What do you use to muddle

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Just as you would use a pestle and mortar, push down on the muddler with a twisting action. Only attempt to muddle in the base of a shaker or a suitably sturdy glass. Never attempt to muddle hard, unripe fruits in a glass as the pressure required could break the glass. I've witnessed a bartender slash his hand open on a broken glass while muddling and can't over-emphasize how careful you should be.

You must log in to your account to make a comment. JavaScript is not enabled! For information on how to enable Javascript on your browser click here. Lime, mint leaves, sugar, cocktail glass - everything is ready for your mojito. What will you use? Making your go-to mojito without a muddler is not an issue if you have these items at home.

A wooden spoon is probably the most available alternative at home for a muddler. Be sure it is well-cleaned without traces of oil and strong odors from spices like curry. With the tip of the handle, gently press the mint leaves to the bottom of the glass if your spoon has a slightly rounded or flat end.

Another alternative for a muddler that is very likely available in your kitchen is the good old pestle. Clean it well and make sure it does not have any traces of spices.

If you are a bit wary of using it, use disposable plastic gloves so your hands will not be in contact with any spice on the head of the pestle. Mint, basil, and other soft leaves release bitter flavors when crushed or torn apart. Just press down gently with the blunt tool while you twist your wrist, then release. Use your dominant hand to muddle while you hold the glass steady with your other hand.

You only need to lightly bruise the leaves to release the oils and aroma. Finish the drink. The leaves are ready when lightly bruised, but still intact. You should be able to smell the herb, since the goal of muddling is to release flavorful, aromatic oils. You can leave the herbs in the final cocktail for presentation or strain them out, as desired.

Method 2. Choose a muddling tool. Citrus fruits, cucumbers, and other fruits and vegetables can take a fair amount of pressure. A broad muddler is a great choice, especially if it has teeth to break into the skin. You can also improvise with the back of a wooden spoon, a mortar and pestle, or any blunt instrument. Add small pieces to a sturdy glass. If using a mortar and pestle, put the ingredients in the mortar bowl instead. Add sugar if the recipe calls for it.

If you are using granulated sugar instead of simple syrup, add it now. Sugar will dissolve in fruit juice more readily than in alcohol, so incorporating it at this stage can save your cocktail from a gritty fate.

Press and twist. Hold the glass steady and cup the end of the muddler with your dominant hand. Press the tool down steadily onto the fruit rather than bashing the glass. Press hard and twist, then release and repeat. You can press against the sides or base of the glass. You'll want to muddle fruits and vegetables a little more aggressively than if you were working with herbs. Muddle until the fruit or vegetable releases aroma and liquid. The goal of muddling is to break up the peel and flesh to release flavorful oils and juices.

You can stop when you smell a strong scent and see the ingredients release liquid, or continue muddling to intensify the flavor.

Citrus fruit can release plenty of bitter oils when muddled with prolonged force. This can work well in sugary drinks such as the caipirinha or mojito. Use a lighter touch when muddling for drinks with no added sugar.

Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow. Kady Richardson Mixologist. Kady Richardson. Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer. Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0. Not really. A blender will totally liquefy the cucumber, which will release stronger flavors.

If you don't have a muddler, you can use the handle of a sturdy wooden spoon or ladle. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. The recipe should clarify whether or not to leave the crushed ingredients in the drink.