Whether you’re hosting a weekend get-together or just enjoying a quiet night in, mastering the art of shaking a cocktail is a game-changer. If you’ve ever wondered how to use a cocktail shaker without making a mess or ending up with a lukewarm drink, you’re in the right place.
Today, we’re breaking down the basics. We’ll cover different types of cocktail shakers, what gear you’ll need to blend a cocktail, and how to shake your way to a bar-quality drink. It’s easier than you think, and way more fun.
Why use a cocktail shaker?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s quickly chat about why you should shake a drink in the first place.
What does shaking actually do?
When you shake a cocktail, you’re doing three key things:
- Chilling – Ice helps lower the temperature of your drink quickly.
- Diluting – The melting ice slightly dilutes your drink, softening flavours and blending spirits evenly.
- Mixing – Shaking combines ingredients. This is especially helpful if you’re using ingredients that don’t mix easily, like juice and liquor.
Should I shake or stir?
Shaking drinks chills and dilutes them. Stirring drinks blends flavours without dilution or bruising. Here’s a simple rule of thumb:
- Shake drinks with citrus, fruit juice, egg whites, dairy, or dairy alternatives
- Stir drinks that are all alcohol (like Manhattans or Martinis) to maintain their clarity and smoothness
Great cocktails to shake
Some classic cocktails are typically shaken or blended instead of stirred. These drinks follow the above rules: They all feature juice or citrus, which blend better with liquor when shaken. Some people may prefer them stirred rather than shaken, but the norm for these fan-favourites is to shake!
- Margaritas
- Daiquiris
- Cosmopolitans
- Whiskey sours
- Mojitos (muddle first; lightly shake after)
Craving something sweet to go with your cocktails? Check out our in-depth Ninja Creami review to see how easy it is to make delicious, customizable ice cream at home. The Creami is also perfect for creating frozen desserts to use in your shaken cocktails—think white Russian floats, mojito floats, spiked orange creamsicles, and more. For an even more complex flavour profile, try adding a small amount of cocktail bitters to your Creami blend.
Types of cocktail shakers
There are two main types of cocktail shakers you’ll see in most cocktail sets. Each has its pros and cons, and choosing the right one depends on your comfort level and personal preference.
Boston shaker
A Boston shaker is a two-piece cocktail shaker made up of a large metal tin and either a smaller metal tin or a mixing glass. It’s the go-to choice for professional bartenders because it offers speed and efficiency, though it requires a separate strainer and a bit of practice to seal properly. Boston shakers are used in conjunction with strainers (such as the Hawthorne strainer, which has an iconic straining coil).
Pros:
- Bigger capacity (great for making multiple drinks)
- Easy to clean
- Preferred by professional bartenders
Cons:
- Requires a separate strainer (like a Hawthorne strainer)
- Takes a bit of practice to seal properly
Cobbler shaker
A Cobbler shaker is a three-piece shaker that includes a metal tin, a built-in strainer, and a cap. It’s ideal for beginners thanks to its all-in-one design, though it can sometimes get stuck when cold and holds slightly less volume. Cobbler shakers are more commonly to see in home stores, home bars, and entertaining sets. They’re very user-friendly and are a great choice for beginner bartenders—you’ll find a wide variety of them available at Best Buy.
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly
- No need for extra tools
- Built-in strainer
Cons:
- Can get stuck when cold
- Smaller capacity
- Sometimes leaks if not sealed tightly
Cobbler shaker
Master cocktail shaking with this basic Maison Concepts cocktail shaker.
Which is best for beginners?
If you’re just starting out, the Cobbler shaker is the most user-friendly. It’s intuitive and doesn’t require extra parts. Once you get more comfortable, you might want to try the Boston shaker for a faster, more professional feel.
What you’ll need to get started
You don’t need a full bar setup to get going. Here’s the basic gear from any good Cocktail Shaker Set:
- Cocktail shaker – Either Cobbler or Boston
- Jigger – A small measuring tool with two sides (commonly 1 oz and 2 oz)
- Strainer – Optional — this is only needed if you’re using a Boston shaker
- Ice – Fresh cubes, not crushed
- Your ingredients – Spirits, juice, simple syrup, etc.
Optional but helpful:
- A muddler for smashing herbs or fruit
- A bar spoon for stirring when needed
If you’re serious about upping your cocktail game at home, investing in a good ice maker can make a surprising difference. Consistent, clear ice not only looks better in a drink but also melts more slowly, helping maintain flavour without over-diluting. Whether you prefer regular cubes for shaking or extra-large ones for sipping spirits straight, the right countertop ice maker or under-counter ice maker ensures you always have ice on hand. It’s a great companion to your cocktail shaker set and keeps you ready for impromptu happy hours or dinner parties.
Portable ice makers
Always have ice ready for your cocktails with a portable ice maker like this one from Insignia.
Built-in ice makers
Ready to make your at-home bar a permanent installation? A built-in, under-the-counter ice maker like this one from KitchenAid will have you set for life.
How to use a cocktail shaker (step-by-step)
Here’s how to wet shake a basic drink like a pro.
