11 Best Cocktail Muddlers In 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide

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Muddling is a bar technique used to crush or mash fruits, herbs, and spices to release their flavors and aroma. Liquors tend to be too powerful when you consume them alone, so infusing them with something sweet, sour, bitter, or nutty makes a world of difference.

The result? A well-balanced, delightful, and refreshing beverage. Since muddlers play a significant role in crafting delicious cocktails, here are some of the best cocktail muddlers .

Our Top Picks

1. Fletcher's Mill Maple Muddler

What Customers Have To Say

A customer commented that a friend suggested this particular muddler to him. After trying it, he found out why people like to have one of these. The muddler’s ergonomic design makes it comfortable to grip without slipping out of his hands. He also added that the muddler’s height is advantageous, especially when mixing in tall glasses or containers.

Moreover, another customer purchased this since he is looking for a small yet tall muddler. The muddler fits well in the Collins glass and is tall enough to have a good grip even when used in glasses or shakers.

Why We Think It’s Great

The Fletcher’s muddler is made of 100% solid American hardwood that is handcrafted to perfection. It can be used to mash and muddle fruits, herbs, and spices, making it an ideal must-have bar tool when mixing cocktails.

Moreover, the muddler is 11-inches long, long enough to reach even the stubborn corners of a glass or shaker. Plus, the ergonomic design of the muddler makes it very comfortable to grip.

Who Should Buy It

Afraid of hurting your wrists when muddling? This muddler is the answer to your problems. At 11" long, it is just the right length to crush your ingredients like herbs without hurting your knuckles on the glass rim.

Artisans make it from farmed wood using energy-efficient carving and finishing tools. It also doubles as a mallet for making nice crushed ice. The design is just enough to get a superior grip without straining the hand and wrist.

2. VEHHE Stainless Steel Cocktail Muddler

What Customers Have To Say

Amazon customers commented that the muddler works well in muddling herbs and spices for their cocktails. They furthered that the bar tool has a lightweight feel that makes mushing the ingredients more effortless and comfortable. It also has a modern look to it that adds sophistication.

Why We Think It’s Great

The Vehhe muddler is made of food-grade 304 stainless steel material that is BPA-free. Its head also comes with teeth for better mixing of fruits, sugar, and herbs. The unique curve of the handle makes it easy to hold as you muddle. It also comes with a stainless steel 2-in-1 spoon and fork for stirring cocktails . It also gives good value for its price.

Who Should Buy It

If you are looking for a muddler with an extra bar tool like a mixed spoon, this is a great choice. Besides muddling your herbs and spices, you can also stir your drink using the included bar spoon. What a steal, right?

3. Bamber Wood Cocktail Wooden Muddler

What Customers Have To Say

For quite some time, a customer who has been making mojito bought a metal muddler to make her life more comfortable when crushing ingredients. However, she wasn’t satisfied with her purchase. When she decided to buy this wooden muddler, she automatically noticed that it is way better than the metal one.

Meanwhile, another cocktail lover said that this wooden muddler is not made of cheap wood. It is quite heavy and feels durable. She furthered that it has an excellent quality than expected.

Why We Think It’s Great

The Bamber wood muddler is made from solid and eco-friendly wood that promises to retain the flavors in your drink and last for a long time. It is also designed with a unique bowling pin handle for a comfortable and non-slipping grip.

Although you can use this to muddle spices and herbs, some commented that it is suited best when muddling sugar because of its heavy and reliable construction. Cleaning this muddler won’t also be a problem as soap and water are just enough.

Who Should Buy It

Are you having a hard time crushing your sugar cubes or ice? Crush your sugar better with this toothed wooden muddler from Bamber. It is easy to clean, though it has to be hand-washed since it is not allowed in the dishwasher. It is also sturdy and durable enough to use in crushing ice and other stuff.

4. OXO Stainless Steel Cocktail Muddler

What Customers Have To Say

A customer commented that after going through other types of muddlers, he decided to purchase this one. According to him, he already used it to squeeze some orange slices and mint leaves into his water, and it worked fine.

Why We Think It’s Great

Instead of the standard ABS plastic, the OXO Stainless Steel muddler used a nylon front to protect the glass. The handle is soft and comfortable to hold and is dishwasher-safe.

Who Should Buy It

This is your best pick for those who like a long-lasting muddler that does not rust easily.

5. Mojito Muddler Cocktail Bamboo Muddler

What Customers Have To Say

An Amazon shopper commented that the muddler is well-made, both on the material and design. The pattern on the end of the bar tool also reminds him of a butcher-block construction. He furthered that the muddler looks ideal on his glass and shaker.

Why We Think It’s Great

This bamboo muddler is just the right length for easy manipulation when mixing. It has grooves that make it easy to grip. It is also effortless to clean and is very durable. No lacquer or oil was applied to it that may affect the quality of the drinks.

Who Should Buy It

If you fancy a sleek and pretty-looking muddler, you would love to have this in your home bar. The round end and the wooden finish of the muddler make it an excellent addition when making cocktails.

6. Hudson and Lane Wooden Cocktail Muddler

What Customers Have To Say

Customers commented that the cocktail muddler reminds them of their previously owned bat muddlers. Aside from its sleek and fashionable aesthetics, the bar tool is also functional enough to mush several cocktail ingredients.

