Which is better Boston shaker or cocktail shaker?
John Johnson
Updated on April 28, 2026
If you are in a busy bar scene, your best choice for a cocktail shaker is a Boston shaker because you can work faster on it. It does not get stuck much and if it does, all you need is to give the upper tin a good smack to dislodge it.
Is a Boston cocktail shaker better?
Verdict. Professional bartenders will usually choose a Boston Shaker set due to their larger capacity as well as being faster and more efficient to work with behind a busy bar. I would recommend a Cobbler Shaker for home use as they are easy to use and you generally won't need to make a large volume of cocktails.What's the difference between a Boston shaker and a cocktail shaker?
It's the cocktail shaker of choice for most bartenders and true cocktail apprentices. The Boston shaker consists of a shaking metal tin and a mixing glass tin but has no built-in strainer. For the Boston shaker, a strainer must be purchased separately, which is a Hawthorne strainer.Why do bartenders use Boston shakers?
The Boston Shaker can be used for shaking or stirring a cocktail. This is part of the reason it's so popular: it's a multi-tasker. When using a Boston Shaker you'll need a strainer to keep the ice and other non-liquid ingredients out of the drink while you pour it into the appropriate serving glass.Are Boston shakers hard to use?
The Boston is a 2-piece shaker consisting of one smaller and one larger metal cup that you put together to create a vacuum seal while shaking your cocktail. It's pretty straightforward to use and really easy to clean, making it the common type of shaker for bars, but it does require additional tools.Boston Shaker vs Cobbler Shaker - Which is Best? | How to Use a Cocktail Shaker | Drinkstuff
What cocktail shakers do professionals use?
Professional bartenders tend to gravitate towards a Boston shaker. Composed of two 12- and 28-ounce mixing tins (either glass or tin), these shakers provide a tight natural seal and ample room for ice and drink.Which shaker brand is best?
Best Overall: BlenderBottle Classic Loop Top Shaker Bottle. Best Stainless Steel: Contigo Shake & Go Fit. Best Electric: Promixx Battery Powered Shaker Bottle. Best 2-in-1: Hydra Cup Dual Shaker Bottle.How long should you shake the drink when using the Boston shaker?
Add your cocktail ingredients to the shaker, fill with ice and seal. Pick up the shaker and turn it sideways, a full 90 degrees. Shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds. Open, and strain your drink into a glass, either over fresh ice or served up.Why is it called a Boston shaker?
The theory is that one day someone put these two vessels, which would've been different sizes, together and shook the contents, probably for dramatic effect. The result was a cocktail with a different mouthfeel and slightly different flavour profile too. The Boston Shaker had been born.Why is a Boston shaker weighted?
Boston Shaker Styles and Types:One or both of the steel cups may be “weighted” (which you can see on the larger cup in the image above.) The weight adds rigidity and some weight to the shaker cup and can make the shaker more comfortable and quieter to use.