16 Best Boston Shakers For Ice-Cold Cocktails in 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide
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Boston shakers are one of the essential tools bartenders use to serve various drinks. Its ubiquitous nature has become part of the bar experience, with bartenders slamming the tins together to create a tight seal before shaking the ingredients together.
Types of shakers include Boston, Parisian, and the Cobbler shaker, but most bartenders prefer the Boston shaker because of its capacity, efficiency, and speed. It also makes the drink colder and frothier, making it more enjoyable to drink.
Whether you’re a novice or a professional bartender, this is your sign to buy the best Boston shakers for your bar!
Best Overall: Barfly Shaker Cocktail Tin Set Runner-Up: Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Weighted Shaking Tins Best Professional-Grade: A Bar Above Two-Piece Pro Boston Shaker Set Best Finish: Cresimo Boston Shaker Set Best Grip: Crafthouse by Fortessa Two-Piece Boston Cocktail Shaker Best Heavy: Piña Barware Boston Shaker Tin Set Best Splurge: Sertodo Copper Boston Shaker Set Best Value: Ignite Lifestyle Boston Cocktail Shaker Best Chic: LINALL Boston Shaker Best Anti-Skid: BARsics Boston Cocktail Shaker Best Gift: KITESSENSU Cocktail Shaker Set Best Classic Steel and Glass: Houdini Boston Cocktail Shaker Best Seal: Etens Pro Bar Boston Shaker Set Easiest to Separate: Cocktail Kingdom Leopold Weighted Shaking Tins Best Style: Godinger Cocktail Shaker Best for Themed Bars: SuproBarware Pro Boston Shaker |
“For us, Barfly shakers beat the competition in quality by far, with their excellent design and balanced weight. The cans have heavy bases, so they won't move an inch, and the lack of seams along the straight edges is a plus.
We also appreciate that it doesn't leak when shaking and is relatively easy to release once you get the hang of it. It has a sleek design and is free of crevices, making maintenance a breeze.”
Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 18 & 28 oz. | Manufactured: China | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
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“I highly recommend the Koriko Weighted Shaking Tins for they are easy to use; that’s why they’re a favorite among bartenders. The tight seal ensures no leaks, and they’re easy to snap open so that you don’t get injured,” comments Luke Slater from The Cask Connoisseur.
“They can also consistently create cold and smooth craft cocktails while being comfortable to hold and shake. You can easily fit all your ingredients inside, making two cocktails at once,” he notes.
Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 18 & 28 oz. | Manufactured: India | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
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“Compared to our previous shaker, A Bar Above is a significant upgrade in terms of functionality and maintenance. It’s much simpler to open than the one we usually use, and we appreciate that it lets in more air during shaking, resulting in nicer beverages.
The weight distribution is reasonable, and there were no leaks. Moreover, it has a top-notch seal and is completely smooth around the edges. The beverages do get very cold very quickly as the shaker virtually freezes as soon as you start using it.”
Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 18 & 28 oz. | Manufactured: China | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
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“This shaker is built to last and packs a punch in terms of utility. It can be put through the wringer by being dropped, knocked against hard surfaces, and the like. It's also compact and lightweight, yet can hold a lot of ingredients.
We also like that it’s compatible with a pint glass if you like to see your drinks when shaking. Invest in this cocktail shaker and a good strainer to have better drinks with less leakage.”
Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 18 & 28 oz. | Manufactured: China | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
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“This is one of the best cocktail shakers that stand out since it shows measure lines of two, four, and six ounces, convenient for measuring if you don’t have a jigger. The foot is also helpful since it provides a notch around to clasp one's fingers.
Both the metal tins are suitable for the dishwasher or the sink. And don't worry; the gorgeous shine will remain even after being washed numerous times. We think this is a great addition to any home bar because of its modest beauty.”
Material: Stainless steel | Manufactured: China | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
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“We love that this shaker has a satisfying heft that feels excellent in the hand, and a good shake is achieved with relatively little effort. The tin's balanced weight distribution also makes it less prone to topple over when set down.
We keep the smaller piece angled, then give a good whack on the bottom to easily seal the joint. My dishwasher has put this through numerous cycles without causing any damage; thus, we figured it was durable enough.”
Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 18 & 28 oz. | Manufactured: China | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
“Since this set is smaller than a standard Boston shaker, it’s suitable for those with smaller hands. Design-wise, it is unique and eye-catching with its striking copper sheen and hammered pattern. You can also easily stir ingredients in it with a bar spoon.
Furthermore, we appreciate that they fit together properly, avoiding leakage. They feel well-made and durable, and if treated the correct way, they will surely last for a long time! However, cleaning this shaker will need extra effort as copper oxidize fast.”
Material: Copper | Capacity: 16 & 25 oz. | Manufactured: USA | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
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“This Boston shaker appears to be well-made, and it boasts polished stainless steel and no sharp corners. Their airtight seal worked perfectly, and we were impressed by how easily they opened.
