Top 10 Best Cocktail Shakers – Cooks Illustrated Reviews
If you’re looking to elevate your cocktail-making skills, having the right tools is essential. A good cocktail shaker can make the difference between a mediocre drink and a perfectly blended masterpiece. Cooks Illustrated has reviewed a variety of cocktail shakers, and we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 based on their recommendations. Here’s a detailed look at the best cocktail shakers available on the market in 2024.
1. OXO Steel Cocktail Shaker
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Capacity: 24 oz
- Features: Built-in strainer, measurement markings
Pros: Durable, easy to use, good for beginners and experienced bartenders.
Cons: Slightly heavier than others.
Price: $24.99
2. Boston Cocktail Shaker Set
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Capacity: 28 oz
- Features: Two-piece shaker, compatible with other tools
Pros: Professional-grade, versatile, excellent for mixing.
Cons: Requires a bit of technique to use effectively.
Price: $19.99
3. Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Shaker
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Capacity: 18 oz
- Features: Weighted design, seamless construction
Pros: Professional quality, effective for shaking and mixing.
Cons: Smaller capacity might not be ideal for larger batches.
Price: $22.00
4. Hawthorne Strainer Set
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Capacity: 24 oz
- Features: Built-in strainer with a tight spring
Pros: Perfect for straining cocktails, durable and easy to clean.
Cons: The strainer can be tough to clean after use.
Price: $18.50
5. Shaker & Jigger Set
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Capacity: 25 oz
- Features: Includes a jigger for measuring
Pros: Comprehensive set for beginners, easy to handle.
Cons: The jigger might not be precise for experienced users.
Price: $16.99
6. A Bar Above Cocktail Shaker
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Capacity: 24 oz
- Features: Premium quality with a sleek design
Pros: Stylish, great for both home and professional bartenders.
Cons: Pricey compared to basic models.
Price: $29.99
7. Mixology Bartender Kit Shaker
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Capacity: 750 ml
- Features: Complete kit with tools and recipes
Pros: All-in-one solution, perfect for beginners.
Cons: Some tools may not be as high quality as standalone products.
Price: $39.99
8. Penguin Cocktail Shaker
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Capacity: 20 oz
- Features: Unique design with double-walled insulation
Pros: Fun design, keeps drinks cold longer.
Cons: Limited capacity for larger gatherings.
Price: $27.50
9. Le Creuset Cocktail Shaker
- Material: Stoneware
- Capacity: 28 oz
- Features: Stylish design and easy to clean
Pros: Aesthetically pleasing, perfect for display.
Cons: Heavier and not as practical for shaking as metal shakers.
Price: $49.95
10. Viski Professional Cocktail Shaker
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Capacity: 24 oz
- Features: Weighted bottom and built-in strainer
Pros: Excellent balance, ideal for professional use.
Cons: Higher price point.
Price: $34.99
Conclusion
Choosing the right cocktail shaker can enhance your mixing experience and help you create delicious cocktails with ease. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned mixologist, the products listed above have been highly recommended by Cooks Illustrated and are sure to meet your needs. Make sure to consider the features, pros, and cons of each to find the perfect shaker for your bar setup!