Have you ever wanted to make a delicious and refreshing cocktail but were intimidated by the thought of using all that fancy bar equipment? I know I've been there. But fear not—with this guide, having the right bartending tools doesn’t have to be intimidating or complicated.
With one of these top cocktail shakers of 2024, you can be sure to pour a delicious and properly mixed cocktail every time. Also, the right cocktail maker will ensure the drinks will always be perfectly chilled. The various options of cocktail shakers can be overwhelming, though, so we’ve done the hard work for you. In this article, we will guide you on how to choose the perfect shaker for your needs. Whether you’re a home bartender or an aspiring mixologist, we’ve got you covered.
The Etens Cocktail Shaker wins the top pick for its affordable all-inclusive design. This classic cobbler shaker includes a built-in strainer and a jigger cap measuring 1 ounce. I love how these features eliminate the need for any further bar tools or accessories, making this an ideal choice for those who prefer simple solutions. It is an excellent choice for both home bars and use in restaurants or bars.
The premium stainless steel material is leakproof and ensures long-lasting performance, which are both things I look for in cocktail shakers. Plus, it’s dishwasher-safe, so you don’t need to worry about cleaning it by hand.
For a demonstration of how to use a cocktail shaker correctly, check out this video:
The LUCKYGOOBO Cocktail Shaker is ideal for creating a batch of cocktails at your next party. It has stainless steel with a mirror finish, and this quality metal construction guarantees that the shaker is rust-resistant and does not leak. The product is also dishwasher-safe for added convenience.
The shaker is perfect for making ice-cold cocktails such as margaritas, cosmopolitans, Long Island iced teas, and martinis (my personal favorite!). I added this one to the review guide because, with its 24-ounce capacity, you can whip up two to four drinks to share with your loved one or a group of friends. Whether you’re a pro mixologist or just starting, this is the ultimate tool for creating unforgettable drinks. Its compact design also makes it easy to store in drawers or cabinets. With its money-back guarantee, you can be sure you’re making a safe purchase.
The OXO Cocktail Shaker provides a stylish and efficient way to make delicious cocktails. An attractive stainless steel design combines two silicone gaskets to provide a leak-proof seal, ensuring a mess-free drink (I know I need that feature). The parts are also easy to separate, allowing you to quickly clean the shaker after each use.
As a bonus, the cap doubles as a jigger, which is handy when you need a quick measurement. The cap features printed markings for ½ ounce, ¾ ounce, 1 ounce, and 1 ½ ounces, giving you an accurate measurement for each ingredient without extra tools. The shaker also has a 24-ounce capacity, making it perfect for more complex drinks.
The Elevated Craft Cocktail Shaker is a sleek bar accessory for crafting chilled cocktails. I like this shaker because it has a double-wall, vacuum-insulated design. This ensures that drinks stay cold while your hands remain comfortable. It also has a patent-pending measuring system that allows you to customize your mix from micro ¼-ounce dashes to a full 6-ounce cocktail.
The twist-lock lid and top are designed to never leak or freeze, so you can make perfect drinks without any hassle. The built-in strainer filters out ice and solids for smooth pours. It’s crafted from premium stainless steel so you don’t have to worry about it transferring any metallic flavor to the drink. Lastly, its ergonomic shape is easy to grip and handle.
The True Maraca Cocktail Recipe Shaker is the ultimate bar accessory to have when crafting and creating cocktails. This shaker has a jigger cap and a strainer lid and includes ounce and milliliter markings, making it easy to measure ingredients accurately and pour up exquisite cocktails.
Not only will bartenders have all the necessary tools, but they also have recipes printed right on the tumbler to craft classic drinks. With the provided recipes, you can learn to make popular drinks such as margaritas, manhattans, strawberry daiquiris, mai tais, Long Island iced teas, mojitos, and Tom Collins cocktails with ease. This feature makes it a fun wedding or housewarming gift for drink enthusiasts.
Here’s what our reviewer, Sarah, has to say about it:
“I’ve had this cocktail shaker for 3 years now, and I love how it has directions for multiple different popular cocktails on it! Despite not knowing much about mixing, I was able to make some amazing cocktails with this product.”
When choosing a cocktail shaker, I consider many different product features. This buyer’s guide will provide a detailed overview of these key features, such as material quality, design, capacity, price, and ergonomics, to help you select the ideal cocktail shaker.
When it comes to cocktail shakers, the quality of the materials is an essential factor to consider. Cocktail shakers should ideally have stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant metals to ensure durability and food safety. Some may contain plastic components, so it’s important to check what type of plastic they have — some are not dishwasher-safe.
