Types of Cocktail Shakers: How to Choose the Best Cocktail Shaker

Are you tired of subpar mixed drinks at home and ready to graduate your cocktail making skills? One key tool in your arsenal should be a good cocktail shaker. With multiple styles and materials to choose from, selecting the best shaker for your needs can be overwhelming. 

What is Cocktail Shaker?

A cocktail shaker is a tool used in mixing drinks, typically alcoholic cocktails. It is a device that allows the bartender or home mixologist to blend or shake ingredients together to create a desired flavor profile and texture. A cocktail shaker usually consists of two or three parts: the base, which holds the liquid and ice, a lid, and sometimes a strainer to separate solids from liquid. Cocktail shakers come in various types and sizes, with different materials to choose from, such as stainless steel, glass, and plastic. They are a must-have tool for anyone looking to make delicious cocktails at home or behind a bar.

What are the Advantages of using Cocktail Shaker?

From the taste of mixed drinks to the fun of making, there are many reasons why it’s beneficial to have the right cocktail shaker tool.

• Thorough Mixing: By using a cocktail shaker, you can thoroughly mix the ingredients of your cocktail, ensuring that they are well combined and the flavors are blended to achieve the desired taste and texture.
• Efficient Cooling: Shaking cocktails in ice-cold conditions helps to activate the proper dilution as well as chill the drink rapidly. This technique is essential for those who enjoy cocktails with that perfect chilling and froth.
• Consistency: Cocktail shakers are dependable as it helps to create consistency in drink preparation when several drinks are being made.
• Professional Look: A cocktail shaker is an important tool in creating a professional-looking cocktail at home or behind the bar, giving the appearance of a well-crafted drink.
• Strain Ingredients: Cocktail shakers usually come equipped with a built-in strainer or a separate strainer, which not only helps to remove any small bits of ice lost from shaking but also assists in adequate straining of pulp, fruit wedges, fresh herbs, and any other materials that should not be combined with the cocktail.
• Ceremonial: For some, the use of a cocktail shaker can be quite theatrical, adding to the social gathering and making the cocktail mixology process more entertaining.

Various Types of Cocktail Shaker

There are different types of shakers that you can choose from. Knowing how each cocktail shaker works will make it easier for you to choose the correct one. Specifically, the one that will provide the right mood for your home bar.

Cobbler Shaker

A three-piece cocktail shaker consisting of a base, a top with a built-in strainer, and a cap for the top. The cap can often be used as a measure for spirits or other liquids. It is the most commonly used cocktail shaker in households and bars around the world. This type of shaker is the simplest to use as its built-in strainer makes it easy to pour cocktails straight into the glass.

One of the significant advantages of using a cobbler cocktail shaker is its simplicity and user-friendliness. It is an excellent choice for beginners of home mixologists or bartenders who are just starting to craft cocktails. Cobbler shakers are also easy to clean, which makes them a preferred choice for many.

However, it’s important to note that the strainer on a cobbler cocktail shaker is not always the most effective. Sometimes, it can clog with ice and other solids, making it difficult to pour the cocktail. However, the cobbler shaker remains a popular choice for its ease of use and affordability.

Boston Shaker

A two-piece shaker consisting of a metal or glass base, also called a mixing tin, and a metal or glass mixing glass to cap the top of the base. Boston shakers are typically larger than cobbler shakers and have a capacity of between 20 and 28 ounces. Unlike cobbler shakers, Boston shakers use a separate strainer to separate the ice and other solids from the liquid when the cocktail is poured.

Boston cocktail shakers are popular among professional bartenders and experienced home mixologists for their efficiency and versatility. They are ideal for making cocktails that require a lot of shaking, as the larger base can accommodate more ice, resulting in a colder and more diluted drink. The size of the Boston shaker also allows for larger quantities of cocktails to be mixed, making it ideal for events or parties.

One of the significant advantages of using a Boston cocktail shaker is its effectiveness in properly mixing ingredients and creating a well-balanced cocktail. The two-piece construction allows for a tight seal, preventing spills and leaks during the mixing process.

However, it’s worth noting that Boston shakers require a bit more skill and technique to use since there is no built-in strainer. Instead, a separate Hawthorne or Julep strainer is used to strain the cocktail when pouring, adding to the complexity of use. But overall, the Boston shaker is a must-have tool for serious mixologists who want to create a range of delicious cocktails with precision and efficiency.

French Shaker

A two-piece shaker consisting of a metal bottom and a metal cap. Also known as a Parisian shaker, a French cocktail shaker is smaller than the Boston shaker and typically has a capacity of between 18 and 22 ounces. Like the Boston shaker, a French shaker does not have a built-in strainer, a strainer is always required for this type of shaker. The design of a French shaker also allows for easy pouring and ensures consistent results.

One of the advantages of using a French cocktail shaker is its simple and elegant design, which makes it a popular choice for home bars and upscale bars and restaurants. The two-piece design of the French shaker also makes it easy to use and clean. However, it’s important to note that the smaller size of the French shaker may not be suitable for mixing larger quantities of cocktails.

Overall, a French cocktail shaker is an excellent choice for creating quick, elegant, and high-quality cocktails at home or in a professional bar setting. However, it’s important to consider the size and overall functionality when choosing the right cocktail shaker for your needs.

What to consider when choosing cocktail shaker

Since there are several types of cocktail shakers, you need to know how to make the right choice. You see, all these shakers may be perfect for bar use. But each of them has specific functions.

Now that you know this, what are the different considerations when choosing cocktail shakers?

• Type of Cocktail Shaker: There are three main types of cocktail shakers: the Cobbler shaker, Boston shaker, and French shaker. The type that you choose will depend on your preferences and style of mixing.
• Material: Cocktail shakers come in different materials such as stainless steel, glass, and plastic. Stainless steel is the most durable, while glass allows you to see the ingredients as you mix, and plastic is the most affordable.
• Size: Cocktail shakers come in various sizes, typically ranging from 18 to 28 ounces. Consider how many cocktails you will make at once, and choose a size that accommodates that amount.
• Strainer: You may want a cocktail shaker with a built-in strainer or a separate strainer. Consider the convenience factor of having a built-in strainer or the flexibility of having a separate strainer.
• Ease of Use: Choose a cocktail shaker that is easy to use and clean. A shaker with a tight seal that is easy to open and close will also prevent spills and messes.
• Brand and Price: Choose a reputable brand and one within your budget. While some shakers may be more expensive, they are a worthwhile investment in the long run if they are durable, easy to use, and clean.

Why are stainless steel cocktail shakers better for home bar

Stainless steel cocktail shakers are the preferred choice for home bars due to their durability, excellent insulation properties, easy cleaning, environmental-friendly, and stylish design. They are a worthwhile investment for any home bar enthusiast who wants to have essential quality bar tools.

By taking these factors into consideration and investing in a quality cocktail shaker, you’ll enjoy delicious cocktails at home and be the envy of your friends.

HOMCHEER® is here to help you get what you need if you have a specific bar tools requirement. We customize barware and drinkware. We also use only the best materials to design every bar tool.