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What Is a Cocktail Shaker?: Mixology 101

Bar tools demystified.

What is a cocktail shaker hand pouring a cocktail from a silver cocktail shaker into a clear glass cocktail glass


Looking to whip up a good cocktail? Most cocktail recipes require a cocktail shaker, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a bar that doesn’t have one of these iconic bar tools. So just what is a cocktail shaker and why do you need one for your home bar?


What Is a Cocktail Shaker?

A black glass cocktail shaker next to a clear cocktail glass with a cocktail garnished with a lemon slice


A cocktail shaker is a container with a lid that is used to combine cocktail ingredients by shaking them together – oftentimes shaker lids include built-in strainers. Cocktail shakers are one of the core bar tools you will find in any establishment or home bar, as they are used to create countless classic cocktails.


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Cocktail Shaker Materials

Cocktail shakers are often made of metal, glass, or plastic. Choose a cocktail shaker based on your needs and characteristics, such as durability and aesthetic appeal.


  • Metal & Stainless Steel: Cocktail shakers made out of metal are the most durable option. Stainless steel specifically is ideal because it won’t rust or tarnish as easily. Metal cocktail shakers offer plenty of aesthetically pleasing options with copper, gold, or silver hues to match your existing bar tools or bar cart.


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  • Glass: Glass cocktail shakers allow you to see your concoction as it is being shaken, plus they make for a classy display on your home bar when not in use. While beautiful, glass cocktail shakers are less durable than their metal counterparts and are more prone to chipping or shattering if accidentally dropped.


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Tip!

Make sure your bar cart is stocked with our guide on Types of Glassware Your Home Bar Needs.



How to Use a Cocktail Shaker

Using a cocktail shaker is pretty straightforward – the real challenge lies in recreating the cocktail recipe that you are following. Other bar tools like jiggers, stirrers, or strainers may be needed to get the job done, depending on your recipe. Here are three basic steps for using a cocktail shaker.


1. Fill Your Shaker: Open up your shaker and fill the cup-like base with ice about two-thirds of the way. Add any syrups, spirits, and any other liquids your cocktail recipe calls for.
2. Secure & Shake: Replace and tighten your shaker’s lid. If your shaker lid includes a strainer, make sure the cap is placed over the top of the strainer and secured tightly. Once everything is secure, shake your cocktail as vigorously or as gently as your recipe dictates.
3. Open, Strain, & Serve: If your shaker includes a strainer, remove the top lid only and pour your cocktail through the strainer into your cocktail glass. If your shaker does not include a strainer, remove the lid, place a cocktail strainer over the glass, and pour your cocktail through it.


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Tip!

Thinking of updating your home bar or bar cart? Get all the information you need with our helpful guides:
16 Small Home Bar Ideas
How to Outfit a Glamorous Bar Cart
What Is a Wet Bar & How to Design Your Own At Home
The Best Bar Carts for Your Drinks



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