What technique best describes muddling?

Muddling is best described as the technique of crushing herbs or fruits in a glass, which is essential for releasing their flavors and aromas into a cocktail. This method typically involves using a muddler, a tool designed specifically for this purpose, to gently press and twist the ingredients rather than pulverizing them. For example, when making a classic mojito, muddling fresh mint leaves helps to release their essential oils, enhancing the drink's overall taste profile. Muddling is foundational in many cocktail recipes, as it allows bartenders to infuse the beverage with fresh and vibrant flavors, making it an essential skill in bartending. Other options provided do not accurately capture this clarifying action involved in muddling, which is focused solely on extracting flavors from solid ingredients.