Muddled
Also known as: crushed, pressed
A description indicating that ingredients have been pressed and crushed to release their flavors before the other ingredients are added.
When a cocktail recipe indicates that an ingredient is muddled, it means the ingredient should be pressed and crushed in the glass or shaker to release flavors before other ingredients are added. Muddling extracts oils from herbs, juice from fruits, and flavor from other solid ingredients. This manual pressing uses a muddler - a bartending tool designed for the purpose - to break down ingredients through direct pressure. The Mojito provides the classic example of muddling. Mint leaves are muddled with lime and sugar to release the mint oils and begin dissolving the sugar. The result is a base for the rum and soda that follows. The Old Fashioned traditionally muddles a sugar cube with bitters and a splash of water, dissolving the sugar and integrating the bitters. Some versions add orange and cherry to the muddle, though this is controversial among purists. The Caipirinha requires muddling lime wedges with sugar. Unlike juicing the lime separately, muddling extracts oils from the peel along with the juice, creating a more complex citrus profile. Muddling technique varies by ingredient. Herbs like mint require gentle pressing to release oils without shredding the leaves and releasing bitter chlorophyll. Hard fruits like lime wedges can handle more aggressive muddling to extract juice. The muddler itself comes in various styles. Wooden muddlers are traditional and work well for most purposes. Metal or plastic muddlers clean more easily. Flat-bottomed muddlers work better than those with teeth for most applications. Muddling happens before adding ice. The ingredients go into the glass or shaker, get muddled, and then ice and remaining ingredients are added. This sequence ensures proper extraction without ice getting in the way. Common muddled ingredients include mint, basil, and other herbs; citrus wedges; berries and soft fruits; sugar cubes; cucumber slices; and sometimes vegetables like jalapenos for spicy drinks.
💡 Pro Tips
- Muddle before adding ice
- Gentle pressure for herbs, firmer for fruit
- Muddling releases flavors that shaking alone cannot extract
- Flat-bottomed muddlers work best for most purposes
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-muddling herbs until they become bitter
- Not muddling sugar cubes enough to dissolve them
- Muddling after adding ice
- Using too much force on delicate herbs
