Cocktail shaker on a bar.

Bar Skills: Advanced Shaking Techniques

Time to level up your shaking game? Discover advanced shaking techniques to add to your skill set.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Beyond the basic cocktail shaking technique, there are some advanced shaking methods that can really save you valuable time, and ensure you get a properly combined and chilled liquid. Every. Single. Time.

THE DOUBLE SHAKE

The double shake is a simple technique to save time.  It involves shaking and straining two cocktails at once with a shaker in each hand.  It may seem simple enough, but to master it, you must remember that not all shaken cocktails work the same.  For example, a Daiquiri needs plenty of ice and a hefty dose of elbow grease, as it's best served very cold. A Tom Collins only needs a few solid flicks of the wrist to combine and chill before it's diluted with soda water.

3 KEY DOUBLE SHAKING TIPS

  1. Use your dominant hand to perform an effective double shake for a cocktail served straight up.
  2. With your non-dominant hand, shake a cocktail served on the rocks to maintain the proper texture and level of dilution in each drink.
  3. Every cocktail will need a different shake style so decide what hand to use based on the cocktail you’re shaking. Remember once you add ice, the timer is on.

SHAKE UP YOUR OTHER SKILLS

With your shaking techniques down, why not take on some of the other advanced mixology techniques? Skills like cocktail clarification which can refine the texture of your serve, or mastering all things ice can really help give your cocktails the edge once you’ve nailed them.

THE DRY SHAKE

A “dry shake” refers to shaking ingredients in a cocktail shaker without ice. Any recipe containing egg or egg substitute requires a dry shake. This breaks up the egg white proteins and adds a frothy, “fluffy” texture to the mixture.

Shake all the ingredients, with the egg white (but without ice), for at least 30 seconds to get froth. When you have the desired texture, add ice and shake again then you’re ready to strain and serve.

TIPS TO PERFECT YOUR DRY SHAKE

  • The longer and harder you shake without ice, the stiffer the froth you get.
  • After shaking with egg white, thoroughly wash the shaker and jigger.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Use a dry shake (without ice) for any recipe containing egg white for a frothy texture.
  • The double shake is a proven timesaver for those busy service periods.
  • Not all cocktails need the same style of shake.

RELATED CONTENT