Best Cocktail Shakers: Top Picks for Your Bar Business

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Whether you’re an established head bartender or an entrepreneur just getting started, investing in a quality cocktail shaker can up your cocktail game. This article has got you covered. Here, we will delve into the art of selecting the best cocktail shakers and bartender shaker sets—because the secret to a perfect gin fizz or whiskey sour starts with the right equipment.

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Simply put, a cocktail shaker is a device used to mix beverages by shaking. The basic functionality remains the same, but the design and additional features vary. The Boston shaker, a classic two-piece cocktail shaker, the Cobbler shaker with a built-in strainer, and the three-piece shaker or French shaker are just a few to mention.

On the other hand, a bartender shaker set (also known as a cocktail shaker set) goes beyond the single shaking tin. These sets typically include multiple items such as a cocktail shaker (large and small tin), a bar spoon, a pint glass, and sometimes, more specialized tools such as a Hawthorne strainer or a mixing glass.

When looking for the best cocktail shakers, certain factors stand out. These factors and features can help you shake up those cocktail recipes with finesse and produce delicious results.

Stainless steel is the go-to material for most cocktail shakers. Why? Because a stainless steel body ensures durability, a firm seal, and a sleek design. It's essential to have a shaker that can withstand the test of time, multiple drinks, and even the occasional drop!

The cocktail-making process should be as smooth as the drinks you’re mixing. This means the shaker tins should be easy to handle, offer a tight seal when shaking, and release effortlessly when it's time to pour. Additionally, while hand wash is typically recommended, a dishwasher-safe shaker can save you precious time.

A sleek looking cocktail shaker or bartender shaker set can be a centerpiece of your bar. Selecting a shaker with an eye-catching finish can elevate the overall aesthetic.

The size of your cocktail shaker will determine how many cocktails you can whip up at a time. If you’re the lead bartender at a bustling establishment, a large shaking tin is a solid choice. But for more intimate settings, a smaller shaker might suffice.

Top Pick: The Elevated Craft Hybrid Cocktail Shaker is crafted in black stainless steel, and features a double-wall vacuum insulation, keeping your concoctions icy cold without transmitting chill to your hands. This function also eliminates counter condensation, maintaining a clean workspace.

The unique, patent-pending measuring system allows accurate measures from tiny ¼ and ½ oz dashes to a robust 6 oz mix. This high-capacity system outperforms traditional shakers and jiggers. This cocktail shaker's ergonomic design eliminates the need for a two-handed grip. It's easy to handle and dishwasher-safe for convenient cleaning.

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Elevated Craft Hybrid Cocktail Shaker

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Runner Up: This comprehensive set includes a stainless steel cocktail shaker, a mojito muddler, a mixing spoon, a double-jigger, and two liquor pourers. Every piece is crafted with top-quality stainless steel to withstand frequent use.

The standout feature of this kit is the weighted Boston Shaker. Its double-layered construction provides extra rigidity, while the weighted bottom enhances balance and ergonomics. This design accelerates temperature changes and minimizes dilution, favored by professional bartenders globally.

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Barrillio Boston Shaker Cocktail Set

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Best Value: The OXO Good Grips Plastic Cocktail Shaker is a user-friendly and budget-friendly cocktail shaker, featuring comfortable grip points and dishwasher-safe construction.

The shaker has a 20 oz/590 mL capacity and includes two silicone gaskets to create a leak-proof seal when shaking, ensuring that your cocktail remains inside the shaker and doesn't spill out during mixing. The jigger cap that includes measurement markings, and doubles as a built-in strainer, allowing you to pour the mixed cocktail directly into a glass without any ice or unwanted cocktail ingredients falling into your drink.

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OXO Good Grips Plastic Cocktail Shaker

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Show your customers the charm of old-world craftmanship with the Prince of Scots Hammered Copper Cocktail Shaker Set. This luxurious set is crafted from pure heavy gauge copper that's been treated to prevent tarnishing, ensuring it retains its shine for years to come.

The set includes a classic Boston 2 Cup Shaker and a fluted jigger, with the shaker designed for a solid seal and easy release. The larger cup of the shaker holds 30 ounces, and the smaller cup has a capacity of 18 ounces. The larger cup stands 7 inches tall, while the smaller one measures 5.5 inches.

Product Features:

Prince of Scots Hammered Copper Cocktail Shaker Set with Jigger

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The Mixology Bartender Kit is a complete 10-piece set housed in an eco-friendly bamboo stand. This is an all-inclusive collection of top-tier cocktail tools that empowers you to craft incredible cocktails for any occasion. The bamboo stand, designed with an emphasis on accessibility and organization, eliminates clutter.

Constructed from heavy-duty stainless steel alloy, the kit offers lasting durability. This professional-grade set, including a high-grade martini shaker, is completely dishwasher compatible, guaranteeing ease of maintenance.

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Mixology Bartender Kit: 10-Piece Bar Tool Set with Bamboo Stand

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Constructed from durable 18/8 stainless steel, this conically shaped shaker tin is designed for a snug fit with the Koriko Small Weighted Shaking Tin, allowing for easy separation after shaking. Its weighted design provides a substantial feel in hand, enhancing control during use.

