A cocktail shaker is an essential tool for home bartenders, allowing them to make cold drinks in relatively short order. The shaker’s main function is to quickly chill a drink by forcing ingredients through a large surface area of ice, while also mixing them together. But it’s also a great way to get lukewarm ingredients—such as booze or citrus juice—really cold very fast.
The majority of shakers are made from stainless steel, which is durable, lightweight, and easy to clean. While there are glass and plastic options available, many professional bartenders prefer the stainless steel models because they are often dishwasher-safe and have a better track record of maintaining a leak-proof seal than traditional glass shakers (which can be more prone to leaking).
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In addition to a standard strainer, most models include a bayonet lid that snaps in place and doubles as a jigger, and most feature a built-in reamer attachment for easily juicing lemons, limes, or oranges. Some are available with either a weighted or unweighted version, which can be important to know if you’re a flair bartender who shakes cocktails extra hard or if you just want a set that doesn’t feel too heavy in your hand.
Lastly, many cocktail shakers have indentations on the side for measuring out 3/4, 1, and 1.5-ounce servings—a convenient option for beginners who may not yet be familiar with the specific measurements of their favorite drinks. In terms of capacity, most shakers hold between 12 and 28 ounces, but consider the number of drinks you’ll be making at one time when choosing your size.
