How to Shake a Cocktail Shaker like a Pro
Knowing how to shake a cocktail shaker properly is a must for every home bartender. Cocktail making really is all about the details, and a good shake can turn a good drink into a great one.
Just ask Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador: “To master cocktails, you’ve got to master shakers and strainers.”
Thankfully, cocktail shaking isn’t some secret skill known only to a few; it’s something anyone can pick up easily.
What cocktail shaker is best?
There are different types of cocktail shakers, but the one you see professional bartenders using is called a Boston Shaker.
On the other hand, the cobbler shaker is more common in home bars. It’s a three-piece shaker with a metal tin, built-in strainer, and a cap. Its design makes mixing and pouring a breeze, perfect for beginners, and you won’t need a separate strainer.
Even so, we recommend the Boston Shaker for home bars and home bartenders of all levels. There are actually two types of Boston Shakers: one with two different-sized metal tins and one with a metal tin and a mixing glass.
We prefer the tin-on-tin variety. It features a larger tin (28 oz/800 ml) and a smaller tin (18 oz/450 ml). The different sizes create a tight seal, ensuring everything stays secure during vigorous shaking. The last thing you want is your shaker to open mid-shake!
Why use a cocktail shaker?
“The purpose of a shaker is literally to combine all your flavors, to blend them into one cohesive flavor,” explains Rico.
“Whether shaking or stirring drinks, you’re creating different types of texture,” he continues. “When you shake drinks with citrus juice in a shaker like Kamikazes, Cosmopolitans and stuff like that, you create a very crisp, fresh and crunchy texture. Whereas if you’re going to stir drinks, you’re going to create a much more smooth, velvety texture.”
And if you’re wondering if you can shake a cocktail without a cocktail shaker, technically, yes. You could use a household item like a Thermos, but you won’t get the same result since it’s not designed for shaking cocktails. So, do you really need a cocktail shaker? In short, yes.
How should you shake a cocktail shaker?
“Always shake hard,” advises Rico. “There’s a phrase in the industry that says, shake it, don’t tickle it.”
When shaking, hold the shaker firmly with both hands—one on each end and use a back-and-forth motion with plenty of power. Power is key! Check out the video above to see Rico demonstrate the proper technique.
One of the most common questions is how long to shake a cocktail shaker. You’ll know you’re done when you feel it getting cold in your hands and see condensation forming on the outside. That’s your cue to stop shaking.
What is the difference between a dry shake and a wet shake?
In the video, Rico makes a Vodka Sour to demonstrate two different shaking techniques – the Dry Shake and the Reverse Dry Shake. That’s right, there’s more than one way to shake a cocktail!
A Dry Shake involves shaking the mixture without ice first. Then, you add ice and do a Wet Shake. Why? For a Vodka Sour, which uses Egg White (or Aquafaba), you emulsify the mixture first, then add ice to chill.
The Reverse Dry Shake is the opposite – you shake with ice first, strain out the ice, and then shake again to emulsify.
So then, which shaking method is the best? “It’s actually a personal preference,” says Rico. That’s the beauty of bartending – there are strict rules and guidelines, but the truth is they are guidelines. Whichever version you prefer, whichever technique you want to use, they’re both perfectly fine.”
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Now that you’ve read about how to use a cocktail shaker, it’s time to make some drinks. Wondering where to start? Check out the Top 10 Most Popular Cocktails of 2024.
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