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We all love a cocktail at home, especially when they’re mixed properly like the professionals do! Grab one of the best cocktail shakers around so you can evenly mix your margaritas, mojitos, and Moscow mules, then complete your transformation into a novice mixologist.
However, not all cocktail shakers are created equally. You’ve got your standalone cocktail shakers in either cobbler or Boston format, as well as those available in comprehensive sets with bartender-worthy accessories. As a cocktail connoisseur, Meggan, the head chef at Culinary Hill, has tried and owns several cocktail shakers, and she has developed some strong opinions in the process. She’s found that her favorites make it easier to whip up your go-to beverage in a flash and they look equally stunning on a bar cart or at-home bar.
Alongside her go-to favorite cocktail shakers, we researched with Meggan to find other top-rated and popular options that would work well for any bar setup. Below, you’ll find the best cocktail shakers on the market that guarantee a great drink — and an even better time.
Our Top Picks:
- What’s in Meggan’s Kitchen: Homestia Gold Cocktail Shaker Set – $30.99 at Amazon
- Meggan’s Runner Up: Cresimo Cocktail Shaker Bar Set – $12.95 at Amazon
- Meggan’s Choice for Mixologists: Mixology & Craft Cocktail Shaker Set – $34.99 at Amazon
- Meggan’s Pick For Multiple Tools: BarSoul Gold Boston Cocktail Shaker Set – $49.99 at Amazon
Reviews of The Best Cocktail Shakers
1. What’s in Meggan’s Kitchen: Homestia Gold Cocktail Shaker Set
Meggan can’t get enough of the Homestia cocktail shaker for its chic golden hue, sheer versatility, and unbeatable value. Its shimmering color makes the perfect pair for sophisticated drinks like Dirty Shirley or Espresso Martini.
“Ultimately, my favorite [cocktail shaker] is this gold cobbler with lots of tools because I like the color, the tools give me flexibility for making lots of cocktails, and it was a good value for what I got (i.e. it’s not too expensive),” Meggan says. “We make a lot of different cocktails on Culinary Hill, so with this set, I was prepared to make almost anything. But, I can also easily store everything in a small basket in my kitchen cupboard without having it take up too much space.”
She bought one back in September 2020 and loved it so much that she bought two more for her team (one for the test kitchen and one for the social media team). She notes the extra accessories, like strainers and the stirring spoon in particular, work well for cocktails that are stirred, not shaken, and you can use them with a cocktail mixing glass as well.
The Specs:
- 7 pieces
- Food-grade stainless steel
- Leak-proof construction
- 24-ounce capacity
The Pros:
- Affordable
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Makes a great gift
The Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe
- Paint might peel off
- Prone to tipping over if too full
What Others are Saying:
The Homestia Gold Cocktail Shaker Set has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon from more than 400 reviews.
Buy the Homestia Gold Cocktail Shaker Set:
2. Meggan’s Runner-Up: Cresimo Cocktail Shaker Bar Set
This three-piece set contains everything you need to whip up a great drink with minimal hassle and clutter. It includes a roomy 24-ounce cobbler shaker with a built-in strainer that can make two to three drinks at a time, as well as a double-sided jigger and twisted bar spoon. Basically, everything you need to make the perfect Paloma.
The set is leak-proof and dishwasher-safe, making clean up super easy as. It also resists rusting so it’ll look good as gold (or in this case, silver) for years to come. As a bonus, you get an illustrated cocktail recipe guide to inspire creativity and get the good times rolling.
The Specs:
- 3 pieces
- Food-grade stainless steel
- Rust-proof
- 24-ounce capacity
The Pros:
- Great for beginners
- Dishwasher-safe
- Easy to clean
- Sophisticated aesthetic
The Cons:
- Not a ton of accessories for professionals
- Metal gets very cold
- Can be hard to remove lid
What Others are Saying:
This shaker has more than 13,000 Amazon reviews and a 4.7-star rating. It was also named the best overall cocktail shaker by Bob Vila and the best value shaker by Esquire.
Buy the Cresimo Cocktail Shaker Bar Set:
3. Meggan’s Choice for Mixologists: Mixology & Craft Cocktail Shaker Set
For those who take their craft cocktails seriously, look no further than this beauty of a bartending kit Meggan loves for mixologists and aspiring at-home bartenders alike. The 11-piece set comes with both an 18- and 28-ounce tin for crowds of all sizes, three types of strainers to use with different sized ice cubes, a dual-sided jigger for easy measurements, ice tongs to keep your hands dry and more. Its water-tight seal allows you to vigorously shake your beverage with no spillage, and it comes in a sleek silver finish worthy of display even when not in use.
