The Best Way to Use Mint in Cocktails

Muddling is a method of lightly mashing fruit, herbs, and spices for cocktails. A cocktail muddler is a tool like a pestle that releases the essence from fresh ingredients, adding dimension to your drinks and infusing them with the right balance of flavors. Cocktail recipes like the Caipirinha, the Mojito, and the Mint Julep typically call for muddling.

Mint gets its fresh taste from oils in the leaves, which are released with only a small amount of pressure on the leaves. The leaves also contain chlorophyll, which can cause a noticeable bitter aftertaste. Ingredients like lime wedges or fresh berries can withstand a forceful mash of a cocktail muddler, but world-class mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana explains that mint requires gentler handling. If fresh mint leaves are smashed too hard, chlorophyll is released which causes a notable bitter aftertaste that is unpleasant in cocktails.

Preparing a sprig of mint for a cocktail is

• Smack the leaves. To release the oils, smack a sprig of mint leaves against your hands.
• Place leaves in the shaker. Place the mint leaves directly in the mixing glass or shaker, along with the ingredients for the drink.
• Add ice and stir. If your drink requires ice, like a Mint Julep or a Mojito, add the ice to your mixing glass and start to stir your drink with your barspoon.
• Pull the mint through the drink. Using your barspoon, start to pull the mint up from the bottom of the drink as you stir. This action helps the mint release some its gentle flavor (without any bitterness) and allows that mint essence to incorporate throughout the drink.

Learn more about mixology from award-winning bartenders Lynnette Marrero and Ryan Chetiyawardana. Refine your palate, explore the world of spirits, and shake up the perfect cocktail for your next gathering with the MasterClass Annual Membership.