Utensils & kitchen tools · Barware
Muddler
A stout stick for pressing fruit, herbs and sugar in a glass to release juice and aroma.
Specialist · Manual · 4 recipes
What it is
A rod of wood, stainless steel or plastic, often with a flat or toothed end. It crushes ingredients in the bottom of a glass or shaker. It is like a small pestle without a mortar.
What it’s for: Releasing oils and juice from mint, citrus and fruit for drinks.
How to use it
- Place herbs, fruit and sugar in a sturdy glass or shaker.
- Press down and twist gently a few times.
- Press harder for citrus and fruit; gently for mint to avoid bitterness.
- Add the rest of the drink and stir or shake.
Good to know
- Tasks
- muddling mint and lime, crushing berries, mashing ginger, dissolving sugar
- Cooking methods
- No-cook, Raw
- Materials
- wood, stainless steel, plastic
- Care and cleaning
- Wash and dry; do not soak varnished or untreated wood.
- Limitations
- Only for small quantities in a glass.
Safety
- Use a thick-bottomed glass; thin glasses can break.
If you don’t have one
- Rolling pin — The end of a small rolling pin.
- Wooden spoon — Use the handle end.
Equipment guide
How it works: Pressing and twisting bruises herbs and crushes fruit so oils and juices are released into the drink. Over-muddling herbs releases bitter compounds.
| Material | Good | Watch out |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | Does not scratch pans, stays cool to hold, feels warm and quiet in use. | Absorbs water and smells if soaked; cracks if put in the dishwasher; needs occasional oiling. |
| Stainless steel | Durable, non-reactive, dishwasher-safe, does not hold smells. | Can scratch non-stick pans; conducts heat, so all-metal handles get hot. |
| Food-grade plastic (polypropylene, nylon) | Light, cheap, gentle on non-stick surfaces. | Melts or warps on contact with hot pans; scratches harbour residue; can stain and hold smells. |
- Flat-end muddler
- Herbs.
- Toothed muddler
- Fruit.
Buying guidance
Starting out: An unvarnished wooden or stainless muddler long enough to reach the bottom of a shaker.
- Length at least 20 cm
- Unvarnished wood (varnish flakes)
No brands or prices — check current reviews before buying.
Related tools
Recipes that use it
Classic Mojito
Cuban · 5 min · 149 kcal · VeganCoconut lime cooler
International · 5 min · 79 kcal · Vegan
Cucumber mint spritz
International · 7 min · 65 kcal · Vegan
Virgin Mojito
Cuban · 5 min · 53 kcal · Vegan