Which tool is commonly used for muddling in bartending?

The tool commonly used for muddling in bartending is the muddler. This specific tool is designed to crush or mix ingredients, typically herbs, fruits, or spices, in the bottom of a glass. Muddling helps to release flavors and aromas, which are crucial for creating well-balanced cocktails.

For example, when making classics like a Mojito, fresh mint leaves are muddled with sugar and lime juice to release their essential oils and infuse the drink with aromatic flavors. The design of a muddler, often resembling a pestle, allows bartenders to exert the necessary pressure to achieve this goal effectively.

The other tools mentioned, such as a shaker, strainer, and jigger, serve different purposes in the bartending process. A shaker is meant for mixing drinks, especially those that require chilling or aeration. A strainer is used to separate solid ingredients from liquid when pouring a cocktail into a glass. A jigger is a measuring tool used for accurately measuring and pouring spirits. Each tool plays an essential role in cocktail preparation, but the muddler is the one specifically intended for the task of muddling.