7 Cocktail Shakers Every Bartender Must Have

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The key to unlocking a universe of cocktails is a fantastic cocktail shaker. Cocktails like martinis, mojitos, piña Coladas, and margaritas all require one. But here’s the thing: today’s shakers come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, with the two most popular varieties being cobbler and Boston.

About the Shakers

For those unfamiliar with the many varieties of cocktail shakers, the cobbler is a popular choice that consists of three parts: a tin, cap, and built-in strainer that keeps dirty ice, fruit bits, and other unwanted items out of your drink. You don’t even need a jigger because most caps measure 1 fluid ounce, which is one shot. A cobbler shaker, which is often constructed of tin, stainless steel, or glass, elevates your bar cart’s cocktail cred.

Professional mixologists, on the other hand, prefer the Boston shaker. When two 12- and 28-ounce mixing tins (glass or tin) are fitted together, they form a natural seal. Although it requires more skill and attachments, such as a strainer, which must be purchased separately, this method mixes drinks faster and is easier to clean.

OXO Good Grips Cocktail Shaker

For all you home entertainers, OXO’s Good Grips Cocktail Shaker makes mixing a breeze. It’s made for low-effort, mess-free cocktail making—no experience behind the bar required.

The shaker is made up of three parts: a 24-ounce stainless steel cocktail shaker, a straining cover, and a cap, all of which include a built-in jigger with 1- and 2-ounce pour markings. Throughout the shake, two separate silicone seals ensure that no spills or slips occur. You can juice citrus or muddle herbs right in the shaker thanks to the built-in sieve. Finally, the lid has a smooth-release design that makes it easy to separate when you’re done shaking. Simply disassemble the shaker after pouring your drink and place it in the dishwasher.

Fortessa Crafthouse Cocktail Set

Invest in this high-quality cocktail kit from Crafthouse by Fortessa to take your bartending talents to the next level. This four-piece kit, designed by legendary bartender Charles Joly, includes everything you’ll need to prepare cocktails, including a two-piece Boston shaker, 2-ounce jigger, Hawthorne strainer, and muddler. The stainless steel 15-ounce shaker, strainer, and jigger are dishwasher safe, while the 11.5-inch muddler is crafted of deep black walnut and should be washed by hand.

Rabbit RBT Cocktail Shaker

Look no further if you’re seeking a shaker that’s both attractive and functional. Rabbit’s trademark cocktail shaker is made of matte black stainless steel and features a gleaming gold cover. But its elegant form also serves a practical purpose: remove the gold lid to expose a built-in jigger with a 1.5-ounce measurement carved into the design. A cleverly constructed, integrated reamer for juicing citrus is also hidden beneath the lid.

This chic shaker stands 9.3 inches tall and holds 22 ounces, making it ideal for single-serving cocktails. Double-walled construction keeps hands toasty even when trembling. Keep in mind that the shaker must be rinsed by hand, which is inconvenient when creating cocktails for a large group. Regardless, this shaker will look great on top of a bar cart.

Rabbit Twist-to-Lock Cocktail Shaker

This Rabbit cocktail shaker is perfect for novices because it’s simple to use and clean. A strainer, tin, and lid are all incorporated into one simple shaker in this all-in-one design. To make a cocktail, flip the lid—the top of the cup features measuring lines so you can make drinks right in the shaker, no jigger required. When you open the lid, you’ll see an incorporated strainer.

The 18-ounce tin’s innovative bayonet cover securely fits into place, allowing you to shake cocktails as fiercely as you like. But don’t shake too hard—the double-walled stainless steel allows the liquids inside to cold quickly while keeping the containers warm to the touch on the outside. You won’t have to strain to remove a frozen cover with a twist-on lid. The cocktail shaker also comes with a reamer attachment, allowing you to squeeze citrus directly into the container.

Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Shaking Tins

Each tin (big and mini) is constructed of weighted stainless steel and carries two drinks. Choose from classic silver to sleek rose gold, gold, or black. Santera Tequila brand ambassador and Liquor Lab bartender Nate Fishman is a great lover of the brand. Koriko makes items that are incredibly smooth, lightweight, and simpler to hold.

Tablecraft Boston Shaker, 24 Ounces

A bartender’s armory must include both a cocktail shaker and a jigger. This elegant one combines the two to eliminate the need for memorization in mixology. Who wants to memorize the exact proportions of each cocktail?

The clear walls of this shaker show measurements for a martini, mojito, Long Island iced tea, margarita, or cosmopolitan. Even how to garnish each drink is included. The measuring marks are ideal for a newbie bartender, but more experienced mixologists will appreciate them as well. Making one, two, or three cocktails at a time is simple, and the lid acts as a jigger.

Aside from the measurements, this shaker is made of thick, robust glass with a strong-sealing top that won’t come loose during shaking. To keep the measurement marks from fading, hand wash them.

Kotai Copper Cocktail Boston Shaker Set

Choose Kotai’s copper cocktail shaker if you want to add serious style points to your bar cart. One 28-ounce copper-plated strong stainless steel tin and one 16-ounce glass with a tempered rim for enhanced durability are included in this appealing set. The tempered rim indicates that the glass was heated and chilled to provide a sturdy, long-lasting finish that will not crack or shatter.

Display this shaker beside the drink’s characteristic copper mugs if you’re a fan of delectable Moscow mules. You’ll be on your way to a good time with just vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. Because the shaker is made of clear glass, you can see what you’re mixing for mojitos.

The tin is composed of 18/8 stainless steel and has no seams for a sleek, modern appearance. Separately, a strainer is required.

Avoid putting your cocktail shakers in the dishwasher overnight (the steam will corrode the finish or plating), and instead, wash them by hand to maintain the finish looking new. Avoid glass cocktail shakers if you work in a high-volume bar or have a nasty case of the butterfingers.

There is no right or wrong way to select a shaker. Cocktail shakers of various types all provide the same result: a shaken cocktail. It all boils down to three factors: design, adaptability, and liquid volume.

Summer Thatcher
Summer Thatcher
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