You won't have to struggle to pry them loose in order to pour the drink! The recipe guide was also a great addition, featuring a variety of simple and classic recipes.”
Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 18 & 28 oz. | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
“The dark stainless steel finish is fantastic, and it lives up to expectations in terms of aesthetic quality. They're really effective, thanks to their weighted base, and they will feel very solid as you use them.
Also, there were no leaking issues which we were really glad about, and they also easily separated with a simple pat.”
Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 18 & 28 oz. | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
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“This best cocktail shaker stands out because of the rubber sleeve it comes with. Sure enough, it looks distinct, but it also has a purpose to serve, which is to protect and make the bartender feel comfortable when shaking drinks.
When cleaning, we recommend taking the sleeve off first because it can melt in the dishwasher. Overall, the set feels thick and solid, and it doesn’t create leaks.”
Material: Stainless steel and glass | Capacity: 16 & 26 oz. | Manufactured: China | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
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“This one has a decent seal and is simple to remove. Because of its ergonomic design and silky-smooth finish, we found it really comfortable. However, they originally had rough edges, but we simply smoothed them out with some little sanding.
Furthermore, they have a flawless fit, and they're completely compatible with any dishwasher! After receiving it, we immediately washed it in the dishwasher to remove any dirt, and the "shiny" tone remained the same!”
Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 18 & 28 oz. | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Related: Difference Between Boston Shaker and Cocktail Shaker
“We like how this stainless steel and glass pairing allows us to see the inside while shaking. The glass is clear and thick enough, and it fits the metal tin snugly.
When pushed tightly against the tin, the glass edges do not chip easily, demonstrating its durability. They're also the right size without being cumbersome, and the lack of rough edges makes them easy on the hands.”
Material: Stainless steel and glass | Capacity: 24 oz. | Manufactured: China | Dishwasher Safe: Top rack
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“This shaker has been in use for a few months, and it's still in great shape. They do seal tightly at first, but with practice and the right angle, they become much simpler to remove. Also, they never leaked during use.
We appreciate that it can be cleaned in the dishwasher, so we don't have to worry about it breaking after a few cocktails. That's a product that has our unequivocal endorsement; we'd buy it again!”
Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 18 & 28 oz. | Manufactured: China | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
“My favorite shaker is the Leopold by Cocktail Kingdom because they’re well-designed and super easy to use. Because they’re weighted, I can easily shake my drinks without feeling like I'm going to lose control or drop the tin,” shares Marissa Johnson, a mixologist and the founder of Inflatable Blast.
“The shape of the tin is also lovely, as it fits perfectly in my hand and is an excellent size for mixing drinks. I appreciate the quality and design of this set, and it's become my go-to Boston cocktail shaker,” she adds.
Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 18 & 28 oz. | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
“This Boston shaker's glass is the piece de resistance, thanks to its exquisite craftsmanship. We're delighted that it's constructed from lead-free crystal glass, which makes it stronger, more durable, and more brilliant.
The stainless steel was equally strong and of excellent caliber. It doesn’t feel particularly light, but it doesn’t feel flimsy, either. The stainless steel and glass complement each other perfectly; they don't stick together, and they are simple to separate.”
Material: Stainless steel and glass | Capacity: 12 & 26 oz | Dishwasher Safe: No
“We got this for our bar display due to its lovely copper appearance. We didn't expect much from its quality, so we were pleasantly surprised when it felt robust and stable. It's thick enough to be strong yet not too heavy, and the weighted and unweighted tins were an excellent match.
Moreover, they didn't have leaks, and we separated the tins more quickly than some of our old shakers. So far, we haven't noticed any chipping of the finish, so that's great news!”
Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 18 & 28 oz. Dishwasher Safe: No
Having a fantastic Boston shaker makes a difference in the drinks you make. And the better the drinks, the happier the drinkers.
For this list, we declare Barfly Shaker Cocktail Tin Set as our top pick because it has the perfect blend of functionality and looks and is appropriate for beginners and professionals.
Which Boston shaker caught your eye? We’d love to know your opinion in the comments below!
Although Boston cocktail shakers look alike, there can be details that make one better than the other, depending on your needs. So, give these factors a thought before buying a Boston cocktail shaker.
Most professional bartenders recommend stainless steel Boston shakers because they’re leak-free and secure even after a long shake.
Ross Hunt, owner and Chief Cocktail Nerd at unMuddled Bartending shares this sentiment and says he prefers dishwasher-safe stainless steel ones over coated shakers.
“While they might look nice, I typically avoid the coated or colored shakers since they're typically hand-wash only. I think the functionality and ease of maintenance of stainless steel outweigh the looks of a coated shaker that takes more time and effort to clean,” he adds.
Steel and glass shakers are also common, but they provide challenges when it comes to mixing drinks with ice, such as glass chipping. The glass is also heavier, which can easily wear out the user.