The cocktail shaker’s design should be stylish and aesthetically pleasing while still being durable enough to handle regular use. I make sure to pay attention to the details: Are the edges rounded off smoothly? Is the base wide enough for stability? And are all the components securely fastened?
Pay attention to the cocktail shaker’s capacity to select one that meets your needs. For home use, where you will likely only prepare one drink or a few at a time, 16 to 24 ounces is typically ideal. If you plan on making larger amounts, consider a larger 30 to 40-ounce model instead.
The price of cocktail shakers can vary widely. Depending on the materials and brand name, prices can range from as low as $10 to $20 up to $100 or more. It’s important to choose a model that fits within your budget while providing good value in terms of durability and quality.
I always look for a cocktail shaker with a comfortable shape that fits in my hand — the last thing you want when making a drink is for your hand to cramp up! It should be easy to hold and maneuver with one hand.
Pay attention to how much the cocktail shaker weighs to determine how comfortable it will be to use over an extended period. Lighter weights of 8 to 10 ounces tend to be ideal for most single-drink preparations and still maintain their sturdy construction. Heavier models of 12 to 15 ounces may be sturdier but more difficult to lift and maneuver without spilling ingredients.
I strongly believe that durability is key when selecting a cocktail shaker. Look for models made from corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel that will resist scratches, dents, and rust when cared for properly.
Consider how user-friendly any given shaker model is before making a purchase. Shaker styles should include airtight seals so ingredients don’t leak during shaking or pouring. Also, regular cleaning should be easy. Many models are dishwasher-safe or include removable components that you can wash by hand separately in soapy water.
A good quality cocktail shaker should have an airtight seal so that ingredients don’t leak while you shake or pour. Many models come with built-in or lid strainers that allow you to strain any solids before serving your drinks without spilling liquid everywhere.
Make sure the lid fits securely so you can shake confidently without worrying about ingredients spilling all over your kitchen counter (I know that’s happened to me before)! Models with locking lids help ensure all contents stay safely inside during vigorous shaking sessions.
Consider how many pieces come with each individual model before committing to any purchase. This can vary greatly from one product line to another. Most standard models come with three parts: a metal cup body, a lid with a built-in strainer, and a separate base cup. Some can include up to four pieces with an additional metal lid for a tighter seal while shaking.
Take into account any existing reputation held by various brands when choosing which model is right for you. I like to read customer reviews to get an idea of the quality of certain products.
A: The type of shaker that you should purchase depends on what kind of cocktails you will make. However, the most common shaker is a three-piece (or cobbler) shaker. These allow for straining and shaking and are often less expensive than others. If you want a more professional or higher-end option, check out Boston shakers.
A: Using a cocktail shaker is quite simple. Start by filling the larger bottom half with ice, then add your ingredients to the top half. Secure the two halves together by either gently tapping them together or using the base and lid if it includes one. Finally, give the whole thing a good shake for 10-15 seconds (depending on the mix of ingredients), and strain the contents into a glass before serving.
A: This depends on the complexity of the cocktail and your arm strength, but generally, it should take anywhere from 10 to 15 seconds to properly shake a cocktail. You should shake strongly and confidently until you feel that all ingredients have properly combined and all ice has broken up.
A: The best way to clean your cocktail shaker is to use hot water, dish soap, and a bottle brush or kitchen scrubber. Fill the shaker with warm soapy water and use the cleaning brush or scrubber to remove any residue from the inside. Rinse it thoroughly. Allow time for air drying before storing it.
A: Depending on the size of your shaker, you should be able to make between one to three drinks in one go. However, since there is no exact science when making cocktails, it is always best to play it safe and measure how much is necessary for each drink before shaking.
A: Yes! One way to speed up the process when shaking cocktails is to fill both halves of your shaker closer to halfway rather than full. This will help keep your hands closer together when shaking, which in turn can help reduce strain and fatigue in your arms while also decreasing overall shaking time. Additionally, some bartenders like to hold onto an ice cube or two while shaking. This can help cool down your hands faster and can potentially lead to faster results when shaking large batches of drinks.
A: Yes, certain types of cocktails require a shaker to make them properly, specifically those with crushed ice or other ingredients that need to be mixed quickly during preparation. Examples include classics, such as margaritas and mojitos, and modern favorites like gin fizzes.
A: Yes — chilling your shaker prior to use can help ensure that your drinks remain cold while preparing them! To properly chill your shaker, simply fill both ends with ice cubes and give it a few minutes before starting your drink preparation.
A: Aside from having a quality shaker, there are some additional accessories recommended for making perfect drinks every time. A jigger (or measured pouring cup) ensures accuracy when measuring all ingredients prior to mixing. Hawthorne strainers or julep strainers can make sure no unwanted bits end up in finished drinks. Lastly, ice tongs make handling larger batches of ice easier.