15 Best Cocktail Shakers 2023 & Compared and Winner Chosen
We all know just how difficult it is to improvise homemade cocktails without a cocktail shaker. And so if you own a home bar and love cocktails, this is one of those tools you can’t afford to do without.
No matter your favorite cocktail flavor be it:
- Manhattan
- Martini
- Or even Margarita
The journey has to involve the use of the best cocktail shaker available. And in the next few lines, we’d like to talk about some of the options available at your disposal.
What On Earth Is A Cocktail Shaker?
If this is your first time coming across this name or maybe you’ve been hearing about these shakers but have never taken time to understand them, we’ve got the details for you. A cocktail shaker is, simply put, a tool that’s used to blend cocktails.
Generally, shaking is the most efficient way to mix drinks. It’s also quite economical.
And for that reason, this tool is designed in the form of a sealed cylinder. You simply need to add your ingredients into it, seal it and then shake it.
What you need to know is that these appliances come in different shapes and sizes. A little later, we’ll talk about the different types of cocktail shakers to help you learn more about that. But for now, let us review some of the leading models that we came across during our research.
Best Rated Cocktail Shakers – Comparison List
To start this journey, we’d like to provide you with a brief list of the top 15 choices we encountered during our research. The list is hived off the main reviews which are available at the body section of this article.
1. Cresimo 24 Ounce Bar Set Cocktail shaker
Are you looking for a great cocktail shaker? Then this shaker from Cresimo is ergonomically designed with a built-in strainer together with a seal and is long-lasting.
There’s more, this 24 Oz shaker doesn’t leak nor rust. This beautiful shaker is made from high-quality stainless steel of grade 18/8.
Although this martini cocktail shaker has a large carrying capacity of 24 ounces, it is very light with a weight of only 9 ounces. This shaker measures 3.3 by 3.3 by 9.2 inches, is easy to use, and good for making any of your favorite cocktail recipes of spirits or liquors.
Lastly, you are provided with a measurement jigger tool of 1.0/0.5 Oz and a cocktail recipe guide.
Pros
- Has a spout cover
- Backed by a 2-year manufacturer warranty
- Multi-purpose usage
- Well balanced for good hand gripping
- solid construction
Cons
- No sprout cover
2. SHIKSHOOK 2 Liquor Pourers Cocktail Shaker set
Though highly-priced, this shikshook shaker doesn’t compromise on quality. This extra-thick 18-8 stainless steel cocktail shaker is equipped with a built-in strainer and a perfect seal to avoid leakages. It is the ultimate mixer for all your cocktail liquids like the Cosmopolitan or Americano.
The shaker measures 7.7 by 3.6 by 3.6 inches and weighs 9.6 ounces. Furthermore, the two accompanying pourers are for increased versatility. The measurement jigger is calibrated from ¼ ounce to 2.0 ounces for more accuracy. You will really love the provided cocktail E-book that has 150 of the best bartender recipes.
Pros
- Comes with 2 pourers
- Made of good quality stainless steel
- Rust free
- A velvet bag protects the shaker from scratches
Cons
- Very expensive
- No dust caps for the pourers
3. SILVERgrade Bar Tools Set Cocktail Muddler
What more do you need from cocktail shaker than this SILVERgrade Muddler made from top quality 304 stainless steel? At your disposal are the best tools to bring the bar to your home! Apart from the cocktail muddler, this set comes with a cocktail strainer, 10 drink stirrers, and the mixing spoon.
Excluding the stirrers, all the other mentioned metallic accessories are rust free and dishwasher friendly. As an added bonus, an eBook with tips of more than 50 recipes, and other bar jokes are included.
This cocktail mixer weighs 10.6 ounces, is equipped with two pourers, and has measurements of 4.3 by 4.3 by 11 inches
Pros
- Quite affordable
- Made of durable stainless steel
- Does not leak
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
- Two-sided measuring jigger
Cons
- The lid doesn’t come off making cleaning difficult.
