The Best Kitchen Tool To Use When You Don't Have A Muddler

No cocktail gear? Not a problem! You can turn everyday kitchen tools into convenient bar equipment to make quality cocktails in the comfort of your own home. We talked to Lexi Parker, the Lead Bartender at Poka Lola Social Club in downtown Denver, to get her insight on the best kitchen gadget to replace a muddler, a common bar tool used to mash and muddle ingredients to best incorporate flavors. Parker relays, "If you don't have a muddler on hand you can use the back of a large spoon, the end of a rolling pin, really anything you have that fits in your glass and can be used to 'smash' the mint or whatever else you're muddling down and aerating."

Similar to muddlers, shakers are also easy to replace with everyday household tools. Simply locate a container or jar with a lid, be it a mason jar, a bottle, or a carafe. Seal, shake, and you're done. If you're feeling adventurous you can shake your drink over the sink with two cups of varying sizes (keep the larger cup on the bottom) or a glass filled halfway and firmly covered with a cutting board. Suppose you decide to eventually upgrade your cocktail accessories, this Cocktail Shaker Set Bartender Kit comes with a wooden stand, tools ranging from a muddler to a martini shaker, and a cocktail recipe booklet.

Whether you're using a muddler or a makeshift kitchen tool, there's a method to the practice. The art of muddling involves "bruising" herbs (typically basil, rosemary, or mint), while avoiding totally crushing or snipping them, as this can release unwanted flavors. If you've ever sipped on a mojito that tasted grassy, it's likely because the mint was roughly handled, causing bitter-tasting chlorophyll to be released. When picking out a muddler opt for one with a hard, smooth base if you plan to muddle herbs. After a few tender twists, you should be greeted with a light smell, signaling you've successfully used your muddler and can stop there. Save the textured end of muddlers for fruit.  

Past muddlers, simple syrup is also a fool-proof key to better both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, particularly those that don't already incorporate sweet ingredients like juice and fruit. To make simple syrup bring equal parts of sugar and water to a boil until sugar has dissolved. You can use simple syrup to make an Old Fashioned less harsh or to sweeten up a sour cocktail.

To take your boozy drink to new heights, try blending your cocktail with a food processor or blender for a rewarding frothy texture. Remember, the key to a good cocktail lies in one very basic ingredient: water. It sounds counterproductive when you're aiming to make a stronger concoction, but water allows for more aromas to be released. Otherwise, you'll miss out on the complex base notes, which can be harder to identify at first sip.