How to Use a Cocktail Muddler
The muddler is an essential bar tool . It's designed to crush and mix drink ingredients. It's used to prepare some of the most popular cocktails, including the Caipirinha, the Mojito , and many other classic cocktails.
We are looking at a professional tool…
But do n't panic! This basic bartending technique is very easy to learn. Muddler is one of the best ways to incorporate fruits and aromatics into your favorite drinks.
What exactly is "the bartender's pestle"?
It's a cylindrical tool sized to reach the bottom of your shaker. It measures between 15 and 20 centimeters in length and 2.5 centimeters in diameter.
You can find pestles made of wood, stainless steel, plastic or even glass in stores.
Stainless steel cocktail muddler, wooden cocktail muddler, or plastic cocktail muddler?
You will use the wooden cocktail muddler to gently crush aromatic herbs and citrus fruits, as well as for tough tasks like cracking ice.
The plastic pestle is perfect for extracting juice from fruits.
Stronger than its predecessor, the stainless steel cocktail pestle can also crush hard ingredients such as nuts and spices.
As for the glass cocktail muddler , which is more aesthetically pleasing, it is to be used in the case of a showy preparation.
So, all types of muddlers can be useful in your bartending kit. However, if you only want one, opt for a stainless steel one with teeth. This way, you can tackle any cocktail recipe and efficiently crush your ingredients 😉!
How to maintain your cocktail muddler?
Your wooden pestle is the most delicate and requires the most care because it's made of an organic material. Never put your wooden pestle in the dishwasher or leave it in standing water. Clean it in water immediately after use, especially when working with berries and other fruits that can stain the wood.
Over time, spots will undoubtedly appear, but that's just a sign that you're benefiting from it.
To dry it, wipe it with a dry cloth. Let it air dry completely before storing it .
The main advantage of plastic and steel pestles is hygiene.
Unlike wooden pestles, pestles made of "modern" materials are much less prone to bacterial and mold growth or damage. They are generally dishwasher safe. Darker fruits and herbs leave virtually no stains and rarely absorb or trap strong flavors or aromas.
Cocktail muddler instructions
Novices often make the mistake of crushing their strong ingredients, turning them into mush. Stop! Don't do that!
Instead of crushing the contents of your mixing glass or shaker, gently press the ingredients . This way, you'll release the essential oils from the aromatics and obtain a delicate juice from the fruits.
Then, place your ingredients in the bottom of a shaker or mixing glass. Some cocktails are mixed directly in the serving glass, so be even gentler.
Press gently and rotate the pestle half a turn.
Release and continue this movement until the ingredients are sufficiently mixed and crushed. This usually takes four to six turns.
Add the remaining drink ingredients (including ice cubes if needed) and follow the recipe recommendations, shaking or stirring to finish mixing the drink 🍹.
Now you know enough to make your own delicious homemade cocktails using a cocktail muddler !
Enjoy!