A popular technique for making cocktails like Caipirinha, muddling involves crushing fruits, herbs and spices together.

For best results, this is usually done using a 'muddler' or a rolling pin. A muddler is a blunt tool, similar to a pestle. Muddling is an effective way of crushing the ingredients together to help them release their flavour.

The action of muddling is similar to that of using a pestle and mortar. Having placed the ingredients in the base of a shaker or a strong glass, push down on the muddler with a twisting action.

A rolling pin can be used instead of a muddler. It is important to use a strong glass and to avoid trying to muddle hard or unripe fruits. Always use ripe fruits and muddle for 20-25 seconds until the ingredients are crushed together.

In some cases, you may wish to fine strain the cocktail after muddling to avoid keeping any of the crushed fruits or herbs in the drink itself.