Step 1: Add ingredients and ice
Start by measuring your ingredients with a jigger and pouring them into the shaker. Then add ice until your shaker is about 3/4 full.
Step 2: Seal the shaker properly
- For a Boston shaker, firmly tap the two halves of the shaker together at an angle to create a seal.
- For a Cobbler shaker, press the cap and lid on firmly.
Step 3: Shake vigorously
Hold the shaker with both hands—one on top, one on the bottom. Shake over your shoulder (that is, shake above waist height) for 10–15 seconds. You want to shake hard enough to fully chill and dilute the drink.
Step 4: Open and strain into your glass
- For Boston shakers, tap the side where the tin and glass meet to break the seal.
- For Cobbler shakers, remove the cap and use the built-in strainer of the lid.
Pour your drink into the serving glass, straining out the ice and pulp.
Bar and wine accessories are the unsung heroes of any home setup, adding both functionality and flair to your cocktail-making experience. From essentials like bottle openers, wine stoppers, and pourers to more specialized tools like decanters, aerators, and muddling sticks, these accessories help you serve drinks with ease and style. A well-stocked bar isn’t just about the spirits—it’s about having the right tools to open, mix, measure, and present your beverages like a pro. Whether you’re a casual wine drinker or an aspiring mixologist, quality bar and wine accessories can take your home entertaining to the next level.
Getting ready to serve up the perfect summer cocktails? Make sure your kitchen is also equipped with the 6 must-have small kitchen appliances that’ll help you mix, chill, and serve like a pro at your next summer party.
Double jiggers
Measure once, enjoy twice with this stainless steel double jigger.
Common mistakes to avoid
Even seasoned home bartenders mess up now and then. Here are a few things to watch for:
- Overfilling the shaker — Too much liquid or ice makes sealing harder and shaking messy
- Improper sealing — Always make sure the parts are tight before shaking
- Shaking the wrong drink — Clear, spirit-forward cocktails should be stirred, not shaken
- Using too little ice — Not enough ice means poor chilling and over-dilution
- Using crushed ice — Crushed ice will over-dilute your drink, making it taste weaker than it typically would
Cocktail shaker FAQs
Can you shake carbonated drinks?
Nope! Shaking anything fizzy (like soda or sparkling wine) is a recipe for disaster. Add those last—after shaking—and stir gently.
How much ice should I use?
Fill the shaker about ¾ full with standard ice cubes to cool the drink quickly and dilute it just the right amount.
Can I use a cocktail shaker for mocktails?
Absolutely. Shaking works great for non-alcoholic drinks too—think fruity spritzers or iced tea cocktails. Just skip the booze and follow the same steps.
Is wet shaking the only way to use a cocktail shaker?
Not at all! Wet shaking, which is when you shake a cocktail on ice, is the standard when it comes to shaking a cocktail. However, there’s also dry shaking, which is done without ice to create a thick, frothy texture. There are also drink-specific variations in technique and equipment, such as julep shaking and roll shaking.
Can I over-shake my cocktail?
In most cases, yes. Over-shaking a cocktail leaves it waterier and weaker than originally intended. However, sometimes this process is intentional. A “bruised” cocktail, which is over-shaken so that the drink frothy, cloudy, and more mixed, can be a drink customization. It may be intentionally done for certain cocktails like a martini or a daquiri in order to make their delicate flavour notes more obvious.
Pro tips for better shaking
Ready to level up? These simple tricks make a big difference in drink quality.
- Chill your shaker beforehand – Toss it in the freezer for a few minutes to get a head start on chilling
- Hold the shaker horizontally to create maximum movement inside
- Use both hands to prevent spills
- Shake with confidence—awkward or slow shaking doesn’t do the job!
- Master the “hard shake” – popular in Japanese bartending, this involves a sharp, rhythmic motion that adds more air and foam (perfect for sours and egg white drinks)
- Listen for the sound change – your drink will sound duller as the ice breaks down and chills the drink
- Clean immediately – Always rinse and dry your shaker right after use to prevent sticking or flavour transfer
- Use fresh ice for every drink – Old or wet ice dilutes too quickly and affects taste
- Practice makes perfect – Don’t worry if your first few shakes feel awkward; you’ll develop your rhythm fast
Shake, stir, and more
Get ready to tackle any cocktail recipe with a well-rounded bar set.
Shake like a pro at home
Learning how to use a cocktail shaker is one of the most rewarding skills for any at-home mixologist or aspiring bartender. Not only does it elevate the quality of your drinks, but it also makes the process a whole lot more fun. So grab your favourite cocktail shaker set, gather your ingredients, and start experimenting. With a bit of practice, you’ll be whipping up bar-worthy drinks from your own kitchen in no time.
Ready to shake things up? Explore the full range of cocktail shakers & mixing tools at Best Buy Canada to find the perfect set for your home bar. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your craft, we’ve got everything you need to mix like a pro.
Cheers to better cocktails—shaken, not stirred.
This article was drafted using AI technology and then reviewed, fact-checked, and revised by a member of our editorial team.
