Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced bartender, a cocktail shaker set is essential in making the best cocktails for any occasion. That’s because one needs a shaker to properly mix the ingredients of any drink that has two or more elements. And by proper mixing, I mean shaking it, not stirring.
According to mixologists, stirring it with a spoon won’t blend the ingredients and spirits well enough to achieve a consistent and balanced flavor. Shaking them, however, will add a texture and foam that gives a cocktail character.
This is especially true for concoctions that are milk-based. If they’re not shaken, they’ll feel heavy like a breakfast beverage instead of a party drink.
Using a shaker is also the quickest way to chill a drink with ice. More importantly, it’s also a way of ensuring the proper dilution of water to the mixture so that you end up with a smoother and finished cocktail.
A typical cocktail shaker set consists of three basic items, the shaker, the jigger, and a bar spoon. The ones being sold online, however, come with other extra accessories which make them more convenient to use and make the whole process of creating cocktails fun and enjoyable.
They are also stylish pieces especially since mixing drinks has become quite a performance art in bars these days. These are usually expensive but if you’re just looking for a practical set, there are cocktail sets that are affordable and do the job equally well.
Not all cocktail shaker sets have the same design, however. Some will have built-in strainers, others will require you to purchase a separate strainer. Both styles will effectively do the job, however, so it’s just a matter of choosing what you like best.
The best cocktail shaker sets are those that are made from stainless steel. They’re the most durable, and they’re easy to clean and maintain. In this list, I’ve picked the best ones that can be used by both beginners and professionals in making resto-worthy cocktails.
Here are my top 5 best cocktail shaker sets on Amazon.
Best Cocktail Shaker Sets
- 24 oz Cocktail Shaker Set Bartender Kit by Aozita
- Koviti 12 Piece Bartender Kit
- Mixology Bartender Kit
- Cocktail Shaker Set by Cresimo
- 14-Piece Cocktail Shaker Set
1. 24 oz Cocktail Shaker Set Bartender Kit by Aozita
This is a professional cocktail/martini shaker set that’s good for creating 4-6 drinks per shaker or 6-10 shots. It’s versatile enough to be used as a Boston shaker and can mix any drink like classic Manhattans, and martinis. It’s also durable; the parts are made from high-quality 18/8 stainless steel.
The set includes a 24 oz stainless steel Boston tin that can hold up to 3 drinks with a built-in strainer lid, a 10-inch stainless steel cocktail muddler and mixing spoon, a double size ½ / 1 oz measurement jigger tool, 2 liquor pour spouts with dust cap covers and a guide to cocktail and mocktail recipes.
It’s dishwasher friendly and comes with a manufacturer’s guarantee of no-risk purchase.
Pros
- Rust-free
- Can be used as a Boston Shaker
Cons
- Unclear manufacturer’s guarantee
2. Koviti 12 Piece Bartender Kit
This is an upgraded design of a premium cocktail shaker kit that’s ideal for the professional bartender. It’s made from food-grade 304 stainless steel so it’s easy to clean by hand and won’t rust, dent or leak.
This 12-piece set includes 18 and 28 oz shakers, a mesh conical & julep & Hawthorne strainer, a measuring jigger, a cocktail muddler, mixing spoon, ice tong, 2 liquor pourers, and a recipe booklet.
Pros
- Has an attractive mirror-finish
- Made from 304 stainless steel
Cons
- Doesn’t have a stand
- Not dishwasher friendly
3. Mixology Bartender Kit
This copper-colored bar mixer set is made from high-quality stainless steel alloys, SS304 and SS430. It also includes a hand-crafted rustic style wooden crate to store and display the entire set, whether by mounting or on the countertop. The wood box is made of Paulownia wood which is both strong and light – the perfect balance for every wall type mounting.
This bartender kit has 11 pieces. It has a leak-proof 24 oz cocktail shaker – Premium SST grade. It includes a built-in strainer and a top sealing shaker cap, 2 double-sided jiggers – ½ / 1 oz (15/30 ml) and 1 / 1-⅔ oz (30/50 ml) with imperial and metric markings, a mojito muddler, a mixing spoon, a Hawthorne strainer, 2 liquor pourers, ice tongs, and a double lever corkscrew.
