Cocktail shakers

A cocktail shaker chills, dilutes and aerates a drink in one action — the essential tool for anything containing juice, cream or egg.

  • Cobbler for home, Boston for speed and volume u2014 same drink either way
  • Check it holds two drinks plus ice if you ever make two
  • Fill with plenty of ice u2014 a half-empty shaker dilutes without chilling

Showing 1–24 of 33 results

Showing 1–24 of 33 results

Two designs dominate. A cobbler shaker is three pieces with a built-in strainer and a cap, so it needs nothing else and suits home use. A Boston is two pieces u2014 a tin and either a second tin or a glass u2014 which holds more, seals with a tap and breaks with a tap, and needs a separate strainer. Bars use Boston shakers because they are quicker and hold a bigger round; the drink that comes out is the same.

How to choose

What to know

Capacity is worth thinking about before finish. A shaker that fits one drink plus ice will not make two, and making two rounds of the same drink separately is slower and gives you two slightly different drinks.

What to know

Whatever the type, cold is the point. A shaker that has been sitting in a hot wash will not chill anything, and shaking with too little ice dilutes the drink without cooling it. Fill it properly.

Common questions

Cobbler or Boston?

A cobbler is one self-contained piece with its own strainer and is easier if you are making the odd drink at home. A Boston is faster, holds more and is what bars use, but it needs a separate Hawthorne strainer. Neither makes a better drink.

Why has my shaker seized shut?

The air inside contracted as it chilled, which is the seal doing its job. On a Boston, a firm tap with the heel of your hand on the rim where the tins meet breaks it. On a cobbler, warm the outside briefly with your hands.

Have a look at

PourersDisposable glasses