What cocktail shakers do bartenders use?
Mia Kelly
Published Jan 06, 2026
The Boston shaker is the Major League. It's the cocktail shaker of choice for most bartenders and true cocktail apprentices. The Boston shaker consists of a shaking metal tin and a mixing glass tin but has no built-in strainer.
Why do bartenders use Boston shakers?
Unlike Cobbler shakers, which include a lid and built-in strainer, the Boston style is less likely to leak or freeze shut and is easier to clean. Using a Boston shaker has a bit of a learning curve and does require a separate strainer, but it's truly the speediest option once you're trained.
What are different types of cocktail shaker?
There are three different types of cocktail shakers: the Boston, the Cobbler, and the Parisian (or the French).
How many types of shakers are commonly used in the bar?
There are four different kinds of cocktail shakers on the market: The Boston Shaker, Cobbler Shaker, Parisian (or French) Shaker, and the tin-on-tin Shaker.
Why is a Boston shaker better?
This two-piece shaker has a greater capacity than its rival, making it the ideal size for shaking two cocktails at once or creating a cocktail with egg whites. (More space in the shaker tin allows for more air, creating fluffier egg white foam.)
29 related questions foundWhat cocktail shakers do professionals use?
Professional bartenders tend to gravitate towards a Boston shaker. Composed of two 12- and 28-ounce mixing tins (either glass or tin), these shakers provide a tight natural seal and ample room for ice and drink.
What is a Parisian cocktail shaker?
The Parisian is a style of two piece cocktail shaker. Unlike the boston tin style, the Parisian is one solid construction – or like having a standard cocktail tin with its own lid.
Are plastic cocktail shakers good?
While they are the most thrifty option (in price and in looks), plastic shakers can actually be the best shaker option given that the plastic construction will inhibit heat transfer from your hand and let the ice in the shaker melt from the heat coming from the liquid.
What is Boston cocktail shaker?
At its simplest, a Boston Shaker is a two-piece cocktail shaker, consisting of a glass and a metal tin. A useful and common combination is a 16 oz. mixing glass, and a 28 oz. metal shaker tin.
Are Boston shakers better?
Verdict. Professional bartenders will usually choose a Boston Shaker set due to their larger capacity as well as being faster and more efficient to work with behind a busy bar. I would recommend a Cobbler Shaker for home use as they are easy to use and you generally won't need to make a large volume of cocktails.
What is a cobbler shaker?
Those new to making cocktails at home are probably familiar with the Cobbler shaker: It's the three-piece cocktail shaker that's usually either gifted to home bartenders or already adorning their bar carts. But in most cases, you'll rarely see a professional bartender using one.
What is standard shaker?
A cocktail shaker is a device used to mix beverages (usually alcoholic) by shaking. When ice is put in the shaker this allows for a quicker cooling of the drink before serving.
What do you use a Hawthorne strainer for?
A Hawthorne strainer consists of a flat disc to which is affixed a coiled spring. The spring traps large chunks or slivers of ice and other solid ingredients, such as muddled fruit or mint leaves.
How should a bartender break the seal on a Boston shaker Barsmarts?
Point the fingers of the other hand skyward and, with the heel of the hand, sharply strike the top part of the mixing tin at approximately the spot where the rim of the glass is nestled inside it. The seal should break.
Is cocktail shaker necessary?
The reason why a cocktail shaker is essential (for drinks that call for it) is that shaking mixes the ingredients, rapidly chills and dilutes the drink, and most important of all is that shaking ensures a consistent taste from the first sip to the last.
What is the difference between regular and Boston shaker?
The cocktail shaker is the general term when we consider all shakers available in the market. Boston shaker, on the other hand, is the specific shaker composed of two parts, each with different capacities. The smaller part usually contains up to 18 ounces while the bigger part contains up to 28 ounces.
What is Bittered sling?
Bittered Sling® is a retail line of award-winning, high-quality cocktail bitters and culinary extracts using exceptional ingredients providing the palate, plate and potion with a powerful and exciting fusion of flavours.
Why is it called Boston shaker?
The theory is that one day someone put these two vessels, which would've been different sizes, together and shook the contents, probably for dramatic effect. The result was a cocktail with a different mouthfeel and slightly different flavour profile too. The Boston Shaker had been born.
Why do bartenders shake drinks?
Shaking is hands down the most efficient way to simultaneously chill and dilute a cocktail—assuming you do it properly, that is. A good shake will cause the ice to rattle around violently in the shaker, cooling the surrounding liquid as it breaks down and releases water into the drink.
Do you put ice in a cocktail shaker?
Always make sure to put ice in the shaker first if you're using the 3-piece shaker, in order to chill the shaker and ingredients while the drink is being made. Never overload the cocktail shaker. This can cause unnecessary messes and spills at the bar or at home.
How do you use a cobbler shaker?
Using the Cobbler Shaker
The Cobbler shaker eliminates the need for this struggle with it's built in strainer. Simply fill with ice, add your ingredients, put on the cap (ensuring the strainer cap is also on) and SHAKE! Afterward just slip off the strainer cap and pour your cocktail into your serving glass. Voilà!
What's the best cocktail maker?
The 13 Best Cocktail Shakers, According to Drinks Pros
- The Birdy Cocktail Shaker. ...
- Set of Koriko Weighted Shaking Tins. ...
- Piña Stainless Steel Bar Boston Shaker. ...
- Mixing Tin Set. ...
- Tattoo Weighted Tin On Tin Shaker. ...
- Heavyweight Cocktail Shakers. ...
- Double Wall Shaker. ...
- Stainless Steel Cobbler Shaker.
Can you put a cocktail shaker in the dishwasher?
When you're two-deep at the bar or it's the end of a long and busy evening of serving various cocktails, the last thing you want is to be stuck cleaning your cocktail shaker for longer than is needed. Professional shakers are dishwasher-safe.