Which cocktail requires muddling before pouring?

The Old Fashioned is a cocktail that specifically requires muddling as part of its preparation process. Muddling typically involves crushing or grinding ingredients in the bottom of a glass to release their flavors and aromas. In the case of the Old Fashioned, muddling is essential for combining sugar, bitters, and a citrus twist, usually an orange or lemon peel, to create a flavorful base.

The practice of muddling these ingredients allows the sugar to dissolve more effectively, blending with the bitters and the oils from the citrus peel. This creates a rich and aromatic foundation for the whiskey that will be added, making the drink well-rounded and flavorful. The other cocktails listed do not require this step; they involve either mixing or shaking without the need to extract flavors from solid ingredients prior to pouring.