How to Muddle
Choose a gentle muddling tool., Put the ingredients in a sturdy glass., Press and twist lightly., Finish the drink.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Choose a gentle muddling tool.
A small, flat wooden tool is ideal, such as the end of a wooden spoon or a French rolling pin (without handles).Plastic or hard rubber tools will also work, but require a delicate touch.
Avoid muddlers with teeth, since these tear up the leaves too much.A tough herb such as rosemary needs more breaking down.
Follow the instructions for fruit instead. -
Step 2: Put the ingredients in a sturdy glass.
Do not muddle in a delicate glass that may chip or break when struck.
If the cocktail also calls for fruit, cucumber, or other non-herb ingredients, muddle them separately for best results.
Granulated sugar tears into the ingredients as you muddle.
This can be overkill for soft herbs, so add it with the fruit instead, or dissolve it in a few drops of water and add it to the cocktail separately. , 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.Do this two or three times.
Use your dominant hand to muddle while you hold the glass steady with your other hand. , 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. -
Step 3: Press and twist lightly.
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Step 4: Finish the drink.
Detailed Guide
A small, flat wooden tool is ideal, such as the end of a wooden spoon or a French rolling pin (without handles).Plastic or hard rubber tools will also work, but require a delicate touch.
Avoid muddlers with teeth, since these tear up the leaves too much.A tough herb such as rosemary needs more breaking down.
Follow the instructions for fruit instead.
Do not muddle in a delicate glass that may chip or break when struck.
If the cocktail also calls for fruit, cucumber, or other non-herb ingredients, muddle them separately for best results.
Granulated sugar tears into the ingredients as you muddle.
This can be overkill for soft herbs, so add it with the fruit instead, or dissolve it in a few drops of water and add it to the cocktail separately. , 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.Do this two or three times.
Use your dominant hand to muddle while you hold the glass steady with your other hand. , 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.
About the Author
Christina Gordon
Specializes in breaking down complex home improvement topics into simple steps.
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