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4. Mixologist World Bar Set Cocktail Shaker
Mix your devoured drinks using this 24 Oz mixology expert shaker to achieve the great taste and out of the ordinary sensations. This bar set is made with premium 18/8 rust-free stainless steel.
The kit includes; an ice tong, double-sided measuring jigger, mixing bar spoon and a muddler.
This cocktail shaker is simple to use and good for either the beginner bartenders or even the professional ones. Enjoy a wide variety of spirits or liquor with this martini shaker that measures 3.5 by 3.5 by 9.4 inches and weighs 14.1 ounces.
Wash it safely on the top shelf of the dishwasher.
Pros
- Comes with a five-year warranty
- Beautiful mirror finish
- Resistant to corrosion
- Comes with a recipe guide
Cons
- The measuring jigger is very small
- Quite expensive
5. Nuvantee Premium Bar Set Cocktail Shaker
If you want to try out different cocktails with your family members and friends, then this Nuvantee cocktail shaker is here for you. The shaker is made from rust-resistant high-quality stainless steel and doesn’t wear out over continuous usage.
This item weighs 15.8 ounces and measures 7.6 by 3.6 by 3.6 inches.
Make your own top-notch drinks by mixing a variety of scotch, brandy, whiskey and so on. This 24-ounce shaker comes with a strainer that is inbuilt and a 1½ Oz jigger to aid in the measuring of the liquids.
A shaker cap keeps dirt at bay. A digital eBook will guide you on how to create sweet and tantalizing cocktail recipes.
Pros
- versatile
- Dishwasher friendly
- Constructed with Durable stainless steel
- Great value for money
Cons
- Be cautious while removing the lid as it comes off easily to avoid any spills
6. Appolab 18 Oz Bar Set Cocktail Shaker
Are you a mad party lover? Then this Appolab cocktail shaker is here to help you mix your martinis, mojitos and many more easily for an excellent tasteful adventure.
The included muddler is good for crushing fruits, garlic or ice chips. The two liquor spouts are for increased accuracy and ensure there’s no spillage.
This professional 18 Oz shaker is made from high quality 18/8 304 stainless steel that is anti-dents and doesn’t scratch. On top of that, it comes with a strainer, a masher, a stirrer, and the cup for more convenient use. The cocktail shaker measures 3.1 by 3.1 by 8.3 inches and measures 1.25 pounds.
Pros
- Mirror finished
- Easy to use and clean
- Good looking
- Has a double-sided jigger for accurate measurements
Cons
- No drink recipe guide book
- Quite expensive
7. Barware Styles 3-Piece Classic Cocktail Shaker
This Barware cocktail shaker is built to be used by both the homeowners and the professional bartenders. It is made of premium quality polished stainless steel of grade 18/8 that doesn’t leak and is rust-free.
This great cocktail masterpiece has been tested to be lead and BPA free hence no need to worry of harmful chemicals.
By having this 3 piece 24oz shaker you are assured of making great cocktails. In addition, the shaker has got measurements of 9.2 by 3.5 by 3.5 inches and weighs 12 ounces. Lastly, this cocktail shaker is designed with an inbuilt strainer, a lid, and a measuring jigger.
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Pros
- Great value for a lower price
- Can be cleaned in the dishwasher
- FDA approved
- Lightweight so that it doesn’t feel heavy on your hand
Cons
- Not properly insulated thus a towel may be required when mixing cold drinks
8. Bartisstria Boston Kit Mixology Bartender Cocktail Shaker
The secret to your sensational cocktails lies here. Having this Bartisstria cocktail mixology expert for home or professional use assures you of mouthwatering cocktails. This is because everything you may require as the strainer, metallic cocktail toothpicks for decoration, bottle opener, and bar spoon are all included in the set.
