Technique
Muddle
To muddle is to press fruit, herbs or sugar in the bottom of a glass or shaker with a blunt tool, releasing their juice and oils.
In practice
Press and twist gently with a muddler or the end of a wooden spoon. Mint only needs a light press to release its oils; pushing hard tears the leaves and turns it bitter. Citrus wedges and berries can take more pressure. The Mojito and Caipirinha both start with a muddle.
Drinks to try it with
Muddle, in short
What does muddle mean in cocktails?
To muddle is to press fruit, herbs or sugar in the bottom of a glass or shaker with a blunt tool, releasing their juice and oils.