How to Use a Cocktail Shaker

A cocktail shaker is a pretty essential bar tool, but it can also be confusing and even a little intimidating for those who have never used one before. It looks simple to use…but you are not sure if it is indeed simple or if crafty baristas make it look like that? 

In this blog post, we will walk you through the basics of how to use a cocktail shaker, so that you can make all of your favourite drinks at home with ease.

We will cover everything from what type of cocktail shaker to use to the different ways you can use it so that you can make all sorts of delicious cocktails. So whether you’re a barista beginner or a seasoned pro, read on for everything you need to know about using a cocktail shaker.

What Is A Cocktail Shaker?

A cocktail shaker is a tool used to mix drinks by shaking them. It is typically made of metal, glass, or plastic and has a tight-fitting lid. A good shaker is like a closed vessel that allows you to mix ingredients together without diluting them.

Shaking helps to blend the ingredients together and also to chill the drink. Some cocktails, such as martinis, are traditionally served cold and so require shaking in order to achieve the desired temperature.

Cocktail shakers come in a variety of sizes and styles. The most basic type is a two-piece shaker, which consists of a mixing tin and a separate lidded cup. This style is easy to use but can be difficult to clean.

Three-piece shakers are also common and consist of a mixing tin, strainer, and lid. This type of shaker is slightly more complex to use but allows for strainers to be used, which can be helpful when making drinks with herbs or fruit juices.

There are also electric cocktail shakers available on the market, which can be especially helpful if you are making large batches of drinks or if you want your drink to be extra cold.

How Was The Cocktail Shaker Invented?

Cocktail shakers have been around for longer than you think. Traces of first mixologies take us back to 7000 BC in South Africa.  In South America, there are records of king Montezuma drinking a frothy cocoa drink from the golden cylinder. 

We can see the humble beginnings of cocktail shakers we know (and love) today in 1800 when baristas used two glasses to mix drinks. Their popularity continued during the prohibition era and in the fifties when it was popular to have your own home cocktail making kits.

Different Types Of Cocktail Shakers

There are three main types of cocktail shakers: Boston Shaker, Cobbler Shaker and French shaker. 

Cobbler Shaker

The cobbler shaker is the perfect choice for beginners because it comes with everything you need, including a strainer, in one neatly-packaged piece. The cobbler shaker includes a shaker tin, lid with a built-in strainer and cap to keep things closed up when you’re shaking. This style of shaker is more suited for one or two cocktails at a time as it can leak if not tightened properly and the lid and cup pair can freeze together during shaking, making them more difficult to open.

The French type of cocktail shaker is slightly more complex than the cobbler. It has a three-piece construction that includes a strainer and a lid. To use a French shaker, you'll need first to add ice to the shaker, then your ingredients. Shake vigorously and strain into a glass.

Boston Shaker

The Boston shaker style is known for being the go-to choice in professional bartending. A Boston shaker is an essential piece of any bar and is composed of two pieces: the large shaker tin and either a small shaker tin or a pint glass. You'll need to pick up a cocktail strainer too, as they help filter ice chips and other particles when pouring drinks.

The fact that it can hold more liquid than the cobbler shaker allows you to make batches of drinks when needed. Securing and separating the parts of a Boston shaker may be hard at first, but will become easier with practice. More skilled bartenders can "crack" this style open for a better presentation as well.

French Shaker

The French shaker is between a cobbler and a Boston shaker. You will get the best of both worlds plus an amazing appearance.  It has a lid and shaker tin like a cobbler shaker but without the built-in strainer. The pieces of a French shaker fit together more securely than that of a Boston shaker, so leaks may be less likely to happen. 

How Do You Make Cocktails With A Shaker?

When it comes to making cocktails, a shaker is one of the most essential tools you can have. But if you’ve never used one before, you might be wondering if you do everything properly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make cocktails using a shaker.

1) Choose your cocktail. Whether you want something classic like a Martini or something more creative like a Mojito, decide on your drink of choice before getting started.

2) Gather your ingredients. Once you know what you’re making, collect all of the necessary ingredients. This includes liquor, mixers, fruit, ice, and anything else the recipe calls for.

3) Add the ingredients to the shaker. Start by adding the liquor to the shaker, then add the rest of the ingredients followed by the ice.

4) Shake it up! Put the lid on tight and give it a good shake until everything is well combined and chilled.

5) Pour and enjoy. Strain your cocktail into a glass and enjoy!

 

FAQs

Do You Add Ice To A Cocktail Shaker?

When you're making a cocktail, you'll need to add ice to your shaker. This will help keep your drink cold and ensure that all the ingredients are properly mixed. To do this, simply fill your shaker about halfway with ice cubes and then continue with your recipe.

How Do You Use A Two-Part Cocktail Shaker?

There are two ways to use a cocktail shaker: the shaken method and the stir method.

The shaken method is used for cocktails that contain fresh ingredients, such as juices or fruits. To use this method, fill the larger part of the shaker with ice and add all of your ingredients. Place the smaller part of the shaker on top and seal it tightly. Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. This will help to mix all of the ingredients together and create a smooth, evenly mixed drink.

The stir method is used for cocktails that contain only liquor, such as martinis or Manhattans. To use this method, fill the larger part of the shaker with ice and add all of your ingredients. Place the smaller part of the shaker on top and seal it tightly. Stir gently with a long spoon for about 30 seconds. This will help to mix all of the ingredients together without over-diluting them with too much ice.

Where Do You Hit A Cocktail Shaker?

When shaking a cocktail, you want to make sure that the ice cubes inside the shaker are hitting the sides of the shaker. This will help to properly chill the drink. You also want to make sure that you are not over-shaking the cocktail, as this can make it too watered down.

How Many Times Do You Shake A Cocktail?

When shaking a cocktail, you should shake it vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. This will ensure that the ingredients are well combined and the drink is properly cooled.