ESSENTIAL BAR SKILLS: MUDDLING

Muddling is a great technique to release flavor and aromas from your ingredients and it is a vital skill to know when creating some classic serves, such as a Mojito or Caipirinha. So let’s take a look at how to ensure your ingredients are muddled to perfection.

Essential tools for muddling

First of all, the tools—here’s what you need in order to perfect your muddling technique:

Muddler

Wood, stainless steel or plastic, with or without teeth.

• Wooden toddy sticks are best for herbs, such as mint for Mojitos and Mint Juleps.
• The toothed designs are great for fruits and other thicker ingredients.

Mixing Glass

A toughened glass strong enough to withstand the firm action required to crush tougher ingredients, such as fresh ginger. This glass can be a mixing glass but you can also use a Collins or rocks glass.

Top tips for muddling

• Fruit should be chopped into small pieces.
• Apply greater pressure for citrus and fruits to help release oils and juices.
• Muddle herbs gently to prevent breaking them to small pieces.
• Never muddle in a stemmed glass.
• Twisting the wrist gives the best results.

Practice your muddling!

Now put everything you have learned into practice with this Mojito recipe.

MOJITO

• 1.5 oz. CAPTAIN MORGAN White Rum
• 3.5 oz. soda water
• .75 oz. simple syrup
• 7 mint leaves
• 2 lime wedges

METHOD:

Using a muddler, press the mint leaves, lime wedges and sugar syrup in a highball glass to squeeze out the juices.

Add crushed ice to the glass.

Pour in CAPTAIN MORGAN White Rum and soda water.

Stir vigorously until all of the ingredients are mixed.

Top with more crushed ice, throw in a straw and garnish with a mint sprig.