The kit also has two 28oz and 18oz bottle shakers and a double jigger that is capable of measuring from ½ Oz to 2oz. The package weighs 1.95 pounds and measures 11.9 by 4 by 4 inches.
These items are made of 304 durable, rust-free and non-crack stainless steel. As extra gifts, a 100 cocktail recipe eBook and a recipe booklet are added.
Pros
- Double jigger provides precise measurements
- A lifetime warranty is guaranteed
- Serves various purposes
- Crush your fruits and herbs with the muddler bar
Cons
- Very expensive
9. Winware Boston Gift Set Cocktail Shaker
Are you looking to bring the bartending skills into your parties and home? The answer is this 6-piece Winware cocktail shaker that doesn’t compromise on quality. This shaker makes the perfect gift you can give to your loved ones on very special occasions. The kit includes; strainers, a glass bottle, and a bar spoon.
Using this shaker may be quite tricky, but as long as you get accustomed to how it’s done, it will be simpler than the others. Basically, pour the liquid ingredients into the shaker and cover with the glass bottle and start your mixing. This product weighs 1.9 pounds and measures 11.4 by 10.9 by 3.4 inches.
Pros
- Sturdy wooden muddler
- Well-built masher
- Durable steel constructed
Cons
- The jiggers aren’t calibrated thus making smaller accurate measurements quite difficult
10. Top Shelf Bar Supply Two-Piece Boston Shaker Set
Top Shelf products are known for their quality and awesome performance, the reason they are devoured by most major hotels or bars in the US. This 2-piece 304 stainless steel shaker set won’t break, unlike the glass ones.
The bottom tin can be used to stir drinks such as Manhattan or the Martini and the shaker for the Mojitos or other shaken drinks.
The set is composed of a weighted 28oz and unweighted 18oz cups that easily fit into each other for convenient storage. This shaker opens easily and there are no spills. This set weighs 1 pound and measures 3.7 by 3.7 by 6.9 inches.
Pros
- Mirror finished and doesn’t rust
- Cleaning is easy
- Durable
- Very Versatile
Cons
- No measuring jigger is provided
11. Franmara 24oz 8407-Bx Cocktail Shaker
This simple mirror-finished shaker with a smooth chrome design provides a perfect cocktail experience just like the more complex ones. The shaker is made of 18/10 stainless steel that is durable and rust-free. It consists of the main bottle, an ice cube strainer, and the cap.
Furthermore, this cocktail shaker from Franmara has a shipping weight of 6.4 ounces which light enough to be used by any beginner.
Also, the shaker has a liquid carrying capacity of 24oz, a height of 8.12inches and a width of 3.50 inches. Finally, this shaker can be used to mix any liquids from wines to spirits to liquors and many more.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Light in weight
- Simple to use
- The lid holds tight and does not leak
Cons
- Not insulated
12. OXO Good Plastic Grips Cocktail Shaker
For those who are not lovers of metallic shakers, this plastic one comes in handy. Heavily constructed both on the outside and the inside so that you won’t feel the cold of beverages on your hands.
The jigger cap is labeled with measurements for increased accuracy and is fitted with rubber to avoid it flipping over when you are pouring the liquid into it.
Apart from that, the shaker measures 3.5 by 3.5 by 9 inches and weighs 9.6 ounces. This 16oz total capacity shaker provides a non-slip soft grip for convenient shaking. Finally, an inbuilt strainer will aid in your mixing process.
Pros
- BPA free
- The lid doubles as a jigger
- Easy to clean
- Well insulated
Cons
- Can’t withstand the high temperatures of the dishwasher as it is plastic
13. Attican Barmix Martini 24 Ounces cocktail shaker
What more do you need in a shaker than quality and elegance? This Attican Barmix martini shaker is made of pure 100% stainless steel that is rust-free and doesn’t crack. The shaker is durable, does not weaken at the top and can last for many years.
