Step by step
- Put the recipe's citrus or fruit and sweetener into a sturdy glass or shaker.
- Press fruit enough to release juice. Keep your hand on the vessel so it cannot tip.
- For mint or basil, use a few gentle presses rather than grinding the leaves into fragments.
- Finish according to the recipe and strain if a clean texture is wanted.
Common mistake
Crushed herbs can taste vegetal and leave bits between your teeth. More force is not always more flavour.
Try it
Rub a mint leaf lightly between your fingers and smell it; then crush another. Compare the fresh aroma with the stronger vegetal smell.
Use the ratio calculator for editable starting points or explore cocktail recipes.