Have you found yourself in situations when you wanted to take your favorite cocktail but couldn't for some reasons, among them the unavailability of a good shaker? Did you come back home from errands and couldn’t have a cup of your favorite cocktail because never had a shaker with which to prepare? Then, you need a good cocktail shaker set!
For this reason, find this review to save your time of making uninformed decisions when buying shakers. Well, we'll be looking at detailed reviews of best-selling cocktail shakers and an exhaustive purchasing guide. Cocktails are an excellent drink to quench thirst, especially on sunny summer days. Cocktail shakers are convenient tools used to prepare cocktails using simple constituents, something that can be done both in home kitchens and in bars by bartenders.
Best Cocktail Shaker - Complete Buyer’s Guide
Several factors go into purchasing a good cocktail shaker that will serve you for an extended duration. With numerous brands on the market, it can be somewhat confusing for a buyer, and this might bring about the wrong selection. Some of the factors to consider when looking for a shaker include:
- Durability;
- Usability factor;
- Ease of cleaning and maintenance;
- Insulation;
- Price range.
The durability of a shaker is determined by the material used in the build. Metallic shakers have a longer service span compared to plastic and glass shakers. Most shakers come in multiple parts, and the ease to detach and return them together determines the ease of usage. Also, this is closely linked to ease of cleaning as cocktail shakers that are easy to work with are often effortless to clean.
Insulation is an essential factor if you want to maintain the coldness of your cocktail even during hot temperatures. Based on your budget, the price range is another factor to consider, and you can go for affordable yet good quality shakers if you’re on a budget.
Types of Cocktail Shakers
Based on design variations, there are three major types of shakers. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages over the other, and their suitability depends on an individual's preference. Let’s go through the distinctive factors of each, highlighting their pros and cons.
Cobbler Cocktail Shakers
Cobbler shakers are some of the common cocktail shakers on the market. They come as a three-piece set and are commended by many as easy to use because they have an integrated strainer. They often have cool designs compared to other types of strainers but are also small in volume and this is their major downside.
Boston Cocktail Shakers
Boston shakers are considered slightly complex to use owing to the technicalities involved. They feature two main parts, a lower and upper container which serves as a lid. They have a large capacity, and this means more room for cooling ice.
Compared to cobbler shakers, Boston shakers are largely used by bartenders in commercial settings as they produce good uniformity in cocktails. The downsides to these strainers are the need for a separate strainer and the complexity of use which might pose a challenge to inexperienced users.
French Cocktail Shakers
French shakers are somehow hybrids of Cobbler and Boston cocktail shakers, as they have the Cobbler strainer shape but do not have inbuilt strainers. They are mostly made entirely of steel, and this facilitates faster cooling of cocktails. They are not complex to operate and are somewhat easy to clean. Their metallic build enhances their durability. French shakers share a similar downside to Boston strainers, which is the need for a separate strainer.
Nonweighted or Weighted Cocktail Shakers
Nonweighted and weighted shakers are variants of Boston shakers, and the differences majorly affect the efficiency of the lid and shaker’s usability. Shakers with nonweighted cups offer tight seals which enables one to properly shake without fear of cocktail spills.
However, they might be challenging to open especially for first-time users. On the other hand, shakers with weighted caps offer a relatively tight seal which is easy to open once the cocktail is ready for serving.
The Coating
The coating of a cocktail shaker is an essential factor to look out for, especially when you consider to be washing it using a dishwasher. Avoid colored shakers in case you will be using a dishwasher. The coating is also essential in providing some degree of insulation. Plain steel shakers are cold to hold compared to shakers that have paint or rubber coatings.
Leading 10 Cocktail Shakers to Choose a Perfect One
Now that we’ve covered some of the primary factors to consider when looking for cocktail shakers, let’s have a look at our selection of top ten shakers and their respective attributes.
So, What to Do Next? Take Some Time, Analyze and Buy the Best Shaker!
There are possibly hundreds of shaker brands on the market, and getting a good tool with exceptional performance might be a daunting task. However, knowing the essential attributes to look out for will enable you to pick the right shaker that matches your needs. Depending on your level of experience, factor in the ease of use as this varies with the type of shaker.
Insulated cocktail shakers are better if you are in a hot region, as this will help your cocktail to remain cold despite the extreme weather conditions. Noteworthy, metallic strainers offer a longer service duration owing to the sturdiness of the tins and other components.
With these factors in mind, you can look for a shaker that meets your quality metrics and is within your budget. Have you used an automatic cocktail shaker before, and if so, how was your experience? What are your best cocktail flavors that you’ve prepared before? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.