The shaker weighs 10.4 ounces and measures 3.7 by 3.6 by 7.6 inches. The set includes a double-sided jigger, a strainer, the cap and the shaker itself. The curves on the shaker help in easy gripping. This cocktail mixer has a beautiful physique.
Pros
- Does not leak
- An eBook with popular recipes is included
- Dishwasher friendly
- Easy to clean
Cons
- The jigger is not labeled hence making accurate measurements is difficult
14. LUCKYGOOBO 25oz Martini Cocktail Shaker
With this shaker, you are assured of great masterpieces of various drinks to enjoy at home or even at the parties. The shaker is made from 18/8 high-quality stainless steel that doesn’t crack nor rust and can be used for many years. It comes as a complete set with a lid, a built-in strainer and the shaker.
You can wash the shaker safely over the sink or the dishwasher and dry it thoroughly. This shaker has a lightweight of 8.8 ounces and measures 9.4 by 3.2 by 3.2 inches. No more messy places as this cocktail shaker do not leak.
Pros
- Quite affordable
- Durable
- Dishwasher safe
- Mirror finished for an eloquent look
Cons
- In some cases the lid may be difficult to get off after use
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15. Blusmart 24oz Stainless steel Cocktail Shaker
Blusmart products do not disappoint as they have been tried and proved to offer excellent performance. This cocktail shaker is uniquely designed with a double cup bottom for increased stability.
That cup can be detached for easy cleaning. The lid is quite large and is equipped with a rubber ring to seal well and avoid splashes.
A rotational guide with 8 different recipe preparation formulas is provided. The double-sided jigger is ½oz and 1oz respectively. This cocktail shaker measures 9.1 by 3.8 by 3.6 inches and weighs 1.15 pounds. In conclusion, this shaker is made from high-quality rust-resistant stainless steel.
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Pros
- various accessories
- Strong seal
- Has an instructional manual
- Durable
Cons
- Quite expensive
Different Types of Cocktail Shakers
Shakers are generally divided into three different categories i.e. Boston, Cobbler, and French. Each one of them has a unique role to play when it comes to mixing drinks. Let’s take a closer look at that.
Boston Shaker
This is the category in which the popular two-piece shakers fall. One thing that usually stands out is that this tool’s design is quite simple. It is typically made up of two different parts i.e. a larger metal tin along with a smaller mixing container.
But don’t let its simple design fool you. The Boston Shaker requires quite some skills to assemble so it doesn’t end up leaking.
Also, taking the shaker apart can be quite tricky. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to do so with extreme care.
Another thing is that the Boston style shaker doesn’t come with a built-in strainer. And, therefore, after shaking, you’ll still need to use a separate strainer to finish the job.
Cobbler
Unlike the Boston shaker, the Cobbler shaker is a three-piece set. It’s made up of a fitting lid, a metal shaking tin and a tiny cap. The main role of the small cap is to cover the strainer which is attached to the lid.
Unlike its rival from Boston, the Cobbler is a one-stop-shop kind of tool. Once you shake your cocktail you won’t need to use additional tools.
What’s more? You don’t need to be a guru to assemble a cobbler. So, if you’re a beginner, this is probably the type of cocktail shaker you’d find more convenient to use.
French Style
Also known as the Parisian Shaker, this is a tool that just like the Boston shaker comes with two parts. It’s probably one of the oldest shakers created in history and some pundits think that it’s the first shaker ever invented.
Its major downside is that it doesn’t come with a built-in strainer and so you’ll need a separate strainer to get the job done.
That said, it is mainly made up of a metal mixing tin along with a metal lid designed to fit over the top surface of the mixing tin.
If we were to hold a beauty contest for cocktail shakers, the French Shaker would probably win it. It looks really good and classic – no doubt about that.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Shaker
As you can imagine, there are quite a few factors that come into play when using a shaker. And, likewise, those factors come into play when you need to make a choice. Let us take a closer look at some of those.
