Crushing mint is the best way to release its flavor for cocktails like mint juleps or to make a homemade mint jelly or sauce. For mint cocktails, only a gentle crush, or muddle, is necessary to release the mint oils without having bits of torn mint leaves all throughout the drink. Whether or not it is for a drink, you can easily crush the mint leaves using designated crushing tools or household items.
Step 1
Place a few mint leaves in a sturdy glass or in a mortar and pestle. If you do not have a mortar and pestle, you can use a sturdy bowl.
Step 2
Add in other non-liquid ingredients if you are preparing a cocktail in a glass. This includes sugar and chopped fruit.
Step 3
Place a muddler, pestle or the back of a spoon on top of the mint leaves. Press it down on the leaves with slight pressure, twisting gently. Do not roughly pound the mint if you are using the mint leaves for a drink. If you are crushing the mint for other purposes, feel free to pound and crush the leaves as much as is required.