Shaking a cocktail is a lot like riding a bike, or surfing, or hula-hooping. It’s tricky at first—but then you get into that groove. You develop a feel for it and, ta-da, you’re a margarita-making machine. Technique is a big part of it, but you shouldn’t dismiss the importance of the right equipment, specifically the best cocktail shaker for you.
The best cocktail shakers
I stress the for you part of that sentence because cocktail shakers aren’t one-size fits all. I mean that literally—cocktail shakers come in a variety of sizes as well as shapes, weights, and styles. Gone are the days of settling for that thin, flimsy, shoddily made tin shaker that sticks every time because it’s the only shaker available. Now, you have access to bartender-approved Boston shakers, insulated three-piece cobbler shakers, vintage throwbacks, and even mini shakers meant for one (just because you’re drinking a gimlet alone doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have the best gimlet).
Wherever you are in your personal cocktail journey, read on for the shakers that will serve you best. But first you need to know which style will fit you best.
Boston shaker vs cobbler shaker
For the most part, there are two main styles of shaker you’ll see for sale: the two-piece Boston shaker and the three-piece cobbler shaker. (There’s also the much, much rarer Konga shaker, which includes knobs that allow you to “roll” a big batch of cocktails. The vintage shaker style was brought back by Monkey Shoulder and you can still find some of these shakers on eBay. It’s a great decorative piece, but I wouldn’t recommend buying one as your everyday shaker.)
A Boston shaker is likely what the bartender at your local cocktail bar uses. It’s a two-piece set, typically consisting of one big tin and one small tin. You can also find two-piece shaker sets consisting of a pint glass and a metal tin. You won’t find any of those on this list. That combo is heavy and, in my experience, much less reliable when it comes to creating a good seal.
Here’s how Boston shakers work: You build your drink in the little tin, fill with ice, and slide the big tin over the little one at an angle, creating a seal. Now shake! To release, you usually have to hit the tin with the heel of your palm just so. It can be tricky, but our top pick for the best two-piece Boston shaker releases far easier than others I’ve used, while maintaining a solid seal.
Boston shakers are usually used with Hawthorne strainers (the ones with the spring), which are typically sold separately. Also, you’ll see many Boston shaker sets advertised as “weighted.” That means the bottoms of the tins are reinforced with extra metal, making for a better, more effective shake.
