Cocktail Shakers

Step into nearly any cocktail bar in the world and you’ll likely hear the rhythmic rattling of ice on tin. Shaking a cocktail has long been a quintessential and iconic technique in the bartender’s repertoire, not just for blending ingredients but also for adding flair and theatre to the drink-making process. Its history is as fascinating as the cocktails it helps create, and its various styles continue to intrigue both professional bartenders and amateur enthusiasts alike. Join us as we take a journey through the past, explore popular styles, and look at some of the key points of using a shaker effectively.

At its core, a cocktail shaker is simply a container in which to combine ingredients and ice. They can then be agitated to achieve the four keys to any great shaken drink – mixing, chilling, dilution and aeration.​ (Morgenthaler, 2014)​ The journey of how what we now know as a cocktail shaker came to be however, is one spanning centuries and continents.

Although there is evidence of shaken drinks going back hundreds and possibly even thousands of years ​(Tomky, 2016)​, it wasn’t until the mid-19th century and the standardisation of bartending techniques and recipes that came with this era, that the cocktail shaker really gained popularity, with leading figures of the day such as Jerry Thomas proclaiming them as indispensable tools. ​(Wondrich, 2007)​ 

The First Shakers

Prior to its invention, cocktails were often mixed using bar spoons or other makeshift tools, leading to uneven blending and dilution. The first shakers were simple sets of metal cups (often made from tin but sometimes silver) but as the 19th century progressed, numerous inventors and bartenders sought to improve upon the cocktail shaker's design.

Three styles emerged as enduring favorites: the Boston shaker, the French (or Parisian) shaker, and the cobbler shaker. Each of these styles found its niche, reflecting the different preferences of American and European bartenders. These styles have remained very much unchanged with the biggest shift being the change to stainless steel as a preferred material in the 1920’s.

Read on as we explore these three styles and uncover some key tips for using them effectively. 

Boston Shaker

The Boston shaker is a two-piece set consisting of a large metal tin and a mixing glass. Bartenders place the mixing glass upside down inside the metal tin to form a seal while shaking. It is normally used with a separate strainer and its simple design and ease of use have made it a favorite in professional bars worldwide. An additional benefit is that the glass half doubles as a mixing glass. 

Tin-on-Tin

A variation on the Boston, the Tin-on-Tin replaces the glass half with a smaller, metal tin (sometimes called a “cheater tin”). These have the benefit of being less prone to breakage than the Boston glass as well as having less thermal mass – meaning it takes less energy to chill the drink.​ (Arnold, 2014)​.  They also tend to nest deeper, forming a more secure seal and making one-handed shaking easier. 

Cobbler Shaker

The cobbler shaker is the classic three-piece shaker that most people envision when thinking of cocktail shakers. It features a metal container, a lid with built-in strainer, and a cap. This shaker is commonly used in home bars due to its user-friendly design. Cheaper versions often suffer from poor design and materials, resulting in a shaker that is hard to open after shaking. Premium versions do exist though and when used with skill, they can be highly effective tools.

Parisian Shaker

Somewhere between the Tin-on-Tin and the Cobbler, the Parisian shaker is a two-piece shaker consisting of two metal tins that fit into each other. Its sleek design and smooth contours make it a more aesthetically pleasing and refined alternative to the tin-on-tin Boston. Like the Boston, the Parisian is normally used with a separate strainer. 

Tips for Use and Maintenance

The simplicity of the shaker means that they are quite easy to use however there are still several best-practice tips for a bar professional to ensure great results.

1. Stainless Steel tins are quite durable and don’t take much maintenance. However, always ensure they are cleaned well after use, especially after shaking eggs, cream or other ingredients that leave more stubborn residue.   
2. Never stack wet tins. A vacuum can form which has led to many permanently stuck sets! Store upside down to let water drain out and allow to air-dry. 
3. Always shake with the top of your shaker facing up and away from your guest. A slight leak or excess liquid could wet a guest if your shake is directed towards them. 
4. Never bang a tightly sealed shaker against a counter to loosen it. A light tap with the heel of your hand at the point just off from where the glass and tin meet should be all that’s required to loosen most Boston shakers.