The best cocktail shakers for showing off your mixology skills

the best cocktail shaker

If you prefer your cocktails shaken, not stirred, then the best way to achieve a smooth and consistent taste is with a cocktail shaker. You probably will have seen bartenders using these, and you may have noticed there are a few different types you can get. Depending on your experience in cocktail making, we’ve broken down the types and what you should be looking for to mix up a storm at home!  

The most common shaker you may have seen around is the Boston shaker, made up of a tin and a glass. However, the Cobbler shaker, such as the Tom Dixon Plum Cocktail Shaker, is comprised of 3 pieces, and the built-in strainer is much easier to use and ideal for beginners. We’ve picked out a range of styles to suit your needs, check out the list below! 

The best cocktail shaker

1. John Lewis Pineapple Cocktail Shaker

A simple yet stylish cocktail shaker for your home mini bar

Specifications

Type: French Shaker
Material: Stainless steel
Dishwasher safe: No

Reasons to buy

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Quirky retro design 

For a cocktail shaker that can be put on display, this retro pineapple design works nicely. It is a French-style shaker, comprising on two pieces which makes it easy to quickly whip up your chosen ingredients. You may need to invest in a strainer if you want a smoother consistency, but for basic cocktails, this shaker works very nicely and won't look out of place in a modern or classic kitchen.  

Tom Dixon Plum cocktail shaker copper

2. Tom Dixon Plum cocktail shaker copper

Stylish and professional, this copper shaker is one of the pros

Specifications

Type: Cobbler Shaker
Material: Copper and glass
Dishwasher safe: No

Reasons to buy

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 Great for martinis 

If you fancy yourself a bit of a James Bond, then this professional Cobbler shaker is bound to make the perfect martini for you. Its 3 piece design is made from copper and glass, with a built-in strainer which you can expect to help you achieve the smoothest cocktails no matter what your favourite tipple is. This is bang on trend for 2018, so if you have a copper themed kitchen, this cocktail shaker is a must-have.  

Georg Jensen Manhattan stainless steel cocktail shaker

3. Georg Jensen Manhattan stainless steel cocktail shaker

Sophisticated and sleek; this cobbler shaker will make you look like a pro

Specifications

Type: Cobbler Shaker
Material: Stainless steel
Dishwasher safe: Yes

Reasons to buy

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Polished finish 

This polished stainless steel Cobbler shaker from Georg Jensen’s Manhattan collection wouldn’t look out of place in any drinks cabinet. If you get this out at dinner parties, your guests are guaranteed to think you are a pro, as it’s easy to use and the built-in strainer allows for you to work wonders with exotic ingredients such as egg whites to really whip up some fancy after dinner drinks. Pricey, but easy to keep clean and looks great on display.  

Final Touch Glass Recipe Cocktail Shaker

4. Final Touch Glass Recipe Cocktail Shaker

Mixology made easy with quick reference recipes

Specifications

Type: French Shaker
Material: Stainless steel and glass
Dishwasher safe: No

Reasons to buy

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Silicone leak-proof seal 

Beginner mixologists may find this French shaker comes in handy when remembering some of the classic recipes, as this one has them printed on the side for quick reference. Whether you like a cosmopolitan or a Long Island iced tea, you’ll have all the information you need to mix drinks to perfection. It’s affordable and simple to use, making a great gift idea for those who love a cheeky drink on the weekends.  

Blaze Cocktail Shaker

5. Blaze Cocktail Shaker

Stylish and affordable, the Blaze cocktail shaker is an essential for your home bar

Specifications

Type: French Shaker
Material: Stainless steel
Dishwasher safe: Yes

Reasons to buy

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Industrial style finish 

If you liked the look of the Tom Dixon shaker but it’s a little out of your price range, then you may find the Blaze cocktail shaker is a suitable alternative. Lending itself to the industrial trend of 2018, this gold finished French shaker is a stylish essential that you can expect to want to put on display. It’s simple to use and easy to clean, making it the perfect companion for both beginners and experienced mixologists.  

Humphrey Whale Cocktail Shaker

6. Humphrey Whale Cocktail Shaker

A novelty shaker for fun parties

Specifications

Type: French shaker
Material: Stainless steel
Dishwasher safe: No

Reasons to buy

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Funky design

This novelty whale cocktail shaker is a fun and easy way of mixing up your favourite drinks. It’s a French style 2-piece shaker that can hold up to 450ml of liquid; ideal for making drinks with friends. Whether it’s a gift for a friend or you just want something that will stand out from the crowd, Humphrey the whale is both fun and functional.  

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Plan on making wine-based cocktails? Check out our round-up of the best wine glasses.