With a 28 oz capacity, it comfortably mixes up to two drinks when paired with the Koriko Small Weighted Shaking Tin. This shaker tin is also dishwasher safe, ensuring effortless cleanup after your cocktail creation process.

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Cocktail Kingdom Koriko® Weighted Shaking Tins

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The A Bar Above Boston Cocktail Shaker Set is a 2-piece, stainless steel bartending kit favored by professional bartenders and home enthusiasts alike. It consists of a smaller 18 oz and a larger 28 oz weighted shaker tins, designed to provide balance and a comfortable grip during use.

This set is noted for its durability and ease of use. Made of professional food-grade Stainless Steel 304, it is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Unlike glass shakers, this set will not break easily and it does not rely on a rubber seal that could crack and warp over time.

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A Bar Above Boston Cocktail Shaker Set

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The Godinger Cocktail Shaker is a perfect blend of elegance and functionality, a perfect addition to your bar collection. Made in Italy, this 19-ounce cocktail shaker is crafted from lead-free crystal glass, ensuring its durability and safety.

This shaker allows your guests to witness the cocktail mixing process, adding an element of excitement to their experience.Its tight screw-on cover with a built-in strainer guarantees a spill-free mixing experience.

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Godinger Italian Made Glass Bar Shaker

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The Rusty Barrel Cocktail Making Set includes a large 750ml Manhattan-style shaker, a wooden muddler, a 25ml & 50ml double jigger, a silver metal pourer, a twisted mixing spoon, a Hawthorne strainer, and a recipe booklet featuring 12 classic cocktail recipes.

Handmade and meticulously crafted, this set boasts a robust, stainless steel construction with a sleek, mirrored finish that's not only aesthetically pleasing but also built to last. It is designed to be leak-proof and rust-resistant, promising many years of successful cocktail making.

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Rusty Barrel Cocktail Making Set

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The Rabbit Glass Cocktail Shaker is an 18-ounce shaker featuring a glass body with clearly etched measurements in both milliliters and ounces, ensuring perfectly measured cocktails each time.

Its leak-proof design allows you to shake cocktails with complete confidence, while the multi-use stainless steel topper includes a slotted strainer and a 1.5 oz jigger cap. The slotted strainer is designed with an angled spout for more accurate pouring, reducing spillage.

Product Features:

Rabbit 18 oz Glass Cocktail Shaker with Printed Measurements

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Once you’re equipped with your ideal cocktail shaker or shaker set, let's explore how to maximize their use.

Firstly, mastering the art of shaking cocktails is essential. For cocktails like whiskey sour, which include egg whites, use a technique called "wet shake" for a smooth, frothy texture. For drinks containing only spirits, a "dry shake" suffices.

Secondly, understanding the seal is critical. The natural seal created when the two tins are smacked together is typically leak-free for a two-piece cocktail shaker like a Boston shaker. But for Cobbler shakers, ensuring a tight, firm seal before shaking is paramount.

Lastly, cleaning and maintenance. Although many shakers are dishwasher safe, hand washing is usually recommended, especially for high-end versions. This helps to maintain the shaker's sheen and extend its lifespan.

A good cocktail shaker is an investment. It impacts the quality of your drinks, the efficiency of your service, and the overall customer experience. Moreover, it displays professionalism and commitment to quality, distinguishing you from the competition.

The cobbler shaker, often considered the average cobbler shaker, consists of a tumbler, a lid with a built-in strainer, and a cap. It's user-friendly but sometimes challenging to open after shaking. A Boston shaker consists of two tins (or one tin and a glass), is preferred by professional mixologists due to its versatility, and requires a separate strainer.

Cleaning your shaker set properly prolongs its life and prevents residue from affecting your cocktails. Rinse immediately after use, hand wash with warm soapy water, and dry thoroughly. For stainless steel shakers, using a soft cloth can help maintain shine.

Absolutely! Cocktail shakers are perfect for mixing any ingredients, not just alcoholic ones. They can be used for iced coffees, mocktails, infused water, and more.

Practice makes perfect. Start with simple cocktails, watch professional bartenders, attend mixology workshops, or even join online classes from platforms like Cocktail Kingdom. The more you use your shaker, the more comfortable and skilled you’ll become.

Choosing the right shakers and shaker sets is a significant step, but integrating them seamlessly into your business is another ball game. Make sure all staff are well-trained and ensure your tools are always clean, accessible, and proudly displayed for your customers to see.

A bartender with a quality cocktail shaker set isn't just serving drinks; they’re creating an experience. Each shake, stir, and pour is a performance that captivates the audience and produces perfectly mixed and delicious drinks.

Remember, your cocktail shaker tins and other mixers are the tools of your trade. So, whether it's a classic Boston shaker, a Koriko weighted shaking tin set, or a sleek Cobbler shaker, we’ve got the insights to help you make the right choice. Armed with the best mixers and shakers, you’ll keep your customers returning again and again with your well-mixed, delicious cocktails.

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