What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the term parties or get-togethers? The drinks right?! Drinks, be it mocktails or cocktails are the life of any party. Any party without a proper bar and a bartender serving the yummiest drinks possible is incomplete and boring! But how do you make the yummiest drinks possible if the party is thrown at your house? This is where a cocktail shaker set helps you.
A cocktail shaker set is one of the most essential tools for any home bar. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a professional mixologist, a good cocktail shaker set will help you make great drinks. There are two types of cocktail shakers: Boston shakers and French shakers. Boston shakers are the most common type, and they’re made up of two glass or metal cups that fit together. French shakers are made of a metal cup and a separate metal lid with a built-in strainer.
No matter which type of shaker you choose, make sure it’s of good quality. A poorly made shaker will make it difficult to mix drinks properly, and it may even leak. In this article, we have listed down all the major things that one needs to know when they are buying a cocktail shaker set for the first time. So if you are a beginner and want to serve your guests delicious drinks at your house parties, then keep reading!
Contents
Cocktail Strainer
Its main job is to strain the drinks, making them even smoother and fine. The types of strainers are Hawthorne, fine mesh, and julep. The Hawthorne strainer is most popularly used since it is mess free and can be used with one hand. It is composed of a piece of circular metal fitted with a coiled spring along the circular base and is fitted into the top of the glass to strain the drink into the serving glass.
The fine mesh strainer is preferred when the drink requires double straining because there might be tiny bits of pulp that may have escaped. The Julep strainer is more like a spoon and is used mostly when e Hawthrone strainer is not there. It suits when you use a pint glass for a shaker.
Cocktail Shaker Set Buying Guide
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Level Of Expertise
It means whether or not you are a professional. The cobbler shaker is one of the types and it is a traditional way of shaking, with no such professional touch to it. Beginners can also use it. But the Boston shakers include 2 glasses, one slightly bigger than the other, which is to be used when one has become a professional only.
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Purpose
The purpose of buying the shaker may vary from person to person. Know your purpose as to why you’re buying it.
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Design
Cocktail shakers come in a variety of designs. The most common is of course the stainless steel one. Cobbler shakers just have one cap at the top and the whole body only looks like a normal water bottle.
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Material
It is very very important in a shaker set. The low-quality shakers are made of low-quality materials that will rust easily, tarnish easily, and chip. The high-quality shakers will obviously last you for a longer time. They are also shiny and look new even when it has been years since you bought them.
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Durability
The material chosen should also be durable to last a lifetime. It should not bend or make a deep hole due to extremely cold cocktails being prepared inside. It should be sturdy enough to not get a scratch after it falls accidentally or so.
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Capacity
The best part about the set is that they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Consider the number of people you make drinks for on average before making the purchase decision. If you want a shaker that can make drinks for a few, then a 12-ounce shaker will do. If you have a huge party at your place then maybe the 28-ounce shaker is suitable for you.
Essential Tools For Cocktail Making Sets
Cocktail makers sure help in making delicious drinks at home, but it is the tools that actually help. The cocktail shaker set is incomplete and dysfunctional without the tools. Some of the popular tools most commonly found are:
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Jigger- A good jigger is always necessary to let you make that perfect mouthwatering cocktail. It is mainly used for precise measurements. They are available in a variety of styles and sizes.
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Shaker- The different types of shakers are the cobbler shaker and the Boston shaker. Cobbler shaker is the one people prefer to use at home, while bartenders and other professionals use Boston shakers.
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Bar Spoon- A bar spoon is a spoon that is long enough and used for mixing drinks. The end is narrow and not broad like the regular spoons so it can be used for stirring drinks in sleek glasses.
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Muddler- A muddler is used for crushing the ingredients used in mojitos or lime sodas. The herbs and fruits are crushed with the help of a muddler to release the beautiful flavors and aromas into your drink.
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Knife- Sometimes you need a knife to just cut the fruits or garnish the drinks. The most commonly used fruit or vegetable for garnishing are cucumbers, lime, strawberry, and apples.
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Strainer- Strainers are another important tool that helps in making cocktails. The three types of strainers that are used in a bar or home are fine mesh and julep and Hawthrone.
The 9 Best Cocktail Shaker Sets In 2024
Best Overall: WinterCastle Cocktail Shaker Set
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Best In Budget: CRESIMO Large Cocktail Shaker Set
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Best In Value: A Bar Above Weighted & Unweighted Shakers
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Best In Design: SKY FISH Bartender Kit Cocktail Shaker
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Best Professional: Appolab Cocktail Shaker Set
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Best Bartender Kit: Barillio Elite Mixology Cocktail Shaker Set
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Best Portable: BrüMate Shaker Cocktail Shaker
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Best Stainless Steel: OXO Steel Cocktail Shaker
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Best Durable: Barfly M37101 Basics Cocktail Set
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Best Overall: WinterCastle Cocktail Shaker Set
This cocktail shaker set is a beautiful addition to any bar. The dimensions are 11.5 x 4.5 x 11.5 inches, making it the perfect size for any bar.
It is made of high-quality materials and provides dishwasher-safe bar tools. The set includes a bamboo stand for elegant storage.
It comes with 3 different cocktail strainers, so you can easily make all your favorite cocktails. The high-quality 304 rust-resistant stainless steel construction means your shaker set will last for years.
It provides 4 liquor pourers to help you mix your drinks perfectly. The pourers have full-length dust caps to keep your drinks fresh and prevent evaporation.
Also, the shaker tins create a perfect leak-proof seal, so you can confidently shake your cocktails.
Pros
Cons
Best In Budget: CRESIMO Large Cocktail Shaker Set
This set has dimensions of 3.25 x 3.25 x 9.25 inches. It also weighs 0.3 kilograms, so it’s easy to take with you on the go.
