What is a Boston cocktail shaker?
Mia Kelly
Published Jan 18, 2026
Boston shaker
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.
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.)
What is Boston style 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.
Why is it called Boston cocktail shaker?
The shaker took its name from the sherry cobbler, which Harry Johnson described just two years earlier in his “Bartenders' Manual” as, “Without doubt the most popular beverage in the country, with ladies as well as with gentlemen.
35 related questions foundWhat is the difference between a Boston shaker and a cocktail shaker?
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. For the Boston shaker, a strainer must be purchased separately, which is a Hawthorne strainer.
What do you use a cocktail shaker for?
A cocktail shaker is a bar tool designed to assist in the preparation of cocktails and mixed drinks. It acts as a closed vessel that allows you to quickly and thoroughly mix ingredients together while chilling the drink at the same time.
Why is a Boston shaker the best?
The Boston shaker is the go-to shaker for professional bartenders, because of its capacity, efficiency, and speed. The shaker's ubiquitous presence has become part of the bar experience where the bartenders slam the tins together for a tight seal before they shake the ingredients together.
How do I choose a Boston shaker?
There is really no right or wrong in choosing a shaker. The different types of cocktail shakers all give the same result; a shaken cocktail. It all comes down to three things: design, versatility and the volume of liquids.
Which is better cobbler or Boston shaker?
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.
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.
How long should you shake the drink when using the Boston shaker?
Shake vigorously for a slow count of 15 (15 seconds). Set the shaker back on the bar with the tumbler side down. If you're using a Boston shaker, give the side of the shaker a good rap or two with the heel of your hand to release any vacuum pressure that has been built up and remove the lid.
What cocktail shakers do bartenders 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.
Why is a Boston shaker weighted?
Boston Shaker Styles and Types:
One or both of the steel cups may be “weighted” (which you can see on the larger cup in the image above.) The weight adds rigidity and some weight to the shaker cup and can make the shaker more comfortable and quieter to use.
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.
Where should the glass be on a Boston shaker?
3. Lift shaker with one hand on the top and the other gripping the base and shake vigorously. The smaller can (or glass) should always be on the top when shaking and should point away from guests. 4.
Where is Boston shaker mine?
The Boston Shaker underground project, within the Tropicana Project, is located 330km to the east-north east of the city of Kalgoorlie in the Goldfields-Esperance region of Western Australia.
Can you put soda in a cocktail shaker?
No, bartenders do not shake carbonated beverages. I was a bartender for years and I have never known this to happen or be part of a recipe. The carbonated sodas are always put on the top of the glass after pouring.
Is it hard to use a Boston shaker?
Is it difficult to learn how to use a Boston Shaker? Watching a professional might seem intimidating, but it's very easy to use. Once you get the hang of it, you'll jump at the chance to spend time showing off behind the bar at your next soirée.
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.
Do you need a cocktail shaker for Margarita?
The only piece of equipment you need to make a margarita is a cocktail shaker. But is a cocktail shaker really necessary to make a margarita? Not really. The only thing a cocktail shaker does is thoroughly mix the liquid with ice to properly chill the drink.
What can I use instead of a cocktail shaker?
So if you don't have a shaker, use virtually any strong container with a lid that seals instead. My preferred shaker hack uses a mason jar. Measure your ingredients into the jar, fill the jar three-quarters full with ice, screw on the lid, and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
Why is it called a Hawthorne strainer?
So, the Hawthorne cocktail strainer was invented by Nathaniel Hawthorne in his Boston bar, who patented the tool to provide a different and better strain for cocktails. They were modelled on Chinese tea strainers, however the easily removable and cleanable coil did most of the straining work.
What is the spring for on a cocktail strainer?
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.