For the bartender, there’s hardly a more important tool to have in the arsenal than the cocktail shaker. The tin vessel is so often where the magic happens, in which a host of ingredients become a singular, show-stopping drink.
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The shaker is the percussionist of the watering hole, keeping time with its rhythmic, maraca-like sounds. It sets the tone but also adds a little flair, especially when in the hands of the most capable bartenders. In short, like a good bar spoon, Old Fashioned glass, or wine key, it’s a bar tool you must have. And if you’re going to have one, why not have one of quality?
Yes, the options are many. And while we like to splurge occasionally or even buy something playful (see list below), we’re mostly after functional, stylish, and hard-working tools that excel at the task of mixing. That being said, here are the seven best cocktail shakers to seek out this 2022.
Best Overall: Usagi Cobbler Shaker
As a cobbler shaker, this model boasts a built-in strainer and lid, not to mention an overall slick and tapered build. It’s efficient, shakes well, and looks good while on the job. Better, it’s dishwasher safe and large enough for mixing up a two-serving batch.
Most Durable: OXO Steel Single Wall Cocktail Shaker
This shaker releases with ease and can withstand even the strongest bartenders. It’s virtually leakproof and boasts a handy jigger cap with measurements marked into place.
Best Splurge: George Jensen Manhattan Cocktail Shaker
This is a shaker you’re going to want on display, as opposed to hidden away in a dark cupboard. So, if you have a nice bar cart or a slot on your hearth, use it for this eye-catching instrument. It’s art deco at its best, clean and geometric and modeled after New York’s iconic Empire State Building. It’s pure class.
Best Value: Houdini Stainless Cocktail Shaker
There’s nothing terribly special about this shaker but that’s precisely the point. It does what it is asked to do, without a single hangup (and without putting a dent in your wallet). It’s a classic design and comes with everything you need to whip up an excellent beverage. And it’s simple, with just three pieces that work together swimmingly.
Most Playful: Monkey Cocktail Shaker
Monkey around with this primate-themed shaker from Williams Sonoma. It reminds a bit of Indiana Jones and is all kinds of fun to bust out next time you’re hosting happy hour. The mirror finish adds a nice touch and, despite its monkey sculpture shake, it matches other stainless bar equipment just fine.
Best Design: Sertodo Hammered Copper Boston Shaker
This dazzling shaker is Boston in style, meaning it comes with the two tins that plug into one another before shaking. Many bartenders like this style as there are never any stuck caps or choked-up strainers. This one does all of that while offering stunning design in the form of hammered copper. The texture and earthy glow of the shaker alone are enough to win you over.
Best for the Outdoors: Stanley Adventure Happy Hour Shaker Set
For the record, it’s not necessarily glamping to have a reliable shaker set in tow. This one from Stanley is durable and ready for the outdoors, set with a juicer and cups for drinking. It offers nice insulation and a worry-free experience because, as camping trips and fireside drinking generally goes, there will likely be some mishaps (spilled drinks, dropped vessels, ensuing laughter). Be as elegant or as clumsy as you want to be while making cocktails tent-side.
