While I enjoy a fine whiskey there are many times when a good cocktail better fits the occasion. That’s why I thought I’d show you how to turn a cocktail muddler which is a crucial tool in any barman’s arsenal. A muddler is easy to turn, simple to use, and an important part of many cocktails. So, keep reading and you will find a sketch of the muddler. And near the end I’ll share my recipe for a refreshing Basil Lemon Vodka Cocktail along with links to the tools and videos.
By the way, Don’t drink and operate power tools – bad things can happen.
Tools and Materials
The primary tools you need will be a lathe and lathe tools. I recommend a Roughing Gouge, a Spindle Gouge, a Skew, and a Parting Tool. I have links to these at the bottom.
Next is wood. You will need a piece at least 1-1/2”x 1-1/2” x 9”. Any good hard wood like Maple, Cherry, White Oak, or Walnut will work. Or a fruit wood like Apple, Pear, Cherry, or Peach. I chose Ironwood (aka Hophornbeam)
Layout
Your first step is to find the center of your piece. There are lot of great center finder tools out there but pick a good one that is durable. As I was using a section of branch, I marked 5-6 lines to get a good average of where the center was on the piece. Then I drilled a hole at the center of each end to accept my Drive Spur and Live Center. Then it is off to the lathe.
Chucking and Turning
Next, chuck the part in your lathe. I used a drive spur and a and a 60 degree cone live center. It too me a bit to get the spur to bit because the branch turned out to be very hard. Youcan use your preferred chucking method to get the blank held securely. Then step aside and kick it on. I learn the “Step Aside Before You Start,” from an old Navy Machinists Mate. It’s a piece of advice that has stood me well over the years whether machining steel or turning wood.
And, here’s the sketch – but you really don’t need it. This is a freestyle project so do what you want as long as one end is mostly flat(ish) and about an inch in diameter.
Rough out your blank to bit over an inch with a roughing gouge. Then used a combination of Spindle Gouge and Skew to bring it to the shape you want. You will note that I did not follow the sketch – I wanted something different.
At some point you will want to layout the approximate dimensions on the blank. I used a pencil to transfer the length and I freeformed the rest.
Grab your spindle gouge and finish refining the form you are seeking. It should be pretty fast and easy from here.
Sanding
Last step in forming is sanding. You will definitely have to run through the grits from 60 or 80 to about 400, unless that is you are really good with a Skew. I’m not, so had to do all the sanding.
Finally, with your parting tool, part it off then chisel and sand off the nubs.
Finishing
To finish the cocktail muddler I used my personal brand of board/wood conditioner. Here’s a link to my video which has instruction for it at about the 6 minute mark. It takes 4-5 application with an hour between for it to soak in. I give it a light polish with 0000 steel wool between coats then rub out the last coat. This is fairly durable but not dishwasher or hotwater safe. And I’d recommend you re-apply a coat every few times you wash it.
Congratulations
You are done!! And it is time to make a cocktail.
COCKTAIL RECIPE
Here’s my fav summertime drink – a Basil Lemon Vodka Cocktail. It’s easy enough to make. Snag a Tom Collins Glass, 6-8 Fresh Basil Leaves, and you new Cocktail Muddler. Drop the leaves in add a touch of water and muddle (smash) the Basil into medium pieces. The more you muddle the more flavor the is released. Next add 1oz of fresh lemon juice, 1-1/2 oz of simple syrup (you can adjust as needed), 1oz of your favorite vodka, I like Tito’s, and give it a swirl. Next fill the glass with ice, top off with water or seltzer and add a quick stir to get everything mixed. Garnish with a slice of lemon and enjoy!! Please drink responsibly.
Hope you enjoyed learning how to make a cocktail muddler and getting the drink recipe too. Making several of these for your friends will have them asking about both the muddler and your mad skills as a barman. Take a look at the links below for more information on tools and related videos & blogs. And be sure to sign up for notifications and email!
Thanks for reading and until next time Good Making!
Bill
Custom Cocktail Muddler Video https://youtu.be/L4wDmxv6Nh4
How to Make a Barrel Stave Bottle Opener Video https://youtu.be/745gLTT5KKA
Easy DIY Whiskey and Cigar Butler Video https://youtu.be/PR0C5dOrO2E
Create a Whisky and Cigar Butler Blog https://30minutewoodshop.com/?p=550
Tools you may need
Center Finder Tool https://amzn.to/3A4mnwC
Woodpeckers Ultra Shear Parting Tool https://amzn.to/3Sy7Q3t
Robert Sorby Spindle Gouge https://amzn.to/3BRz3Ir
PSI 60 Deg Live Center https://amzn.to/3p2Dmc6
