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Muddling - The Why, What, and How?
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21st February 2012
2 min read
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A number of classic and delightful cocktails, such as the mojito, the Old-Fashioned, the Caipirinha, and the mint julep, require a step known as ‘muddling’ in order to extract the maximum flavor from their ingredients.
Muddling is, essentially, crushing. It is accomplished with the use of a tool called a muddler, which is a long, thin tool made of wood or metal with a blunt crushing surface on one end. The ingredient to be muddled is placed in the bottom of a dry glass, and is then ground between the muddler and the bottom of the glass. The muddler serves as a pestle to the glass’s morter, partially pulverizing the ingredient.

There are two types of ingredients that are commonly muddled: fresh fruits, and fresh herbs. In both cases, the process of muddling releases aromatic juices and oils from the ingredient into the glass, freeing them to be mixed into the drink.

There are numerous advantages of muddling over juicing. For one, there are many ingredients which are difficult or impossible to juice in a bar setting, such as fresh herbs or certain fruits, like apples and pears. But even for easily-juiced fruits like citrus, muddling has its advantages. If a lime is juiced and the juice is added to a drink, only the filtered juice from the fruit’s flesh will make it into the final drink. With muddling, however, the drink will also contain delicious volatile oils released from the fruit’s peel, as well as small bits of the fruit’s flesh. These oils and fruit bits add dimension, depth and a lovely aroma to the finished cocktail.

It is important to muddle your solid ingredients before adding your liquid ingredients to the glass, in order to ensure that the fruit or herb is well-crushed. To use the muddler effectively, it must be held with the handle end cupped in the palm of the hand, and then ground into the bottom of the glass in a rotating motion. Finally, the grinding process may be helped along with the addition of dry sugar, the granules of which assist in pulverizing your solid ingredient.

Typically, muddled cocktails are served in glasses with ice, which prevents the loose fruits or herbs from floating to the top of the drink. However, muddled cocktails may also be prepared in a cocktail strainer and then strained into a martini glass.

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Mint Julep

Recipe card
4.97 / 5

Lowball / rocks glass

Microbadges

IBA Official Drink
15 key ingredients
Cocktail Of The Day
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die
Invented
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(1800)
Base ingredient
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Bourbon
Calories
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178 calories
Garnish
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Mint
Alcohol content
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31.17% | 2.4 units *
Details
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Easy
Classic
Stirred

<p>The Mint Julep is a classic Southern cocktail that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the late 1700s or early 1800s, with its roots traced back to Virginia.</p><p>The drink is traditionally made with fresh mint leaves, bourbon whiskey, and a touch of sugar. The mint leaves are commonly muddled in the bottom of a glass to release their aromatic oils and then combined with bourbon, creating a refreshing and slightly sweet flavor profile.</p><p>The Mint Julep is often served in a silver or pewter cup, filled with crushed ice, and garnished with a sprig of mint. This cocktail is a staple at the Kentucky Derby and is known for its ability to cool and refresh on a hot summer day.</p><p>With its simple yet delightful combination of ingredients, the Mint Julep remains a timeless and beloved drink by many.</p>

Ingredients

Method
How to make a Mint Julep

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
In the bottom of a lowball glass, muddle the mint leaves to release the oils from the leaves, with the sugar and the sugar syrup
Add the bourbon and fill the glass with crushed ice
Stir the drink and garnish with a sprig of mint, and serve
View the full recipe
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Caipirinha

Recipe card
4.49 / 5

Lowball / rocks glass

Microbadges

IBA Official Drink
Cocktail Of The Day
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die (Part 2)
Invented
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(1918)
Base ingredient
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Cachaça
Calories
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224 calories
Alcohol content
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29.63% | 2.4 units *
Details
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Easy
Classic
Stirred

<p>Caipirinha is Brazil's national cocktail, made with cachaça, sugar and lime. Many variations exist, but the classic is widely mixed, drank and enjoyed!</p>

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Ingredients

Method
How to make a Caipirinha

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
First cut up the lime wedges into small segments that will be easy to muddle and release the flavours from
Next, in a lowball glass muddle the sugar and lime wedges
Fill the glass with crushed ice and pour over the cachaça
Give it a quick stir and serve
View the full recipe
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Mojito

Recipe card
4.93 / 5

Highball glass

Microbadges

IBA Official Drink
15 key ingredients
Cocktail Of The Day
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die
Invented
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(1600)
Base ingredient
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White rum
Calories
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106 calories
Garnish
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Lime, mint
Alcohol content
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6% | 1.8 units *
Details
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Easy
Classic
Stirred

<p>The Mojito is a classic Cuban cocktail that has gained worldwide popularity for its refreshing qualities. It features a tantalizing mix of crisp lime juice, aromatic mint leaves, and the smoothness of white rum, all balanced with a touch of sugar for sweetness.</p><p>These ingredients are complemented by the effervescence of soda water, making the Mojito an invigorating and light beverage. Traditionally served in a highball glass, this cocktail offers a balance of citrus and herbal flavors with a cool, minty finish, making it particularly enjoyable on warm days or as an uplifting pre-dinner drink.</p>

Ingredients

Method
How to make a Mojito

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
In the bottom of a highball glass, muddle the mint leaves with the sugar and lime juice to release the oils from the mint leaves
Next add a splash of soda water and fill up the glass with crushed ice
Add the rum, top up with the soda water and give it a stir
Garnish with a sprig of mint and a slice of lime and serve
View the full recipe

Filed with tags

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Herbs
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Technique
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Muddling
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Ingredients
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Fruits
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Mojito
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Old-Fashioned

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