When we consider essential bar equipment, there are three main types of cocktail shakers: Boston, Cobbler, and French, and knowing the different types of cocktail shakers helps you select the right tools for your service style and skill level.
Check out a our diverse range of cocktail accessories here.
Summary
- Boston Shaker: It has a big metal tin, a smaller mixing glass, and a separate strainer. Pros love it for its versatility.
- Cobbler Shaker: This three-piece set has a built-in sieve and cap that doubles as a measuring cup, making it perfect for beginners.
- French Shaker: This two-piece metal shaker requires an external strainer and is known for its cocktail presentation.
- Choosing the Right Shaker: Guidance for beginners, home bartenders, and professionals.
- How to Use a Cocktail Shaker Properly: Step-by-step instructions on assembling, shaking, and straining drinks with each shaker type.
- Maintenance and Care Tips: Guidance on cleaning, drying, storing, and handling stainless steel shakers.
What is a Cocktail Shaker?
Knowing what a cocktail shaker is and how it works is important. These devices are for blending, chilling, and diluting drinks. They come in three cocktail shakers: Boston, Cobbler, and French. Each type has its parts, uses, and how you prepare your favourite cocktails.
Types of Cocktail Shakers
A cocktail shaker is an essential tool in mixology. It’s for blending ingredients to make smooth drinks. There are three types of cocktail shakers: Each has its advantages depending on your bartending skills and preferences.
- The Boston Shaker is a favourite among professional bartenders; it’s a big metal tin and a smaller glass or metal mixing glass. It’s fast and can make multiple drinks at once. But it needs a separate sieve and some practice to master it.
- The Cobbler Shaker with its three-piece design and built-in sieve and cap, is very user-friendly and suitable for beginners. All-in-one convenience makes it a favourite among casual mixologists. But if the lid freezes during shaking, it can be tricky to open.
- The French Shaker also known as a Parisian shaker, is a two-piece shaker made of stainless steel that combines the sleek shape of a Cobbler with the simplicity of a Boston shaker for smooth, efficient mixing. Though it can be harder to separate after shaking
“In 2023, the UK market for cocktail shaker sets was valued at approximately £150 million and is projected to reach $220 million by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4%.”
Data Intelo, 2025
(modelled from industry trends and surveys)
Boston Shaker
Favourite among professional bartenders, the Boston shaker is fast and versatile, perfect for high-volume cocktail mixing.
- Two-piece design featuring a large metal tin paired with a smaller glass or metal mixing tin.
- Requires a separate strainer, typically a Hawthorne or fine mesh, as it has no built-in filter.
- Creates a tight, reliable seal between the tins to prevent spills during vigorous shaking.
- Mixing glass doubles as a stirring vessel, adding extra versatility for spirit-forward cocktails.
Cobbler Shaker
While the Boston shaker is a staple in many professional bars, the Cobbler shaker (also known as the Manhattan shaker), with its three-piece design, is a more user-friendly option for home use.
- Beginner-friendly design makes it ideal for home bartenders and casual cocktail makers.
- Three-piece construction includes a metal tin, built-in strainer, and cap for easy, all-in-one mixing.
- Cap doubles as a measuring tool, allowing quick and convenient portioning of spirits and mixers.
- Easy to use and seal, making it reliable for those still learning proper shaking technique.
French (Parisian) Shaker
The French (Parisian) shaker is a compromise between the utilitarian Boston shaker and the user-friendly Cobbler shaker, however It’s sleek and beautiful design sets it apart from other shaker styles. It’s better suited to experienced bartenders, as using it smoothly requires a bit of practice and finesse.
- Two-piece all-metal design consisting of a metal tin and metal lid, offering both style and function.
- Provides a reliable, tight seal, ensuring efficient shaking with no spills or mess.
- Requires a separate strainer, as it does not include a built-in sieve.
- Sleek, elegant appearance makes it a visually impressive addition to any bar setup.
Using a Cocktail Shaker
To make your favourite cocktails, you must master the cocktail shaker. This is the essential tool for mixing ingredients to create smooth drinks. Depending on your experience and needs, different shakers can help with this process.
1. Add your cocktail ingredients and ice to the shaker until it’s about 2/3 full.
2. Seal the shaker based on its type:
Boston: Place the smaller tin or glass at an angle on the larger tin and tap it to seal.
