Bartender using a cocktail shaker.

Cocktail Shaking: Learn The Basics

Get to grips with the most well-used mixology technique with our simple guide to shaking.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Shaking is probably the most essential cocktail-making skill you’ll use. But there’s more to it than just moving your arms and looking good behind the bar! With better shaking you'll make better cocktails, so it's important to get it right. Improving your shaking skills also boosts efficiency, meaning quicker serves and happier guests!

WHY IS COCKTAIL SHAKING IMPORTANT?

  • To chill your liquid – filling your shaker with ice will ultimately chill your cocktail to the desired temperature.
  • Combine your ingredients - shaking will ensure all your ingredients have been properly mixed. It’s especially important for ingredients like egg white or syrup which need more vigorous shaking.
  • Dilute the cocktail - as any ice melts it will slightly dilute your cocktail, bringing more balance and flavour to the overall serve.
  • Aerate the mixture - aeration, or working air into ingredients, gives cocktails a more velvety, consistent texture. It can also reduce bitterness in ingredients and increase sweetness.

TYPES OF COCKTAIL SHAKERS

There are a few different cocktail shakers every bar should have in their toolkit, each with its own design and key features. Here are some that you’re most likely to use behind your bar and use as part of mastering your shake. We’ve included tips on which shakers work best for specific cocktails and provided key features for each. 

The Boston Shaker

The Boston Shaker is typically used for cocktails that need vigorous shaking to mix ingredients well, chill the drink and dilute it to the right consistency. It also has a larger volume compared to the classic Cobbler Shaker (see below) so is handy for bigger groups, being able to shake larger amounts of liquid in one go. One thing to note is that it is made with a glass component so may not be as robust as other shakers. 

Key Features: 

  • Two-piece set with a large metal tin and a mixing glass. 
  • Larger capacity. 
  • No built-in strainer so no risk of the cap jamming when mixing. A Hawthorne or fine mesh strainer will need to be used if removing any unwanted ingredients from your cocktail. 
  • Glass section can double as a mixing glass. 
  • A firm favourite with bartenders. 

Perfect for: Margaritas, Daiquiris or Martinis  

TIN-ON-TIN

The Tin-On-Tin is great for creating frothy, well-mixed cocktails. Its two-piece design allows for a strong and fast shake, as well as minimal spillage with its strong seal. Its strong seal and capacity for more ice make it great for drinks that need chilled very quickly. It works well with stronger spirits like whisky, gin or rum.  

Key Features: 

  • Two-piece set metal variation of the Boston. 
  • Less prone to breaking. 
  • Quicker to chill the liquid. 
  • Forms a more secure seal ideal for one-handed shaking. 

Perfect for: Classics or Modern Classics  

COBBLER SHAKER

Unlike the Boston Shaker, the Cobbler Shaker has a built-in strainer and is ideal for lighter shaking. This makes it perfect for cocktails that only require gentle mixing of ingredients.  

Key Features: 

  • Classic three-piece set most commonly associate with shakers. 
  • User-friendly design with a built-in strainer and lid. 
  • Dates back to the late 19th century. 

Perfect for:  Cosmopolitans or Tom Collins  

PARISIAN SHAKER

A sleeker version of the Boston Shaker, the Parisian Shaker is a great choice for bartenders wanting a more impressive look and feel to their shaking experience. Like the Boston Shaker, it’s for cocktails that require intense shaking, such as cocktails with citrus juice, egg-white or aquafaba.  What sets it apart from the Boston Shaker is that’s made entirely with metal, making it less prone to breakage.  

Key Features: 

  • Two-piece shaker consisting of a tin base and metal top. 
  • Strainer not included so either a Hawthorne or fine mesh strainer will suffice for any unwanted ingredients when serving. 
  • Two hands needed to shake. 

 

Quick Tip:  

  • The ingredients should always go into the larger tin (base), leaving enough room for any ice and when sealing with the smaller lid. This will also avoid any unnecessary spills.  

Perfect for:  Mojitos, Espresso Martinis, Sours 

HOW TO SHAKE A COCKTAIL

  1. Add ingredients to the cocktail shaker.  
  2. Fill shaker with ice.  
  3. Secure lid and hold shaker in both hands before vigorously shaking in a horizontal motion over your shoulder.  
  4. Shake for a slow count of ten.  
  5. Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass. 

Top Tip! You can over shake a drink, so be careful! This is especially true with regular bar ice. Try to use larger ice cubes because you can eventually feel the point at which you’ve broken the ice down and are ready to strain. Most drinks will need shaking for 10-15 seconds.

WHAT TYPE OF ICE SHOULD BE USED?

  • Cubed ice is recommended for shaking cocktails, opting for large, solid cubes which will chill the drink without diluting it as quickly. 
  • Crushed ice is not advised as it will dissolve much quicker and spoil the drink. It’s better for stirred drinks. 

WHAT ARE THE BEST COCKTAILS TO SHAKE?

While not all cocktails will need shaking, some of the best cocktails to shake are:

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Shaking is an essential cocktail-making skill used for chilling, mixing, diluting, and aerating drinks to enhance their texture and flavour.
  • Try not to over shake your cocktail as this could make it too diluted.
  • Shaking can work air into your ingredients which can reduce bitterness and give a more consistent texture.
  • Add non-alcoholic ingredients to your shaker first, followed by your chosen spirit or liqueur. Always add ice last. 
  • There are different types of cocktail shakers (Boston, Cobbler, Parisien or Tin-On-Tin) that are best suited to specific styles of cocktails.