Pug Muddlers

Chris Gallagher decided to start making muddlers during a Cocktails in the Country Seminar given by Gary “Gaz” Regan (1951-2019). Regan, best known as the author of The Joy of Mixology (Clarkson Potter, 2003) aside from 17 other books, all of which related to bartending and cocktails. By the end of the seminar, Regan had commissioned Gallagher, a professional woodworker and sculptural woodturner, a 22-inch version of the Pug.

While he usually uses local maple and cherry and imported jatoba, he also uses some exotic wood that he feels would make a good muddler. He chooses wood that is dense, heavy and has an interesting grain and color. It also helps that the wood gets a shinier look over time, instead of having small wooden fuzz, chips, and dents. To keep it in its tip-top condition, a periodic application of mineral oil is very helpful. Do not wash in the dishwasher and only use mild dishwashing detergent.