Muddle

Muddling a cocktail is a bartending technique used to extract flavors from solid ingredients such as fruits, herbs, and spices by gently crushing them. This process releases essential oils, juices, and flavors into the cocktail, enhancing its overall taste and aroma.

It is commonly done with a muddler, a tool that looks like a small baton, and is an essential step in making certain cocktails like Mojitos. The key to an effective cocktail is to press the ingredients gently and twist the muddler; over-doing it can lead to bitter flavors, especially when herbs like mint are involved.