Why We Think It’s Great

The Hudson and Lane wooden cocktail muddler is made of a food-safe lacquered wood that gives off a classic look to your home bar. It is also designed to craft Old-Fashioned cocktails, Mojitos, Mint Juleps, Caipirinhas, and more.

Who Should Buy It

This muddler’s simple yet elegant look is perfect for those who want to give their home bar a fresh countryside vibe through the muddler’s wooden construction.

7. Twine Acacia Cocktail Muddler

What Customers Have To Say

One Amazon shopper said that the muddler is beautifully made, and she likes that the wood is of high-quality and has an easy to grip shape. She furthered that the simple decorative carving added a nice touch to the bar tool.

Why We Think It’s Great

The ergonomic design and the Twine Acacia muddler’s flat handle make it easy to use when muddling. Made from beechwood, this muddler also comes with a canvas pouch for safekeeping.

Who Should Buy It

Are you eyeing a muddler that can effectively mush not only herbs but even fruits and spices? If you answered yes, then you just saw the muddler to purchase.

8. HQY Stainless Steel Cocktail Muddler

What Customers Have To Say

A customer who tried making mint julep without a muddler couldn’t get the minty taste that he was looking for. However, after purchasing this muddler, his cocktail is just so refreshing and tasty.

Why We Think It’s Great

Muddle your way to the best cocktails with this 8" long stainless steel muddler with a silicone head. The front is toothed, making it perfect for all mixing jobs behind the bar. Throw it into the dishwasher, and you got one less item to hand wash after a busy day. At less than $10, it is a great value buy that will last for years to come.

Who Should Buy It

Not fond of long muddlers? Well, you wouldn’t be disappointed with HQY muddler as it is only sized at 8 inches in length.

9. Top Shelf Long Cocktail Muddler

What Customers Have To Say

A customer said that the wooden muddlers he used to purchase always cracked and split after a few days of being used. But when he finally bought this muddler, he likes how the bar tool works well, particularly when mixing using tall glasses and shakers.

Why We Think It’s Great

When an 8-inch or 11-inch long muddler is not enough, you might as well go overboard and get a 12-inch one. Relax your hand and wrist more with the ergonomic handle sized just right. No more bruised knuckles with the long muddler, even if you're using a 24-oz cocktail shaker.

Who Should Buy It

Struggling using short-sized or normal-sized muddlers? Well, you won’t have to anymore with the Top Shelf muddler. You can already work with tall glasses and shakers without any hassle.

10. TripleLife Stainless Steel Cocktail Muddler

What Customers Have To Say

An Amazon shopper commented that this muddler has a 10/10 rating. It has a steady handle and superior quality that it definitely would last for a long time. He furthered that it did its job of muddling ingredients.

Why We Think It’s Great

Give yourself a break from all the bulky muddlers with this 8-inch stainless steel muddler. Rest your wrist and press your ingredients down with just the thumb. The toothed head means less pressure. No flaking of plastic or silicone parts, no parts falling apart or cracking. Just hours and hours of fun making your favorite drinks. Also durable enough for crushing ice too.

Who Should Buy It

This brand is your best pick if you search for a cocktail muddler with a flat and pointed side. You can use both sides to mush ingredients depending on your preference.

11. Hiware Stainless Steel Cocktail Muddler & Mixing Spoon

What Customers Have To Say

One Amazon customer said that she spent time looking for the best muddler until she saw this brand. The muddler is made from high-quality materials that it does not tear mint leaves but muddles them well.

Why We Think It’s Great

Get more cocktails done with this muddler and mixing spoon set. The muddler is sized just right to be used in tall glasses without being too bulky. Grooves on the ABS plastic front mean less pressure when muddling. The handle is sized just right for comfortable handling.

However, cleaning comes a bit tricky as liquids tend to get between the seam.

Who Should Buy It

Are you eyeing a muddler that comes with an additional accessory? Well, you have it right here. This Hiware muddler comes with an extra swizzle spoon.

Cocktail Muddler Buying Guide & FAQ

1. What makes a good muddler?

An excellent cocktail muddler is one that is most comfortable to use. Each user has his preference, but in the end, comfort should be of utmost priority.

A good muddler should not put unnecessary strain on your hand and wrist when mixing and is sturdy and durable enough for years of use. It should also be easy to clean and maintain. If it is sufficient to be used as a mallet, then that is a bonus.

2. Can I muddle without a muddler ?

Others may think that a blender is the best choice, but a blender turns the fruit into a puree. The next best option is a wooden spoon or ladle.

3. Do I need a muddler?

To make a proper Old-Fashioned cocktail, you need a muddler. Herbs can pass without a muddler, but sugar and fruits need one.

4. What drinks require a muddler?

Drinks that need a muddler are Mojito , Caipirinha, Caipiroska, Mint Julep , Old Fashioned, and Smash cocktails .

5. What is a Portland muddle?

Portland muddle is a poor mixture of ingredients like herbs with ice, resulting in a watered-down cocktail.

Conclusion

Muddling makes cocktails such as the Old Fashioned and mojitos more special. Sure, you can use a wooden ladle, but it never seems enough, and it makes the process less professional-looking. So, make sure to invest in a high-quality and reliable cocktail muddler to give your concoctions that oomph.

Which cocktail muddler do you prefer - wood or stainless steel? Let us know in the comments below.