Type
We have already talked about the three types of cocktail shakers. So, which one is better and why? It all boils down to your individual preferences and level of experience.
The Cobbler is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use shaker. The fact that it has a built-in strainer means that it’s quite hassle-free to have around.
On the flip side, though, you get more parts to clean and the mixing process is also slowed down. So, it might not be the best choice if you’ll be preparing lots of cocktail.
The Boston-style shaker is quite good also and it’s loved by many because it is relatively fast. However, it doesn’t have a strainer and requires a level of skill to use.
Lastly, the French-style shaker is quite good looking but some dislike it because it’s pricy. Plus, it doesn’t have a built-in strainer.
Weighted vs Non-Weighted
The one factor separating these two babies is that one has a re-enforced based while the other one doesn’t. This base has a lot to do with the center of gravity of the.
Weighted shakers tend to shake better than non-weighted ones. Therefore, if you’re aiming for the flair bartending, your best bet is to settle for weight shakers.
What’s The Coating Like?
You need to be picky to find the best shaker for the money. And as far as the coating is concerned, you’ve got three choices to make – (i)Powder Coated, (ii)Vinyl Coated, and (iii)Anodized Tins.
Powder-coated tins are known for their solid color coating which is usually over stainless steel material. They look quite good. However, they also tend to chip over time. Therefore, if you prepare cocktails every so often, we wouldn’t recommend settling for these.
Vinyl coated tins, on the other hand, are known for their rubbery vinyl. The good thing with this kind of coating is that it provides you with a firm grip. That said, it’s quite tricky to perform tin moves with these ones the rubber vinyl splits.
Anodizes tins are also quite popular. You get a metallic colored finish which is both smooth and hard-wearing. It’s a premium finish that also tends to make cocktail shakers quite expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have you ever wanted to prepare some cocktail at home only to end up coiling your tail in fear as you didn’t know what to do? You probably have quite a few questions about this age-old technique. Here are some of our responses to those.
What are some of the benefits of shaking cocktail?
Shaken drinks taste better. In fact, most people agree on the fact that shaken cocktail is lighter, refreshing and citrusy. That’s probably because of its aerated texture which makes it taste better than stirred cocktail.
What does shaking do to a cocktail’s ingredients?
Shaking not only helps in the integration of different ingredients but also helps aerate and emulsify them. There’s a whole load of scientific theory behind this but the bottom line is that shaking helps provide better mixture and rich texture for your drinks.
Between shaken and stirred cocktail, which one gets you drunker?
Well, this is a pretty controversial topic. There are those who swear by shaking and others who claim that stirring is better. Our view is that while shaking helps improve the quality of the blend, it also tends to water down the mixture. So, stirring might be better if you want to get drunk faster.
How long should you shake the cocktail?
Basically, the longer you shake the contents, the more diluted they become. So, you don’t want to shake for too long and neither do you want to do it too fast. So, it’s all about working in moderation and for that we recommend 6 to 7 seconds of shaking.
Can I add some ice inside the cocktail shaker?
That would be perfectly fine. In fact, some bartenders fill their shakers with ice. You can do this before pouring. Ice comes in handy in cooling the liquids as you prepare them.
However, if your shake is extremely small, you might want to use a small portion of ice. This way, you’ll still have enough room for the other ingredients.
Is it okay to put some soda in a cocktail shaker?
No. You don’t need to shake carbonated drinks. The best thing to do is add them on top of the glass immediately after pouring your shaken cocktail mixture.
Which One Is The Best?
If we were to choose just one cocktail shaker, we’d go for the Cresimo 24 Ounce Bar Set Cocktail shaker. It’s a value pack that provides you with all the tools you need to nail all your cocktail preparation tasks.
Final Thoughts
As we have seen from the reviews above, you don’t have to break the bank. You can easily get a budget cocktail shaker that still does the job in an impressive way. And that way, you’ll be able to enjoy your drinks even more.
