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Master The Art of Muddling Cocktails | Diageo Bar Academy

Diageo Bar Academy | A variety of muddlers

Muddling is a great technique to release flavour 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.

What is a Muddler?

The integration of fresh ingredients to cocktails is made possible through a process called muddling. Using a muddler tool, ingredients can be pressed to extract juices and oils. These are added, with other ingredients, to complete a cocktail.

A well-stocked bar will usually have an assortment of muddlers which can be matched to different styles of ingredient for a variety of cocktails.

A classic muddler takes the form of a bar with a slightly flared, circular end. The very end of the bar is flattened, allowing the bartender to crush ingredients against the side of the glass, and the flared end can be used to grind ingredients in a glass.


Diageo Bar Academy | A bartender muddling ingredients

MUDDLER TOOLS YOU NEED TO KNOW

To muddle drinks, you need to have the tools. Here’s what you need in order to perfect your muddling technique:

Muddler

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

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.


Cocktail muddler tips and tricks

Here are some top tips to help you with your muddling game:


Diageo Bar Academy | Ingredients ready to be muddled with a muddler in the background

using your cocktail muddler

Now put everything you have learnt into practice with this mojito recipe.

RECIPE:

METHOD:

  1. Using a muddler, press the mint leaves, lime wedges and sugar syrup in a highball glass to squeeze out the juices.
  2. Add crushed ice to the glass.
  3. Pour in Captain Morgan White Rum and soda water.
  4. Stir vigorously until all of the ingredients are mixed.
  5. Top with more crushed ice, throw in a straw and garnish with a mint sprig.

(2 standard drinks – 1.9 units per serve)


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