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8 Best Cocktail Shakers for Your Bar Cart
Integral to any home bar, these are the cocktail shakers our drinks expert swears by
A reliable cocktail shaker is crucial kit for your home bar cart. While you may have made it this far sans shaker, it’s no life limiting yourself to drinks muddled in the glass. And, no, that protein shaker is not a tenable substitute.
The investment will open the door to a whole host of classic cocktails — from pre-dinner gin martinis to smoked whisky sours — which is why we’ve collated our expert guide on the best cocktail shakers to buy right now.
Best cocktail shakers 2023
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Are cocktail shakers worth it?
You already know our answer to this. Cocktail shakers are indispensable when it comes to combining ingredients with different textures (think: egg whites, citrus, liqueurs and syrups). With a simple shake, you create a mélange of complex flavours, and recreate that all-important foamy top by aerating the mixture for sours and fizzes.
Shaking over ice also chills your mix without over diluting or dialling down the cocktail’s character. For this reason, we always recommend chilling your glasses down for 30 minutes in the freezer prior to pouring.
What are the different types of cocktail shaker?
Boston
Preferred by professionals, the Boston shaker is a set of mixing tins that create a seal when placed together. The Boston makes quicker work of mixing and is easier to clean, though it does require a touch more skill and doesn’t include a built-in strainer, which can be purchased separately.
Cobbler
The MVP of most home bars, the cobbler is a workhorse shaker composed of a tin, cap and built-in strainer for removing any ice and fruit from the final cocktail. There’s very little room for error, making them the go-to for beginners, though they do tend to have a smaller capacity than the Boston, which is worth knowing if you’re looking to create craft cocktails for a crowd.
We’ve handpicked the best-performing cocktail shakers for your bar cart. Each was assessed for its durability, aesthetics and, most importantly, ability to create a smooth cocktail at the perfect sipping temperature.
Looking for cocktail inspiration? Find the spirits our drinks expert won't be without, plus the cocktail bibles you need for endless imbibing...
Alessi Boston Cocktail Shaker Gift Set
Alessi Boston Cocktail Shaker Gift Set
Giant of contemporary Italian design, Alessi has collated all the cocktail-making essentials into one convenient gift set.
Centred around the Boston shaker, the attention to detail is clear; crafted in robust, stainless-steel, it’s one for confident cocktail connoisseurs. Completing the line-up is an equally stylish measure, bar spoon and strainer.
Alessi Stainless Steel Cocktail Shaker
Alessi Stainless Steel Cocktail Shaker
Of Alessi’s extensive bar range, the 870 stainless steel shaker is one of its all-time best-sellers, with over one million sold (and it’s not hard to see why). The sleek mirrored finish not only looks the part but the functionality is second to none, with a streamlined framework that makes quick, clean work of all the classics.
Waterford Crystal Cut Glass Cocktail Shaker
Waterford Crystal Cut Glass Cocktail Shaker
If your bar cart favours 1920s gilded glamour over mid-century design, this timeless Waterford cocktail shaker is the way to go. The linear cut glass design takes inspiration from sugar cane (a key component in rum), and will stand the test of time, both in durability and style. Shake up a clover club (gin, egg white, raspberry syrup and lemon juice) and serve in these crystal coupés.
Ralph Lauren Home Garrett Cocktail Shaker
Ralph Lauren Home Garrett Cocktail Shaker
Finished in a classic leather and canvas case, this refined shaker deserves front and centre on your bar cart. The extra insulation ensures the drink maintains the optimum temperature if you’re serving tipples tableside (or making multiples to enjoy alone, no judgment here).
Complete your set-up with these cocktail picks, perfect for the obligatory olive in a dirty martini.
Tom Dixon Plum Cocktail Shaker
Tom Dixon Plum Cocktail Shaker
We think all of our Esquire-approved cocktail shakers boast beauty beyond most humdrum household objects, but this futuristic copper-plated shaker by Tom Dixon may just take the style crown.
We’re pleased to report that there’s no compromise on functionality; the slim cap doubles as a spirit measure, while the tapered ends allow for balanced, comfortable shaking — no matter how many margaritas you’re making.
Rusty Barrel Chelsea Cocktail Shaker Set
Complete with a stainless steel shaker, muddler, jigger and strainer, this all-singing set is guaranteed to take your cocktails up a notch. There’s even a carrying pouch, should you need to take your amaretto sour al fresco. The perfect gift for the guy that has everything.
Urban Bar Baron Cocktail Shaker
Urban Bar Baron Cocktail Shaker
As chic as it is versatile, Urban Bar’s three-piece shaker is the upgrade your bar cart deserves. Crafted from durable Japanese steel and gold plate, with a 50cl capacity, it’ll see you through decades of cocktail making. Pair with the matching jigger for maximum functionality.
YETI Rambler 20oz Cocktail Shaker
YETI Rambler 20oz Cocktail Shaker
You might already have a YETI water bottle, coffee mug or even cool box, but we like to be prepared for every eventuality, which means the newly launched YETI cocktail shaker is now firmly on our radar.
Available in ice white or smart navy, is as durable as it is portable, so you can take the bar to the party, wherever that may be. Made to last, it's leak-proof (naturally), with double-walled insulation so your whisky sours stay ice cold, but your hands don't get frozen from all the shaking. Ideal!
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