Most used cocktail shakers

Basically, there are 3 types of cocktail shakers in the world of mixology. And if you want to venture into this business, you better learn what its advantages and disadvantages are, why use one or the other and where the difference lies. Some of the bar equipment can be substituted or overlooked, but the cocktail kit is basic and it is important that you know what it is about. Currently the best-known shakers in the world of bartenders and bartender tools are the so called Boston, the cobbler shaker, and the French shaker, also known as the parasin shaker; although the latter is the least used in general. If you ask me which one is the best, I don’t have a definite answer. All this cocktail set has their points for and against, and it will depend on your tastes and skills to choose the one that you consider faithful and helpful to carry out your drinks.

Shoe rack shaker

This is a 3-piece shaker: a tin mixer, a metal lid with a built-in strainer, and a second, smaller lid to cover the strainer. This is generally the mixer that is recommended for beginners as it is very easy to manipulate and make the pieces fit together. You can easily find it in various stores and it comes in different shapes and sizes. But there is a problem, it gets complicated when you have to separate the pieces after shaking the cocktail with ice. And many times you can get burned by the cold of the shaker. Also, because the strainer is small, the ice blocks the filter and the drink falls more slowly.

Boston Shaker

Compared to the previous one, it is simpler in its design so it does not look as elegant. It is made up of a tempered glass tumbler and a larger metal tumbler. The ingredients are added in the mixing glass, the ice is added and then closed with the metal glass. To seal well, you have to give a light blow and the cooling of the ice creates a vacuum seal that prevents them from separating. To finish, another firm blow is struck and they separate. At first it can be difficult to find the right point at once, but with a little practice it is no longer a problem. Its main advantages are that it is very professional, cheap and easy to clean. As it does not have a built-in strainer, it is necessary to use the accessory separately. In addition, you must be careful with the glass because they can break in any mistake.

French shaker

It is the least known of the three, but no less practical for that. We could say that it is a model halfway between the shoemaker and the Boston, with the appearance of the first but the operation of the second. Contains a metal mixing glass plus a lid for the top. It resembles the Boston in that it does not have a built-in strainer; so it requires the use of one. Its main disadvantage is that they are difficult to find but, if you do, it will surely be very beautiful and elegant on your bar.

What do you think is the best option? As you will see, everyone has their little questions. But now that you know the information about the different cocktail sets that exist, you will surely be able to choose the best shaker to form part of your bar equipment, or home bar equipment to prepare cocktails according to your needs, tastes and preferences.