The Specs:
- 11 pieces
- Food-grade stainless steel
- Leak-proof
- Included storage
The Pros:
- Good for small or large groups
- Easy to strain
- Included recipe cards
The Cons:
- Small tin can get lodged into large one
What Others are Saying:
Delish and Good Housekeeping both named the Mixology & Craft Cocktail Shaker Set the best overall cocktail shaker. It also has more than 800 reviews and al 4.7-star Amazon rating.
Buy the Mixology & Craft Cocktail Shaker Set:
4. Meggan’s Pick For Multiple Tools: BarSoul Gold Boston Cocktail Shaker Set
Level-up your at-home bartending game with this sophisticated cocktail shaker set that Meggan recommends for its multiple useful mixology tools. The 9-piece kit is made of a luxurious gold plated food-grade stainless steel, and comes with both 18- and 28-ounce Boston shakers to whip up the perfect drink. Its 12-inch mixing spoon is long enough to keep your hands nice and dry, plus its included muddler is great for creating the most mouth-watering mojitos. It comes in a stunning keepsake box making it the perfect gift or any occasion, from weddings to birthdays to holidays.
The Specs:
- 9 pieces
- Leak-proof
- Food grade-stainless steel
- Gold plated
The Pros:
- Makes a great gift
- Easy to clean
- Aesthetically pleasing
The Cons:
- Expensive
- Better for muddling drinks
Buy the BarSoul Gold Boston Cocktail Shaker Set:
Other Cocktail Shakers to Consider
BrüMate 20-Ounce Triple-Insulated Stainless Steel Cocktail Shaker
This BrüMate cocktail shaker generates lots of buzz, and it’s clear why: it serves as both a shaker and a tumbler, so you can sip right out of the container without that unfortunate metallic taste that some cocktail shakers have. It’s also made with leak-proof technology so you won’t have to worry about spilling your Sea Breeze on the go. However, it doesn’t come with any additional tools to craft certain mixed drinks and it’s a bit large to use as a standalone cup. The BrüMate 20-Ounce Triple-Insulated Stainless Steel Cocktail Shaker is available at Amazon for $30.99.
OXO Steel Cocktail Shaker
The OXO Steel Cocktail Shaker is a great place to start when building your collection of bartending tools with its double-wall stainless steel construction, built-in strainer and non-slip grip. However, aside from a jigger in the cap, it doesn’t have any additional accessories—and it’s quite expensive. The OXO Steel Cocktail Shaker is available at Target for $22.99.
Cocktail Kingdom Leopold Weighted Shaking Tin Set
There’s lots to love about this fan-favorite cocktail shaker set. It’s made of double-walled food-grade stainless steel that promises to keep your beverage ice-cold and prevent it from sweating, and it’s safe for use in the dishwasher. However, as a Boston-style shaker, users report it’s difficult to create a leak-proof seal, making for a (potentially) messy mixology session. The Cocktail Kingdom Leopold Weighted Shaking Tin Set is available at Amazon for $31.99.
Why You Can Trust Us
I’m Marissa, a writer and editor whose writing has featured a strong focus on cooking and nutrition since the beginning of my journalism career a dozen years ago. I have a certificate in plant-based nutrition from Cornell University, and I’ve written about food and nutrition for The New York Times, Women’s Health, MindBodyGreen, Well+Good, Cosmopolitan, Teen Vogue and more. While I’m currently on my family planning journey, I have been known among friends and family to whip up the perfect strong cocktail and I love nothing more than entertaining large groups of friends with even larger pitchers of spicy margaritas and bottomless mimosas.
To determine the best cocktail shakers, I began by asking Meggan for her favorites as well as what to look for in a shaker. She looked through her personal (and professional!) inventory to determine the best options. From there, we reviewed what other mixology experts, food bloggers and top publications are recommending, and vetted those options to determine if they’re great additional options, focusing on durability, value, and user-friendliness.
Everything to Know Before Buying a Cocktail Shaker
What to Consider Before Buying a Cocktail Shaker
Type: Before deciding your mixology tool of choice, Meggan says you need to look at the two main types of cocktail shakers —cobbler and Boston shakers — to see which one fits your drink preference best. A cobbler shaker features a main shaker with a strainer-infused lid and cap, while a Boston shaker, common amongst professional bartenders, uses two shakers to create a seal that’s easy to open, allowing you to shake your cocktail mess-free.
