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What shakers do professional bartenders use?

Author

Emily Sparks

Published Jan 24, 2026

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 kind of shaker do bartenders use?

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.

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.)

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.

24 related questions found

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 are the types of shaker?

If you want to get technical, there are three different types of cocktail shakers: cobbler shakers, Boston shakers, and French shakers (though, in practice, few bartenders choose to use French shakers over cobbler or Boston shakers).

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.

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.

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.

What is mise en place in bar?

Translated as “put in place,” it refers to a kitchen's setup—laying out ingredients and tools for service, consistently arranged. A cook should know that the chopped garlic is next to the ginger, and should be able to reach for either without looking.

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 a jig of alcohol?

A jigger, alcohol jigger or bar jigger is an hourglass-shaped bartender measuring tool used to ensure that they pour accurate amounts of alcohol into every drink.

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.

What is a Hawthorne strainer used 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.

What is a cocktail shaker called?

The Cobbler Shaker: A three-piece cocktail shaker that has tapers at the top and ends with a built-in strainer and includes a cap. The cap can often be used as a measure for spirits or other liquids. The Parisian or French Shaker: A two-piece shaker consisting of a metal bottom and a metal cap.

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.

How full should you fill the euro shaker with ice?

Step 1: Fill the shaker with your ingredients and ice.

Start by adding the ingredients into the shaker tin (use the smaller cup or pint glass if you're using a Boston shaker) and then fill it ⅔ of the way with ice or you can add the ice to your shaker first if you prefer.

What is the euro shaker used for?

Also known as a European Shakers or Cobbler Shakers

And because they feature a convenient strainer built into the top, these shakers are the popular choice for home bars. The classic configuration consists of a large tin, a smaller mid-section with built-in strainer, and a cap to cover the strainer when shaking.

What is an elephants head in distillers lingo?

What is an "elephant's head" in distiller's lingo? A large bulb at the top of the opening of the pot still, with a downward slanting tube sticking out of one side.

Why does my shaker leak?

Several of the models had strainer tops that were too loose, causing the shakers to leak or break apart during use. Other cobblers had the opposite problem: Their parts fit together too tightly, making them harder to open, especially when cold and wet.

Which of these mash bills Cannot legally be distilled into bourbon?

Mash bill of at least 51 percent corn

This is the first basis. If this isn't fulfilled, there will be no production of bourbon. The mash bill is the grain make-up in any whiskey. For bourbon, the grain make-up must be 51 percent or more.

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.

Which shaker brand is best?

The Best Shaker Bottles of 2021:

  • Best Overall: BlenderBottle Classic Loop Top Shaker Bottle.
  • Best Stainless Steel: Contigo Shake & Go Fit.
  • Best Electric: Promixx Battery Powered Shaker Bottle.
  • Best 2-in-1: Hydra Cup Dual Shaker Bottle.
  • Best Glass: Ello Splendid Glass Shaker.
  • Best for Travel: ShakeSphere Tumbler Shaker Bottle.