What does "muddling" refer to in bartending?

Muddling in bartending specifically refers to the process of crushing herbs, fruits, or other flavoring agents in a glass to release their essential oils and flavors, which enhances the overall taste of a cocktail. This technique is commonly used in drinks like mint juleps and mojitos, where fresh mint or citrus fruit is muddled to infuse the cocktail with their vibrant flavors.

The technique requires a tool called a muddler, which can be made of wood or metal, designed to effectively break down the ingredients without introducing excessive bitterness. Muddling is crucial for achieving the right flavor balance in drinks that rely on fresh ingredients. The manual action of muddling brings out desirable flavors while preserving the integrity of the other ingredients in the cocktail.