Cocktail shaker
ToolA cocktail shaker is a metal container that mixes and chills a drink with ice, and the name covers several designs.
Also called: shaker tin · shaker
- Shake time
- 10 to 15 seconds
- Ice
- Fill about two-thirds full with fresh ice
- Boston tins
- 28 oz (830 ml) and 18 oz (530 ml)
- Main types
- Boston, cobbler, French (Parisian)
What cocktail shaker means
Recipes that say shake need a shaker, because the tin mixes the drink with ice. The three main types are the Boston, the cobbler and the French (Parisian) shaker. Boston tins come in 28 oz (830 ml) and 18 oz (530 ml).
The ingredients decide it. Citrus juice, cream, milk or egg white call for a shake, and a drink with only clear spirits can be stirred instead. Check the recipe before you pick up the tin, and the choice is usually clear.
A lot of home bartenders assume the longer you shake, the better. About 12 seconds with plenty of fresh ice is enough. Too little ice, or wet ice, over-dilutes the drink, so use plenty of fresh ice every time.
How to use a cocktail shaker
The shake itself takes 10 to 15 seconds, so most of the work is packing the tin with fresh ice first.
- 1.Add the ingredients to the tin, then fill it about two-thirds with fresh ice.
- 2.Seal the tins firmly and shake hard for 10 to 15 seconds, keeping a steady grip on the top.
- 3.Strike the side of the tin near the seam with the heel of your hand if the tins stick.
- 4.Pour through a strainer straight away, so the drink stops diluting in the tin.
No cocktail shaker? Without a shaker, use a clean jar with a tight lid for one drink, or a mixing glass for drinks of clear spirits.
Cocktail shaker compared
- Boston shakerBoston shakers pair a tin with a glass or smaller tin. They hold the most and need a separate strainer.
- Cobbler shakerCobbler shakers have three parts and a built-in strainer, so they are smaller and pour more slowly.
- French (Parisian) shakerThe French shaker has a metal base and cap, with no built-in strainer.
- Mixing glassA mixing glass suits the Martini and other drinks with no juice, cream, milk or egg.
Related terms
Put it to use in your next drink
Garçon explains every step as you make the drink.