What is a cocktail muddler?

A muddler is essentially used like a pestle to mash cocktail ingredients at the bottom of a glass to release their flavors. It's typically used for fruits , herbs and spices. They're typically made out of wood, stainless steel or stone and have a long thin handle so they can reach the bottom of a tall glass or cocktail shaker.

Muddling is basically gentle mashing that helps to break down an ingredient and release its flavors. Just put the ingredient you're muddling into a (very durable) glass or cocktail shaker, and mash gently a few times. You don't have to obliterate the ingredient, just mash it enough to break it down slightly.

What can you use in place of a muddler?

A wooden spoon is probably the best alternative. You can also use any kind of wooden dowel or even a traditional mortar and pestle.

Berry Basil Moscow Mules - Crowded Kitchen

Description

Our berry basil Moscow mule is a refreshing twist on a classic. We combined fresh blackberries and raspberries with basil and ginger beer to create a delicious and refreshing summer beverage.

Ingredients

Scale

Cocktail:

3/4 cup raspberries, divided
3/4 cup blackberries, divided
3 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
6 oz vodka
3 oz basil simple syrup (see below)
12 oz ginger beer
8 fresh large basil leaves, torn or chopped into smaller pieces
4 sprigs of basil for garnish

Basil Simple Syrup:

½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup water
½ cup fresh basil

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Instructions

Add ½ cup sugar and ½ cup of water to a pot. Stir well and bring to a boil.
Add basil leaves, turn the heat down and let simmer for 5 minutes. Turn the heat off and remove from the burner.
Let the simple syrup sit for 25 to 30 minutes. Then pour through a strainer to remove basil leaves.
Add 4 raspberries and 4 blackberries to each glass and muddle.
Add a 1/2 cup each of raspberries and blackberries to a cocktail shaker with 8 large torn basil leaves and lime juice.
Use a muddler to press the mixture well. Then fill the shaker half full with ice, vodka, and our basil simple syrup and shake well for a slow count of 20.
Use a strainer to pour mixture out of the cocktail shaker. If you want a cocktail without berry pulp, you can pour into a fine mesh sieve and use a spoon to help squeeze the liquid through.
Add ice to each glass. Then pour 5 oz of berry vodka mixture into each glass. Top with 3 oz of ginger beer, stir, and garnish with a sprig of fresh basil.

Notes

Pack in basil leaves: When measuring your ½ cup of basil leaves, be sure to pack the leaves tightly in the measuring cup in order to get the proper measurement.

Keep it fresh: Using fresh basil, lime juice and berries will create a fresher, better-tasting cocktail.

Sub in other berries: Not crazy about blackberries or raspberries? Feel free to sub these out for blueberries, strawberries, or whatever berries you prefer.

No need to mercilessly mash your ingredients while muddling. Just gently crush with a wooden spoon or a muddler 3-4 times to help release their juices.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooling Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Cocktails
Method: Shaker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Drink
Calories: 268
Sugar: 39 g
Sodium: 12.5 mg
Fat: 0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 43.5 g
Fiber: 3.1 g
Protein: 0.9 g