

We’ll cover this in more detail later in this article but this is an important safety point! ** When using a Mason jar, it’s important to ensure the glass is tempered or heavy-duty. These jars have enough room for ice and a screw-on lid meaning the ingredients can be shaken without the risk of leaking. Most people have a Mason or jam jar of some sort in their kitchen so this is arguably the most realistic alternative for most people. If you have a steel shaker, this is much better than the plastic shaker as the steel will quickly chill the drink upon shaking and is the material that best resembles a cobbler or Boston shaker.Ī Mason jar is the most common recommendation for those that don’t have a cocktail shaker. For any fitness enthusiasts out there, a protein shaker with a metal mixing ball or shaker lid is ideal for shaking ingredients and will do an excellent job for cocktails. Protein shakers obviously have a different purpose but “shaker” is in the name after all. In this instance, some household items will definitely be a better option than building a cocktail that requires shaking.īelow, we’ve listed some of the best cocktail shaker alternatives that almost any home will have and while they are not as effective as the trusty shaker, they’ll still do the job! Obviously, if you’re reading this then you don’t have the necessary equipment to hand, or don’t want to have the expense of purchasing barware for something you’ll only use on occasion. Therefore, we’d always recommend that when making cocktails at home that you use the correct barware. When it comes to making cocktails, most of the enjoyment comes from the theatre and the process of actually making the drink. As this isn’t a common household item though, we’ve tasked ourselves with putting together a short guide on making a cocktail without a shaker.Ĭommon household items, some cheap alternatives, and a little ingenuity mean you can make bar-quality cocktails without needing to invest in a cocktail shaker.
#Cocktail shaker professional#
To make a professional standard cocktail, it’s advised to use the best tools for the job (a cocktail shaker). Whether or not you need a cocktail shaker is open to interpretation. If you’ve ever had a cocktail that starts off relatively easy to drink but ends with a cringe, because the taste of alcohol is overpowering, well this is what shaking certain drinks aims to prevent! The reason why a cocktail shaker is essential (for drinks that call for it) is that shaking mixes the ingredients, rapidly chills and dilutes the drink, and most important of all is that shaking ensures a consistent taste from the first sip to the last. The one professional bartenders use – and best – type of shaker is the Boston shaker. While the mainstream cocktail shaker (a cobbler or Manhattan shaker) features a strainer built into the lid. They serve a purpose and this is why they are considered to be essential barware for any cocktail bartender. Do You Really Need a Cocktail ShakerĪ cocktail shaker is designed to be the difference between a regular cocktail and an exceptional one. In this article, we’ll run you through the different techniques and pieces of household equipment that can be used to make cocktails without a shaker. If your favourite cocktail calls for a shaker, you’ve likely landed on this article to see if there are any alternatives you can use and fortunately, there are.

The issue, however, is that not everyone has access to a cocktail set or shaker! Can you even make cocktails without a shaker? This is therefore a process that’s not just for show but basically essential. When a cocktail recipe calls for the drink to be shaken, this is usually for the specific effect of mixing the ingredients or rapidly cooling or aerating them.

It’s a signature bartender move and most people can’t wait to test it out themselves once they get their own cocktail making set. One of the most satisfying things about making your own cocktail is using a shaker.
