 to 10 years, and the industry consensus on aging Cachaca is starting to rest around 2 years. 2 years works best in the aging process so that the oak barrel adds some smoothing texture to the Cachaca without imposing dominating notes or heavily discoloring the clear spirit.

Ok, all of this background on Cachaca is making me thirsty!!! So I’m gonna bang out a Traditional Caipirinha, real quick…3 – 4 muddled limes, 1/2 -1 oz simple syrup (I like mine on the sweeter side so I’ll opt on the 1 oz of simple syrup), 2 oz of Cachaca, vigorously shake with crushed iced, and garnish with a lime wedge. And please feel free to be creative with your caipirinha, and add your choice of seasonal fresh fruit, ie: blueberry’s, blackberry’s, strawberry’s, etc…

Berry Caipirinha

Cheers, and drink responsibly!!!

DR Mix Bday (click on red highlighted link 2 view my video blog)