Choosing the Right Cocktail Shaker
The cocktail shaker is the centrepiece of any bar toolkit. Yet walk into any kitchen or bar supply store and you'll face an immediate choice: Boston, Cobbler, or Parisian? Each has its advocates, its strengths, and its limitations. Understanding the differences will help you pick the right tool — and use it better.
The Three Main Types of Cocktail Shaker
1. The Boston Shaker
The Boston shaker is the industry standard behind professional bars worldwide. It consists of two pieces:
- A large metal tin (typically 28 oz)
- A smaller glass or metal tin (typically 16 oz)
You build the drink in the smaller vessel, cap it with the larger tin, give it a firm tap to create a seal, and shake. Separating the two after shaking requires a confident palm strike on the side — a technique that takes a little practice but becomes second nature quickly.
Pros: Maximum volume, fastest to use once mastered, preferred by professionals, easy to clean, durable, and versatile with different sized tins.
Cons: Requires a separate strainer (Hawthorne or Julep), and the seal technique has a learning curve.
Best for: Serious home bartenders, anyone making cocktails for groups, those who want to work like a professional.
2. The Cobbler Shaker
The Cobbler is the most recognisable shaker to most people — it's the classic three-piece design:
- A metal tin (the body)
- A built-in strainer (the cap with holes)
- A small cap that doubles as a measure
Everything you need is in one unit. Build, seal, shake, strain — simple.
Pros: All-in-one convenience, no separate strainer needed, beginner-friendly, widely available at every price point.
Cons: The built-in strainer can get clogged (especially with muddled ingredients or small ice shards), the cap tends to seize up when chilled, and it's slower for high-volume use. The strainer holes are also larger than a fine-mesh, so you'll want to double-strain for silky drinks.
Best for: Beginners, casual home use, or anyone who prefers simplicity over speed.
3. The Parisian (French) Shaker
A sleek, elegant two-piece design — a larger tin body with a smaller tin cap (no built-in strainer). It splits the difference between the Boston and Cobbler in terms of technique.
Pros: Beautiful aesthetic, good seal, easier to open than a Boston, no glass component (more durable for travel).
Cons: Still requires a separate strainer, slightly smaller capacity than a Boston, and less common — harder to source quality versions.
Best for: Bartenders who prioritise aesthetics, those who want a two-piece shaker without the glass tin.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Boston | Cobbler | Parisian |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pieces | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Built-in Strainer | No | Yes | No |
| Ease of Use | Moderate | Easy | Easy–Moderate |
| Volume | High | Medium | Medium |
| Professional Use | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Aesthetic | Functional | Classic | Elegant |
What to Look for in Any Shaker
- Stainless steel (18/8 grade) — resists corrosion, doesn't affect flavour
- Sufficient volume — a shaker that's too small causes spills
- Good seal — test it with water before using with spirits
- Weighted base — improves stability and chilling efficiency
Our Recommendation
If you're just starting out, a quality Cobbler shaker will serve you well while you learn technique. Once you've got the basics down and want to work faster, upgrade to a Boston tin-on-tin set and a good Hawthorne strainer — you won't look back. The Parisian is a beautiful choice if style is as important to you as function.