Cobbler: Secure the built-in lid and cap.
French: Cap the metal lid onto the base.
3. Hold the shaker with both hands and shake firmly over your shoulder for 10–15 seconds, depending on the desired texture and temperature, until it’s very cold.
4. Strain the cocktail into a glass:
Cobbler: Use the built-in strainer.
Boston/French: Use a separate sieve or strainer. Use a Hawthorne strainer for Boston shakers.
5. Pour into the chilled glass and add any final garnishes.
Choosing the Right Cocktail Shaker
When choosing a shaker, it’s important to match it to your skill level and the type of drinks you’re making. If you’re just starting a Cobbler shaker, simplicity might be what you need; professionals might prefer the Boston shaker. Consider the material and capacity, and ensure it can keep up with your cocktail adventures.
For Beginners:
If you’re a beginner, a Cobbler Shaker is a great choice because it’s user-friendly and makes cocktail-making easy.
Here are the benefits for beginners:
- Built-in strainer: Buying a separate strainer is unnecessary; it includes one, making setup easy.
- User-friendly design: It’s simple, so there is no need to juggle multiple pieces or use complicated techniques.
- Measuring cap: The cap doubles as a measure, so you always get the right proportions for your cocktails.
- All in one: Everything you need in one compact package, easy to store and perfect for small spaces or mobile bars.
For Professionals:
If you’re an experienced bartender, the Boston and French shakers offer the speed, precision, and style needed for high-level cocktail service.
Here are the benefits for professionals:
- High capacity (Boston Shaker): Ideal for mixing multiple cocktails at once, perfect for high-volume service.
- Strong, reliable seal (Boston Shaker): Withstands vigorous shaking without spills, ensuring consistent results.
- Sleek, all-metal design (French Shaker): Offers a stylish, well-balanced feel preferred by many professionals.
- Smooth, controlled shaking (French Shaker): Provides a solid seal and efficient mixing, ideal for refined bartending.
Of all shaker styles, the Boston remains the most widely used in professional settings, with the French shaker serving as a stylish alternative for skilled bartenders.
Comparison of Shaker Types
When choosing the right cocktail shaker, it helps to understand how each type differs. The table below provides a clear comparison of the three main shaker styles to help you select the best fit:
| Features | Boston Shaker | Cobbler Shaker | French Shaker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pieces | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Strainer | Separate | Built-in | Separate |
| Capacity | Large | Small-Medium | Medium |
| Ease of Use | Moderate | Easy | Moderate |
| Durability | High | Medium | High |
| Popularity | Professional | Home | Upscale bars |
Considerations When Choosing a Shaker
Cocktail Types
Understanding the different shaker types is vital, as is thinking about the types of cocktails you’ll be making, as the choice of shaker can make a difference in your experience and the drink.
Here is a breakdown of the best options suited to each type:
| Category | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Shaken Cocktails | Any shaker works well (Boston, Cobbler, French). Ideal for citrus-based drinks. |
| Stirred Cocktails | Use a mixing glass for drinks like Martinis or Negronis to avoid over-dilution. |
| Home Bartenders | The Cobbler shaker is the best choice due to its built-in strainer and beginner-friendly design. |
| Professional Bartenders | The Boston shaker is preferred for speed, larger capacity, and efficiency in high-volume service. |
Material and Durability
When choosing the material for your shaker, consider stainless steel for durability and ease of cleaning. Stainless steel shakers are wear and tear resistant, perfect for your home bar and high-volume professional environments.
They’re also easy to clean. Unlike glass shakers, which can chip or break, stainless steel shakers are long-lasting and consistent. You’ll appreciate that stainless steel maintains temperature well, which is important when perfectly shaking icy cocktails. Plus, stainless steel often has smooth interiors that make cleaning even easier.
Size and Capacity
Choosing the right size and capacity for your shaker is important especially if you entertain and serve multiple people. A 28-ounce shaker is versatile. You can make multiple drinks at once, which is perfect for entertaining. The size and capacity affect how you manage your cocktail-making sessions.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing your shaker:
- Consider Your Guest List: For large groups, choose a Boston shaker, as its large capacity allows you to mix multiple drinks at once without constant refilling.