On the other hand, shakers crafted from pure copper have the advantage of being attractive and long-lasting and are believed to have antimicrobial properties. Its drawback is that they're high maintenance; they'd suffice in a chill home bar, but they're probably not the best in a busy commercial bar.
“A 28-ounce shaker is suitable for most drinks, but if you plan on making larger drinks for a huge crowd, consider a larger size,” says Monica Russell, a former mixologist and the founder of Acquired Coffee.
Most Boston cocktail shakers will have a bottom tin that holds 28 ounces and a top tin that holds 18 ounces, which can create two to four cocktails at once.
You should be fine with a 24-ounce shaker if you only need one for one person. Moreover, shakers with a capacity of at least 26 ounces are the best bet if you want to make drinks for more than one person but fewer than a large group.
Also, make sure that the opening is wide enough to properly fit a separate strainer since Boston cocktail shakers don’t have a built-in strainer like a Cobbler shaker.
“When choosing Boston shakers, you must make sure that the fitting is tight when closed, and do not get a cheap one because you have to make hundreds of drinks in a week. Reliability and durability play a role in the seal,” notes Hernan Trujillo, head bartender at J.Bespoke.
One of the most crucial characteristics to look for in a high-quality shaker is how effectively it seals. Unlike cobbler shakers that close effortlessly, there is some challenge to Boston cocktail shakers.
You wouldn't want your shaker to crack open while you're shaking and ruin your cocktail by squandering the drink all over your hands.
The material of the tins is a major factor that determines the quality of the seal and the tins' sizes.
Boston shakers are, in and of themselves, rather straightforward bar tools. Even though there is little room for flashy designs on the standard design of two shakers, even the smallest design tweaks can significantly impact how well the shakers perform.
No matter what the shaker looks like, you should first consider the shape, as this can affect the grip. Make sure the body will fit your hand snuggly; if you have smaller hands, you can opt for shakers with a relatively slender body.
Some shakers also have a "foot" at the bottom, which doesn't only make the shaker look distinctive but also adds extra security.
In terms of looks, Andrew Olson, Co-Founder/Head Mixologist at Hook Hand Rum, says, “ Color or finish is a personal decision, but I really like black or straight stainless.”
The prices of Boston shakers vary from $15 to $98. A price of $15 might sound okay if you're on a tight budget. However, if you have extra money to spend, fancy ones are worth it.
You can have confidence that any of the items on our list, affordable or expensive, will serve their intended purpose.
Only by vigorously shaking can you achieve the desired aeration in your alcoholic drink. It can enhance the smooth, uniform texture of a drink and also boost its sweetness while decreasing its harshness. There are two types of shaking - dry and wet.
The term dry shake refers to a method of making cocktails in which ice is omitted from the shaking process. When egg white or aquafaba is used in a cocktail, it is customary to give the drink a dry shake.
Wet shaking, wherein ingredients are shaken with ice, then usually follows dry shaking. A wet shake will have the dual effect of cooling the drink and diluting it.
Mixing, chilling, and diluting a cocktail can all be accomplished by shaking. It fully blends the ingredients for a more cohesive flavor profile and prevents taste layers from forming because of multiple ingredients. Shaking also releases air bubbles that give the drink a light, frothy texture.
Any beverage made with juice, dairy, or eggs should be shaken before serving. Foamy versions of these components are typically preferred because of how they appear and feel in a glass.
A shaker can become stuck for various reasons, but the cold temperature is usually the primary culprit. Using ice in a shaker means the metal cocktail shaker will get very cold, which makes both the tins expand and become caught together.
This can be helpful during the shaking as it will not let any leaks escape; however, the challenge comes when it's time to pour the drink. Read this article to learn how to solve a stuck cocktail shaker of any type.
Most of the time, cocktails with mixers, like fruit juice (especially citrus), cream, or egg white, will be shaken. The following are some of the most classic examples:
Some shakers consist of two weighted tins, while others feature just one. Both shaker cups in a weighted shaker are fused with metal weights; however, in a weighted-unweighted shaker, just one of the cups is weighted, which is usually the bigger one.
Ross Hunt says, “It's always a good idea to purchase a weighted shaker, as opposed to an unweighted one. The weighted base allows you to handle the shaker easily and helps ensure it doesn't get knocked over.”
On the other hand, some people find the ideal balance when using one weighted and one unweighted tin. The unweighted cup ensures a tight seal, while the weighted cup adds stiffness that makes it simple to open after shaking.
But at the end of the day, the choice depends on which type of shaker you’re most comfortable with.
We believe that our readers should have access to unbiased, well-informed reviews when deciding which products to buy, and we work hard to provide that type of content. Our editorial team is experienced and passionate about mixology and bar equipment. In addition, we often consult with industry professionals when gathering information, which gives us an insider's perspective on the products we're reviewing.
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