This product comes with a 3-year quality guarantee.
Pros
- Can be mounted on the wall
- Long term warranty
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Copper color may fade
4. Cocktail Shaker Set by Cresimo
This is a professional shaker set that’s made from 18/8 grade stainless steel. It has a mirror finish and is recommended for both beginner and professional bartenders. The kit can be used to make cocktail recipes like margaritas, cosmopolitans, Long Island iced teas, or apple martinis.
The set includes a shaker with a 24 oz capacity, a built-in strainer, a premium double size ½ / 1 oz measurement jigger tool, a beautifully twisted bar spoon, and a fold-out Illustrated Guide to Cocktail Recipes.
This product comes with a 2-year warranty.
Pros
- Dishwasher Safe
- BPA free
Cons
- Not as many accessories as other sets
5. 14-Piece Cocktail Shaker Set
This cocktail shaker set is crafted from stainless steel with a brushed matte finish that’s smudge-proof. It’s durable, leakproof, rustproof, and scratchproof.
This set consists of a 28 and 18 oz cocktail shaker with a leak-proof lid and filter that’ll keep ice chunks contained, a double jigger of 1 and 2 oz, a muddler, a beer and soda opener, 6 bottle pourers, and a Hawthorne cocktail strainer. There’s also a recipe guide on basic cocktail recipes included.
All parts are dishwasher safe.
Pros
- Leakproof
- Stainless Steel
Cons
- No warranty stated
Buyers Guide to Picking A Cocktail Shaker Set
Type of Shaker
The shaker is the most important piece in a cocktail set. There are three types: the Boston, the Cobbler, and the French shaker.
Professional bartenders prefer using the Boston shaker. It consists of 12- and 28-ounce mixing tins that when fit together, create a natural seal. This shaker mixes drinks much faster but using it requires a more advanced technique which is why mixologists use it to show off their skills. Pick this if you’re serious about mixing drinks.
The Cobbler, meanwhile, is a beginner-friendly shaker that’s more common in household kitchens. It’s a three-piece shaker with a built-in strainer and a cup that also doubles as a measure for liquids. It’s easy to use, although it isn’t as leakproof as a Boston shaker. If you’re a newbie or an occasional cocktail drinker, this is ideal for you.
A French shaker is hard to find and is more expensive than the two other types. It’s a two-piece shaker that consists of a metal bottom and a metal cap. It’s known for its elegant and stylish look but like the Boston, will require some skill in using it. But if you’re looking for a showpiece, a French shaker is the ultimate bar accessory.
Capacity
Choose the one that best fits your need. Most sets offer two standard sizes. With Cobbler shakers, the sizes will range from 16 oz to 24 oz. Boston shaker sizes, meanwhile, range from 18 oz to 28 oz. French shakers are more mid-range; there’s one that has a 20 oz capacity.
For mixing a large number of drinks, a Boston shaker would do nicely.
Material
Choose stainless steel shakers for durability and because these chill drinks much faster. They’re also dishwasher safe. Copper-based shakers, are good enough but it’s hard to maintain their sheen and they can’t be cleaned in a dishwasher.
A plastic shaker may be cheap, but it’s noisy when shaking your ice in it. Cocktail snobs will laugh you out of the bar if they see you using one.
Weight
Some experts recommend checking out the weight of the shaker. That’s because the weight adds rigidity to the cocktail shaker. Choose one that weighs comfortably in your hand. In an ideal Boston shaker, the larger tin should be heavy, while the smaller one should be lightweight to give it the best seal.
Accessories
A basic set should always include three essential pieces: the shaker, a jigger, and a mixing spoon. In the case of the Boston and French shaker sets, it should also include a strainer. For newbies, look for a jigger that has internal markings for measurement.
Most cocktail shaker sets also include other add-ons. Smaller sets usually contain 12 basic pieces while bigger ones can offer as many as 23 pieces per set.
Warranty
For practical reasons, the ideal cocktail shaker set is the one that has a warranty or at least a quality guarantee. Some of these sets are expensive so it’s best to have an assurance that these items will last a long time.
Don’t forget to check out the reviews on the product pages. Pick the one that has the most reliable and responsive customer service.
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