- Solo or Small Gatherings: For making one or two cocktails at a time, a Cobbler shaker is ideal thanks to its smaller size and built-in strainer.
- Versatility is Key: If you want flexibility, go for a Boston shaker (two tins for speed and volume) or a Cobbler shaker (three-piece design with integrated strainer).
- Form and Function: If you want a balance of aesthetics and performance, the French (Parisian) shaker offers a sleek design with a reliable seal—perfect for efficient, stylish service.
Additional Features
When choosing the perfect shaker for your bar, you must focus on the extra features that will enhance your mixing experience. When choosing your shaker, you’ll want to make sure it matches your style and makes you a more efficient cocktail maker.
Here are some things to look for:
- Tight Seal: The shaker must seal tight to prevent spills or leaks while you’re shaking.
- Own Strainer: If you choose a Boston shaker, remember it comes with no strainer.
- Essential Tools: Some shaker sets include tools like a jigger, strainer and stirrer.
- Size Options: A larger capacity is good if you mix in big batches, or a smaller glass is fine for more intimate gatherings.
Cocktail Shaker Maintenance and Care
When choosing a shaker, consider ease of use and how easy it is to clean. Proper care of your shaker will make perfect drinks for years.
- Clean it regularly; wash your shaker immediately after use to prevent residue from setting.
- Use warm soapy water and a soft sponge, focus on the bottom and around the rim where the gunk accumulates (a cleaning agent may be needed).
- Dry your shaker thoroughly to prevent water spots and rust formation—air dry or soft cloth works.
- Store it in a dry, cool place to prevent corrosion.
- Check it often for any signs of wear or loose parts, especially if it’s stainless steel, which is durable but requires some maintenance.
- If rust shows up, treat it with a baking soda paste, then rinse and dry well.
- If your shaker has wood or rubberized grips, make sure they are completely dry to prevent warping or degradation.
Tips for Mastering the Art of Cocktail Mixing
Now that your shaker is in good shape, you’ll want to hone your mixology skills to make the perfect drink.
Here are the basics:
- Use fresh ingredients: Always use fresh citrus juices and herbs. ‘Fresh is best’ isn’t just a saying; it’s a rule for great cocktails.
- Master the ice: Ice is more than a filler; it’s a diluter and temperature controller. Large, clean cubes are best for shaking and serving.
- Know your tools: Get to know the tools of the trade. A good shaker, a precise jigger and a reliable strainer make a big difference.
- Practice classic cocktails: Start with the classics like the Martini or Manhattan. This will give you a foundation to build on for future experimentation.
When mixing, remember shaking isn’t just for show. Shaking is necessary to blend ingredients like fruit juices and eggs thoroughly. The right shake can aerate and chill your drink to perfection. Keep practising, hone your skills and remember to balance the flavours.
FAQS
Stainless steel shakers are excellent at transferring heat, meaning they rapidly take on the cold from ice and speed up chilling and dilution. Double-walled or insulated shakers can stay comfortable to hold while still cooling the drink efficiently, but they may slightly slow down the rate at which external frost forms on the tin.
Cobbler shakers are prone to “freezing shut” because the metal contracts around the lid when rapidly chilled, especially if overfilled with ice. Leaving a small air gap, avoiding overpacking ice, and briefly running warm water over the joint where the lid meets the tin can make separation easier and protect the shaker from damage.
With regular use, shakers should be checked frequently for dents that affect sealing, warped rims, or damaged finishes, as these can cause leaks or harbour bacteria. High-volume bars often rotate or replace their most-used tins every few years to maintain reliable seals and professional appearance, even if the metal has not completely failed.
Why Ascot Wholesale?
Ascot Wholesale supplies high-quality Boston, Cobbler, and French cocktail shakers designed to suit both home bartenders and high-volume professional bars. With more than 25 years of industry experience, we understand the practical demands of busy bars, restaurants, hotels, and venues and help you choose the right products the first time.
We combine expert product guidance with competitive trade pricing on leading brands. Ascot Wholesale makes it easier to equip or upgrade your bar efficiently and cost-effectively. We offer great benefits such as trade accounts, flexible payment and leasing options and fast delivery, as well as our strong focus on service, helping us to build trusted partnerships.
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