When you hear the gentle shake of ice in a tumbler, it can mean only one thing: it’s cocktail hour! Learn how to shake up unforgettable drinks with this handy guide to the many styles and benefits of cocktail shakers!
Many people around the world are returning to the time-honored tradition of cocktail hour. Making time for a little mixology gives you a creative outlet and a time to unwind, but the backbone of any cocktail hour is the drink, and for those you need a shaker. Explore the world of cocktail shakers and find out what style is best for your cocktail routine!
Types of Cocktail Shakers
French Shaker
A French shaker is a simple classic. It is made up of two metal pieces: a tumbler and a fitted lid. The French shaker is designed for shaking and pouring but it does not have a built-in strainer, so you will want a separate cocktail strainer when working with this tool.
Parisian Shaker
The Parisian shaker is the same as the French Shaker, just using a different nickname. It is made up of a metal cap and tin or tumbler. These shakers tend to be stylish, simple, and easy to use, but they do require a separate strainer.
Cobbler Shaker
A Cobbler shaker is a step up from the two-piece French shaker. This version has three metal pieces, a cup, a strainer, and a cap. This style is great for drinks that require straining thanks to the built-in strainer/spout.
Boston Shaker
A Boston shaker is a great choice for anyone who loves two-piece shakers. This simple bar tool consists of two pieces: a glass tumbler and a smaller metal tumbler. The metal fits inside the glass to create a perfect cocktail seal. The two cups are held together and shaken, then poured out the side. The small gap between the two cups creates a straining system for pouring but there is no built-in strainer.
Two-Piece Shaker
This is another name for the classic Boston shaker. A two-piece shaker is made up of two tumblers which are held together during shaking. A two-piece shaker can be made of anything, whereas, typically a Boston shaker is known for its half-glass and half-metal composition.
Features of a Cocktail Shaker
Not all shakers are created equal! Here are a few key features to consider when choosing the right shaker for your kitchen:
- Built-In Strainer: Some shakers are designed with a built-in strainer for ice, herbs, fruit, or anything else you don’t want in your glass.
- Tight Seal: This feature might seem like a given, but a good seal can be the difference between cocktail hour and a big mess!
- Separate Strainer: Some varieties of shaker come with a strainer, but it is its own piece separate from the mixing apparatus. This is convenient for straining from the shaker and beyond.
- Metal Tins: Some shakers have a metal tumbler or base, this is known in the cocktail world as a ‘tin.’ Metal tins tend to be a popular choice, but many shakers, like the Boston shaker, feature glass tumblers instead. Metal is a great choice for functionality, but some people prefer glass tumblers due to the insulation they offer.
Uses of Different Types of Cocktail Shakers
Professional bartenders keep multiple types of shakers behind the bar so they always have the right style for the right drink, so it doesn't hurt to have a couple cocktail shakers on hand in your home bar either!
Here are a few different drink scenarios and what shaker a professional bartender would use in that situation.
Types of Drinks Requiring Dry Shake
Some cocktails require an ice-free shake, this is known as a dry shake. This is common for traditional egg foam drinks, among others. To create the thick foam needed, you will need to really shake things up.
The best shaker for this type of vigorous shaking is the cobbler style. This shaker seals tightly and has a strainer that comes in handy when pouring out the thick foamy drink.
Popular Choice vs. Common Choice for Bartenders
Sitting on most people’s home bars is a French or Cobbler-style shaker. This cocktail mixing classic is a first choice for gifting and of many home mixologists, but the pros prefer a different style.
Most professional bartenders favor the Boston or two-piece style of shaker. The reason for this is simplicity. Boston shakers have a one to three-drink capacity and extremely easy clean-up. That makes them perfect for the fast-paced environment of a professional bar.
Ice Chips and the Right Type of Cocktail Shaker to Use
Ice chips can come in handy when making cocktails; for example, they can fill up a shaker to cool it down quickly. However, ice chips melt quickly and are considered pretty wet ice. That is why most cocktails use a large cubed ice instead.
Yet sometimes ice chips are all you have! If you’re working with ice chips, try to use a shaker with a built-in strainer, like a cobbler-style shaker. Alternatively, you can use a Boston or French-style shaker in conjunction with a handheld strainer.
Advantages of Each Type of Cocktail Shaker
Each of these awesome tools has its ups and downs, but they are all reliable bartending tools. Here are a few distinct advantages of each type of shaker:
- French/Parisian Shaker: This style of shaker has a distinctive look and shape that is easy to hold and shake, but also looks great on any bar cart! This shaker is elegant and easy to clean, so it’s a great choice for any home bar!
- Cobbler Shaker: The cobbler is a great choice for home bartenders because it has everything you need in one easy system. The strainer and shaker are all one setup so you never have to go fumbling for a strainer again!
- Boston/Two-Piece Shaker: Thanks to their simple design Boston shakers are great for mixing up a batch of cocktails. They can often be dish-washed and don't have any small parts to lose. The one downside of this shaker is that you might need a separate strainer; although, some pros can strain the cocktail using just the narrow gap between the two pieces.
Ashley says
I had no idea there were so many cocktail shakers out there! Such great info--thanks for the post!
Nora says
Thank you so much, Ashley! I am happy you liked the post!
Juyali says
I learned so much about cocktail shakers! I have a cobbler shaker and was thinking of getting a second one. This was very helpful. Txs!
Nora says
You are most welcome, Juyali! Thank you very much!
Sonja says
I honestly had no idea there are so many types of shakers and what they are used for, but always wondered what those 2 cups are, that bartenders are using. Now I'm a fair bit less clueless, thanks to you and can make an educated guess on what to buy. Thanks for this!
Nora says
Thank you so much, Sonja! Always happy to help!