What does "muddling" refer to in cocktail preparation?

Muddling in cocktail preparation specifically refers to the technique of crushing or pressing ingredients, typically fruits, herbs, or spices, to release their essential oils and flavors, which helps to enhance the overall taste of the drink. This process is often used in cocktails like mojitos or old fashioneds, where fresh mint leaves or citrus wedges are pressed to blend their flavors into the drink effectively.

While shaking with ice is a common method for mixing ingredients, and stirring is used to gently combine drinks without introducing air, neither of these techniques achieve the flavor extraction that muddling does. Layering drinks for presentation is a separate technique aimed at creating visually appealing drinks rather than enhancing flavor. Thus, the process of muddling is integral for creating cocktails that have a robust and complex flavor profile by utilizing fresh ingredients.