Muddling

The principle of muddling is similar to that of a traditional mortar and pestle. The rough surface of the muddler combined with an abrasive ingredient such as granulated sugar will act to crush and draw out essential oils and juices from fibrous fruits such as lemons, limes, or apples. For a slightly gentler form of muddling, or, as in the case of an old school Old Fashioned, the disk end of a barspoon can be used to grind up sugars and/or bitters. A word of warning, however. Muddling tough fruits such as limes or pears with the end of a bar spoon can be dangerous. Occasionally the spoon end will snap under pressure and leave you with a nasty cut hand. Always use a bar spoon for gentle crushing and a muddler for when you mean business.