Cocktail Shakers 101

August 7, 11:17 AMDallas Cocktails ExaminerJim Walker

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Making cocktails at home requires a few basic tools. Measuring or shot cups,  a long handled bar spoon, a fruit juicer or lemon/lime squeezer, but the star of the show is the Cocktail Shaker.

There are 3 types to talk about.  The first is what you will see most bartenders and mixologist using. It is the Boston Shaker.  These normally consist of a 16 oz mixing glass & a larger mixing tin.  To use this, one would normally build the cocktail in the glass portion, add ice, and then place the tin on top giving it a good whack. Shake the beverage and strain into another glass.

Below is Angus Winchester demonstrating the proper use of a Boston Shaker.

The next most common shaker is the Cobbler Shaker. These usually consist of a mixing body, a cover section with a built in strainer, and a spout cap.

These come in literally hundreds of styles and shapes. To see an earlier article on that here click on this link  The cocktail shaker: Art or an elegant tool? 

Last but not least, or maybe it is, because you rarely see these. It is what is known as a French Shaker. These consist of a metal shaker body and a metal cup that fit into it.  It would basically be used in the same fashion as the Boston Shaker.

Well I hope this helps to explain the use and types of Cocktail Shakers. Also if you notice in some of the pictures there is a strainer and a mixing spoon. This is the Strain Ray & Pro Stirrer from Uber Bar Tools. They have a complete line of professional bar tools. There are actually hundreds of places to purchase bar ware. One is the medium to large liquor store. They will usually have everything you need as well. Just remember though, cheap tools are just that...Cheap.

Happy Shaking and Cheers!