What is Boston shaker?

At its simplest, a Boston Shaker is a two-piece cocktail shaker, consisting of a glass and a metal tin. A useful and common combination is a 16 oz. mixing glass, and a 28 oz. metal shaker tin.

What is the difference between a regular shaker and a Boston shaker?

The Boston Shaker consists of a stainless steel tin and a pint-sized glass (also known as a 2-piece shaker) whilst the Cobbler Shaker consists of the base, built-in strainer and lid (also known as a 3-piece shaker).

Why is a Boston shaker called that?

The concept of the modern shaker was developed in the United states, this would later be called the Boston and would dominate American bars and cocktail establishments, whereas in Britain we were using the French shaker, later coined the Parisian.

Why is a Boston shaker better?

This two-piece shaker has a greater capacity than its rival, making it the ideal size for shaking two cocktails at once or creating a cocktail with egg whites. (More space in the shaker tin allows for more air, creating fluffier egg white foam.)

Why do bartenders use Boston shakers?

Unlike Cobbler shakers, which include a lid and built-in strainer, the Boston style is less likely to leak or freeze shut and is easier to clean. Using a Boston shaker has a bit of a learning curve and does require a separate strainer, but it's truly the speediest option once you're trained.

17 related questions found

What cocktail shakers do bartenders 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.

What do you use a Boston shaker for?

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.

Where is Boston shaker mine?

The Boston Shaker underground project, within the Tropicana Project, is located 330km to the east-north east of the city of Kalgoorlie in the Goldfields-Esperance region of Western Australia.

Who invented Boston shaker?

The New York Times credits George Foster with the first description of the modern shaker, written in 1848: “With his shirt sleeves rolled up, and his face in a fiery glow [he] seems to be pulling long ribbons of julep out of a tin cup.” But, since all-metal cocktail shakers were standard bar equipment by the mid-1850s, ...

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.

How long should you shake the drink when using the Boston shaker?

Shake vigorously for a slow count of 15 (15 seconds). Set the shaker back on the bar with the tumbler side down. If you're using a Boston shaker, give the side of the shaker a good rap or two with the heel of your hand to release any vacuum pressure that has been built up and remove the lid.

How should you open the Boston shaker after shaking?

After shaking for around 12 seconds, hold the larger can in one hand and break the seal between the two halves of the shaker by tapping the base can with the palm of your other hand at the point where it meets the upper can (or glass).

Why should the larger tin face away from you when using the Boston shaker?

Also, because the tins are already oriented properly (with the smaller tin facing up, and therefore, toward you) measuring into the larger tins allows you to grab them off the bar and immediately start shaking without having to flip them around. This especially comes in handy when you are shaking two cocktails at once.

Why do we use cocktail shaker?

The primary purpose of shaking cocktails is to completely integrate all of the drink's ingredients to create one beautiful blend of flavor. The shake is the most thorough way to mix drinks, and—as you may have noticed—most cocktail recipes recommend this technique.

How should a bartender break the seal on a Boston shaker Barsmarts?

Point the fingers of the other hand skyward and, with the heel of the hand, sharply strike the top part of the mixing tin at approximately the spot where the rim of the glass is nestled inside it. The seal should break.

Where do you hit a Boston shaker?

On the inner part of the curve, the tin and glass are snuggled up together like two birds of a feather should be. On the outer part of the curve, there's a wider gap between them. This is where you'll aim to hit the thing to break it apart.

How many cocktails can you make in a Boston shaker?

The smaller tin can hold 17.5 ounces and the larger one 24.25 ounces, but the shaker can accommodate two cocktails. Since the shaker, jigger, and strainer are made of stainless steel, they are dishwasher safe. However the muddler must be handwashed and dried immediately. Continue to 9 of 9 below.

What is a Parisian cocktail shaker?

French/Parisian shaker

The Parisian is in-between the Cobbler and Boston shaker. It has the shape of a cobbler, but like the Boston, it misses the built-in strainer. Though the Parisian is built as the Cobbler, it is a bit easier to open than the Cobbler.

What can you use instead of cocktail shaker?

Cocktail Shaker Alternatives

  • Protein Shaker. Protein shakers obviously have a different purpose but “shaker” is in the name after all. ...
  • Mason/Jam Jar. A Mason jar is the most common recommendation for those that don't have a cocktail shaker. ...
  • Blender Bottle. ...
  • Travel Coffee Cup. ...
  • Measuring Jug.

What is julep strainer?

A strainer originally designed to imbibe a Julep, but now generally used to strain cocktails. Before the modern drinking straw was invented in 1888, julep strainers allowed drinkers to hold back the crushed ice in a julep while sipping.

What's a double jigger?

A jigger, also known as a double jigger, is a bar tool for measuring and pouring alcohol. You can find jiggers at home bars and in the kits of professional mixologists. Standard jiggers feature two conjoining cups, one larger and one smaller, connecting on the closed ends and having different measurements.

What is a bar spoonful?

One bar spoon equals 5ml of liquid or one standard teaspoon. If the measurements are multiplied right, the bar spoon can be used for other units of measure such as tablespoon and ounce.

How long should you shake a sidecar for proper mixing?

How long should you shake a sidecar for proper mixing? Like most drinks that require a vigorous shake, but don't use eggs or cream, around 15-20seconds is sufficient. That gives the cocktail a generous enough time to chill, and slightly dilute.

How do you unseal a Boston shaker?

In many cases, you'll be able to unseal the shaker by simply wiggling the top cup back and forth. But if you've got a very tight seal, grip the bottom half of the shaker with your nondominant hand and, using the heel of your dominant hand, firmly tap the bottom cup just under the junction where the two halves meet.

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