It has a sleek stainless steel design and it is rust-proof and dishwasher safe. Plus, it comes with a recipe guide to help you get started.
This set comes with a built-in strainer, jigger, and mixing spoon, making it easy to mix up your favorite cocktails. It can hold up to 24 oz of your favorite drink.
Pros
Cons
Best In Value: A Bar Above Weighted & Unweighted Shakers
This shaker has dimensions of 3.74 x 3.74 x 6.89 inches and comes with 1 pound of weight, ensuring that your drinks are mixed to perfection every time.
It is made of high-quality, food-grade 304 stainless steel that is durable and safe for home and commercial dishwashers.
This shaker has no rubber seal to crack, so it’s versatile enough to be used for both mixing and pouring. It comes in multi colors, so you can find the perfect match for your home décor.
Pros
Cons
Best In Design: SKY FISH Bartender Kit Cocktail Shaker
This stylish shaker has a sleek and modern design, and it is made with high-quality 18/8 stainless steel. The shaker has 12.6 x 7.87 x 3.94-inch dimensions.
This all-in-one kit includes a cocktail shaker, jigger, Hawthorne strainer, ice tongs, and muddler, all with a copper-plated design.
It has a sleek and classy look that will make you feel like a professional mixologist in your own home. It is also very easy to clean.
Pros
Cons
Best Professional: Appolab Cocktail Shaker Set
The shaker is made of high-quality 304 stainless steel, which is leak-proof and non-scratchable. and the dimensions are 3.15 x 3.15 x 8.27 inches.
The set includes a 550ml martini shaker, 30/15ml jigger, bar spoon, muddler, strainer, ice tongs, and 2 liquor pourers.
It is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. This set includes everything you need to make professional-quality cocktails at home.
Pros
Cons
Best Bartender Kit: Barillio Elite Mixology Cocktail Shaker Set
The shaker has a 14.01 x 7.63 x 5.44-inch capacity, making it large enough to mix multiple drinks at once. This set includes everything you need to make professional-grade cocktails.
The shaker is made of high-quality SS Grade 304 18/8 stainless steel and is double-walled for insulation, so your drinks will stay cold longer.
The set also comes with a Mojito muddler, mixing spoon, double-sided jigger, Hawthorne strainer, three liquor pourers, six pourer caps, two cleaning brushes, two bottle stoppers, an ice tongs, and a double lever corkscrew.
Plus, it comes with a bamboo stand for easy storage and a velvet bag for safekeeping. Best of all, the entire set is dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
Pros
Cons
Best Portable: BrüMate Shaker Cocktail Shaker
The shaker dimensions are 2.6 x 3 x 6.75 inches, making it the perfect size for any home bar or kitchen. The shaker has a stainless steel construction that is sturdy and durable.
This shaker comes with a splash-proof drinking lid, so you can enjoy your drink without worrying about spillage. The shaker also works as a 20oz cocktail glass, so you can easily make multiple drinks at once.
This shaker has a leak-proof top and triple-insulated technology, making it both easy to use and durable. The insulated design keeps your drinks cold for hours, so you can enjoy them all night long.
The shaker is also available in many different colors, so you can choose the one that best suits your style. The shaker has a sleek and modern design that will look great in any kitchen.
Pros
Cons
Best Stainless Steel: OXO Steel Cocktail Shaker
This shaker is made from single-wall stainless steel and features two silicone gaskets to create a leak-proof seal. The sleek and modern design is sure to impress your guests.
It has a 24oz capacity, so you can make enough drinks for a small gathering without having to stop and refill. Its cap also doubles as a jigger, making it a versatile tool for any bartender.
The parts of the shaker are also easy to separate without excessive force or fear of sticking. This means that you can quickly and easily clean.
Pros
Cons
Best Durable: Barfly M37101 Basics Cocktail Set
The dimensions of the set are 10 x 4 x 3 inches, making it the perfect size for any home bar. The sleek design is both stylish and functional.
The set includes a cocktail shaker, jigger, bar spoon, and strainer, all made from heavy-duty stainless steel.
The strainer features a heavy-duty spring that helps to keep ice and fruit from falling into your glass. The set includes everything you need to make a perfect cocktail, and it’s all dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
Pros
Cons
FAQs
It might be surprising that the invention of the cocktail shaker was actually centuries back. It was first mentioned in 7000 BCE and was used by old folk in Mexico and South Africa. It was again mentioned in the 1520s and the cocktail shaker was actually used to make a drink for King Charles V made of froth and cacao.
It is used to make bar-style drinks at home. Not only at home, but if you have been to bars, you will also notice bartenders using two glass-like objects to shake a drink and then serve it to you. Well, that is only a cocktail shaker. A cocktail shaker is basically used to make drinks be it hard or soft, from martinis and mojitos to LITs.
There is no such ideal size for a cocktail shaker. It all depends on the person that is purchasing the cocktail shaker. Some may feel that a 12-ounce shaker is ideal for them while others who are not satisfied with this small size, consider a bigger size to be the ideal.
Put all the ingredients into the shaker bottle or glass
Put ice cubes ( as much as you want )
Secure the lid or make them airtight
Shake. Shake and Shake!
You will see that the outer layer will start freezing up
Now strain the mixture completely
Take a glass and serve it!
Conclusion
A good cocktail shaker set can indeed change your party experience! When choosing the cocktail shaker set, there are obviously so many considerations to take into account as we mentioned above. While it can seem like a cakewalk to the professionals, a beginners’ guide to help one buy a shaker set is something essential we feel and that is what we have put together here today. There are also many frequently asked questions that every user has in mind so we have carefully answered that as well.
