shakers

Shakers – the best way to have your drink

What are cocktail shakers?

Cocktail shakers are bar accessories used to mix cocktail ingredients. They generally consist of a glass or metal container, a lid, and a strainer.

We have a variety of shakers at Kulina, including shakers from well-known brands like Alessi and Leopold Vienna. Shakers very often come in sets which make great gifts for men.

There are three main types of cocktail shakers:

• Cobbler Shaker: A cobbler shaker is a three-piece shaker that consists of a metal or glass base, a lid with a built-in strainer, and a cap to cover the strainer. Cobbler shakers are easy to use and ideal for making small batches of cocktails. However, they can be harder to clean and may not provide the same level of aeration as other shaker types.

• Boston Shaker: A Boston shaker consists of two pieces – a metal or glass base and a metal mixing tin. The two pieces are placed together and shaken to mix the ingredients. Boston shakers are larger than cobbler shakers and can accommodate more ingredients, making them ideal for making multiple cocktails at once. However, they require a bit more skill to use than cobbler shakers since they don't have built-in strainers.

• French Shaker: A French shaker, also known as a Parisian shaker, is similar to the Boston shaker, but instead of a metal mixing tin, it has a metal or glass base and a metal top with a built-in strainer. French shakers are versatile and easy to use, but like Boston shakers, they require a separate strainer.

Each type of shaker has its own benefits and drawbacks, and the choice of which type to use can depend on personal preference and the type of cocktail being made.

Why do some cocktails need to be stirred and others shaken?

The technique of shaking or stirring a cocktail can have a significant impact on its final taste and texture. In general, cocktails that contain cloudy or viscous ingredients, such as fruit juices, cream, or egg whites, are typically shaken. Shaking these ingredients with the use of a cocktail shaker creates a frothy, well-mixed drink with a lighter texture.

On the other hand, cocktails that contain clear, strong spirits and liqueurs, such as a Martini or Manhattan, are typically stirred. Stirring gently with a bar spoon, blends the ingredients without diluting the drink too much, creating a smooth and balanced cocktail.

Additionally, the choice to shake or stir a cocktail can also depend on the desired temperature and dilution of the drink. Shaking a cocktail typically results in a colder and more diluted drink than stirring, which can result in a stronger, less diluted cocktail.

Ultimately, the decision to shake or stir a cocktail depends on the recipe and the desired taste and texture of the final drink.

There are many cocktails that can be either shaken or stirred, depending on personal preference and the recipe used. However, some classic cocktails are traditionally stirred or shaken, as follows:

Stirred cocktails:

• Martini: gin or vodka, dry vermouth, stirred with ice and strained into a chilled glass with a lemon twist or olive garnish.
• Manhattan: whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters stirred with ice and strained into a chilled glass with a cherry garnish.
• Negroni: gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari stirred with ice and strained into a rocks glass with an orange twist garnish.
• Old Fashioned: bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar, bitters, and water, stirred with ice and served in a rocks glass with an orange peel and cherry garnish.

Shaken cocktails:

• Margarita: tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, shaken with ice and strained into a salt-rimmed glass with a lime wedge garnish.
• Daiquiri: white rum, lime juice, and simple syrup shaken with ice and strained into a chilled glass with a lime wheel garnish.
• Cosmopolitan: vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and triple sec, shaken with ice and strained into a chilled glass with a lime twist garnish.
• Piña colada: white rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, and ice, shaken and strained into a chilled glass with a pineapple wedge garnish.

Keep in mind that the technique of shaking or stirring a cocktail can be a matter of personal preference and can vary based on the recipe and ingredients used.

Apart from a shaker, you may also need other bartender tools so make sure you check our collections of jiggers, bar spoons and other bartender tools.

And if you are a fan of fancy cocktails or if you are looking for an elegant present, you should also browse our collections of cocktail glasses, and long drink glasses for more useful accessories to enjoy your drinks.