“I prefer the cobbler style because it has a built-in strainer and doesn’t require as much technique versus the Boston shaker [which requires] holding two cups together while letting liquid pour out between them,” Meggan says.
Tools: Determine the complexity of the drinks you’re looking to make, which might require additional accessories. “Many shakers come in a set with extra bar tools such as a jigger, a stirring spoon, or tongs,” Meggan says. “So, consider what other equipment you might already have (or want) to decide if you want to get a set with other tools or just a cocktail shaker. Many sets with tools also have a stand, which might be fun if you have a bar in your house, but otherwise it makes things harder to store in a bin.”
Finish: When it comes to displaying your cocktail shaker, fashion is just as important as function. Meggan says you should consider which style or color you’re looking for, like silver, gold, rose gold, gun metal, black, and more. After all, you want it to match your bar cart aesthetic, right?
Do You Actually Need A Cocktail Shaker?
If you’re a “shaken, not stirred” kind of drinker, you’ll definitely want to reach for one of our favorite cocktail shakers. Not only does a cocktail shaker evenly mix the contents of your beverage for a more even consistency and taste, but it rapidly chills the drink for a cooler, more refreshing beverage.
No cocktail shaker on hand? You can always get crafty (craft cocktail, that is), by pouring your contents in a leak-proof container like a mason jar, ensuring a hermetic seal, and shaking vigorously. If your drink of choice is more of a single-spirit drink with a mixer, you can simply stir it with a spoon and give the glass a gentle tilt to allow the ice to circulate throughout your beverage.
How to Use a Cocktail Shaker
To use a cocktail shaker, simply measure out your ingredients using an included jigger or separate measuring cup. Pour ice or solid ingredients into the shaker before your liquid contents so as to avoid splashing and to chill your container. Without overloading the shaker, add in your liquor, and then your mixers. “Most recipes will tell you how long to shake, but a good rule of thumb is to shake a cocktail with ice vigorously until chilled, about 30 seconds,” Meggan says.
What Should You Do If Your Cocktail Shaker Gets Stuck?
Whether your cobbler or Boston cocktail shaker gets stuck due to sticky syrups or frigid temperatures, you open it using a similar trick when opening a stubborn jar lid. Either moisten a towel in hot water and wrap it around the shaker where the stuck pieces meet, or submerge the shaker in hot water entirely. Dry completely with a towel and manually loosen it. If this doesn’t work, you can tap the shaker against a countertop (only if it’s metal, not glass) where the cup and lid meet to try to dislodge it.
If all that fails, you may need to resort to a sharp object like a pair of tweezers or pliers to pry the shaker open.
What Drinks Can You Make in a Cocktail Shaker?
If you’re dreaming of sipping it on a lounge chair by a scenic beachfront, chances are, your cocktail shaker can make it. Cocktail shakers work best for creating an even consistency in multi-ingredient drinks that require the use of liquids and solids of varying textures, from fruit to fruit juice and ice cubes to liqueur (not to be confused with straight liquor). That makes them ideal for popular drinks like martinis, margaritas, cosmopolitans, negronis, mojitos, Manhattans, and more. But for slushy drinks, you’ll want to invest in one of the best blenders for frozen drinks.
The Best Cocktail Recipes
To ensure the perfect drink every time, we suggest using your cocktail shaker to master the following delicious recipes that have been perfected by Culinary Hill:
- Whiskey Sour
- Old Fashioned
- Dirty Shirley
- Espresso Martini
- Gin Fizz
- Strawberry Margarita
- Moscow Mule
- Paloma Cocktail
Prices were accurate at time of publication.
Marissa Miller is a contributing editor at CNN Underscored where she writes about and edits all things lifestyle and wellness. She's also written about food, health and nutrition for publications including The New York Times, Women’s Health, GQ, MindBodyGreen, Well+Good, Cosmopolitan, Teen Vogue and more, holds a certificate in plant-based nutrition from Cornell University, and is a certified personal trainer from the American Council on Exercise. Marissa has a degree in journalism and creative writing from Concordia University, and is the author of PRETTY WEIRD: Overcoming Impostor Syndrome and Other Oddly Empowering Lessons published by Skyhorse and distributed by Simon & Schuster. You can find her on Instagram and Twitter.