The Best Cocktail Shaker Sets

Bartenders use cocktail shakers worldwide to mix cocktails and are incredibly efficient at chilling and diluting mixed drinks to perfection. As such, a great cocktail shaker is a must-have for those who want to take their homemade cocktails to the next level. Luckily, plenty of nifty cocktail shaker sets on the market come with quality bartending essentials, so you can make your favorite cocktails whenever you want.

Buying Guide for Cocktail Shaker Sets

Why buy a cocktail shaker set?

A cocktail shaker set typically combines a cocktail shaker with bartending essentials, like a strainer, jigger, muddler, and more. If you’re new to mixing drinks and wonder why your homemade margarita doesn’t taste as good as your favorite bar’s, these tools will help you mix it like a professional. A cocktail shaker set is also an excellent product to invest in if you have a bar or bar cart at home or enjoy throwing parties for your friends and family. Even if you aren’t a fan of cocktails, it’s nice to be able to prepare your guests’ favorite drinks when hosting an event.

What should you look for in a cocktail shaker set?

• Design: You’ll find several common aspects among well-made cocktail shakers, but a few details distinguish one product from another. A thick, sturdy shaker will help keep your hands from freezing when mixing your favorite drink and are especially useful for pros who spend a lot of time with their shaker. Also, investing in a dishwasher-safe design can save time cleaning up after a night of cocktails and fun.
• Extras: While some cocktail shaker sets come with everything you’ll need to mix your favorite mixed drinks, others are bare bones. Be sure to consider what bartending essentials you already have stocked and which items can be upgraded. Shakers with lots of additional pieces tend to be more expensive, but this can still be a great investment if your set is put to good use.
• Appearance: Style is important when picking bartending supplies like cocktail shakers. Thus, consider selecting a cocktail shaker set that suits your personality. You’ll find clean and simple designs and elegant, playful, utilitarian sets. Some even feature built-in storage, a great touch for those who like to keep clutter to a minimum.

What types of cocktail shakers are there?

The two major players in the world of cocktail shakers are Boston shakers and Cobbler shakers. Boston shakers are the most popular option, as bartenders utilize them worldwide. These consist of two easy-to-clean shaking cups that create a reliable seal.

The Cobbler shaker is another classic option and is a convenient choice for at-home use due to its convenient built-in strainer. However, Cobbler shakers are often less durable than Boston shakers and can be tricky for beginners when attempting to break an airtight seal. Ultimately, either can be used to craft a killer martini, so personal preference will be the deciding factor for many when choosing which type of shaker set to invest in.

Our Picks for the Best Cocktail Shaker Sets

Pros: This 14-piece set from FineDine includes everything you’ll need for your home’s bar cart. Featuring a rugged stainless steel Boston shaker, a Hawthorne strainer, a double-sided jigger, and much more, this set is versatile enough to exceed the demands of the average home bar. Also, despite the budget price point, this set features sturdy stainless steel construction that can withstand plenty of use. The ease of using the shaker sweetens the deal, as it creates a reliable seal that’s easy to break after your cocktail is sufficiently mixed.

Cons: Since this set doesn’t include a rack for organizing its various pieces, it might present organizational issues for those who need help keeping track of their home bar gear. Also, while it includes a muddler on the handle of the bar spoon, a dedicated (and somewhat more effective) muddler would have been a welcome addition to round out the set.

Bottom Line: While this 14-piece set may be a little much for those who already possess their home bar essentials, it’s the best option for those who are just starting and want to keep costs down. Both shaker cups are weighted, so mixing your favorite drink might feel slightly different from other Boston shakers. However, the result still speaks for itself.

 

Pros: We couldn’t find a more attractive cocktail shaker set. The two-piece Boston shaker, Hawthorne strainer, and Japanese jigger showcase the aesthetic effect of food-grade stainless steel 304 paired with a shiny copper finish. Each piece exemplifies the value of thoughtful, custom design. The Boston shaker and Hawthorne strainer are engineered to balance looks, performance, and ergonomics. The unbreakable shaker offers a watertight fit, and the strainer, a calibrated high-density spring coil, filters for a clean pour. Made for precise 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2-ounce amounts, the double-welded jigger ensures your cocktails will have ideal proportions.

Cons: This set comprises only three tools with no accessories, which may not appeal to some.

Bottom Line: This premium three-piece cocktail shaker set has the design and quality material professional and amateur bartenders need to create the best drinks possible. We hope our highfalutin description doesn’t scare you off; the set is meant to please all.

 

Pros: This is the cocktail shaker set for those who want all the tools and accessories possible, plus a bit of glam. You get a shaker, jigger, strainer, ice tongs, bottle opener, and mixing spoon. There’s even a wood stand to keep all your cocktail utensils in one place, looking great. Every piece is crafted from heavy-duty stainless steel alloy, except, of course, the stand. Nothing will rust; all of it will last. The final frill: the kit comes with 20 illustrated recipe cards. This bartender kit makes a fantastic holiday or any-day gift.

Cons: A few users report that the shaker leaks. This all-in-one kit may not satisfy experienced cocktail artists who want top-of-the-line items only.

Bottom Line: The Modern Mixology has it all—quality tools, a wooden stand, recipes, and charm.

 

Pros: Those seeking something simple and beginner-friendly should consider the CRESIMO Boston Cocktail Shaker Set. This set features a stainless steel Boston cocktail shaker with a nice thickness that prevents it from irritating your hands with biting cold. The shaker is also nicely weighted and forms a reliable seal to prevent leaks. While this set doesn’t come with too many extras, the included Hawthorne strainer sports impressive quality, given this set’s affordable price.

Cons: This is a fabulous set for beginners looking to get the bare necessities. However, it leaves something to be desired for those who want more, like a muddler or quality bar spoon. The included jigger lacks volumetric measurements, but most kitchens will be equipped with means to measure precise quantities of your spirit of choice.

Bottom Line: While this cocktail shaker set doesn’t have all the necessities for your home bar, it’s one of the best entry-level options on the market at its price point. The CRESIMO is an excellent choice if you’re looking for something sturdy, reliable, and cost-effective. However, it may not be your ideal solution if you want a set with all the bells and whistles.

 

Pros: It’s like a good first aid kit: easily accessible, comprehensive tools required for most situations. In this case, alcoholic cocktail emergencies. This kit comes with two liquor pour spouts and dust cap covers, as well as basic implements like a shaker, jigger, muddler, and spoon. Typically, you only see those pour spouts and cap covers at a bar! All silver-colored parts are made from stainless steel and plastic items, BPA-free, and dishwasher-safe. To top it off is a velvet pouch for the Boston tin.

Cons: Though it comes with many of the utensils professional bartenders use, this kit isn’t premium quality.

Bottom Line: If you were ever to gift a friend or loved one with a cocktail shaker set, you’d want to consider this one by AOZITA. It’s perfect for someone looking to advance their ability and master more recipes.

Final Thoughts

While many cocktail shaker sets may seem pretty similar, sometimes it’s the minor differences that can determine which set is the perfect choice for your bar. Choosing a quality cocktail shaker is the most important factor, but you will probably end up disappointed if the accessories the set comes with are sub-par. Thus, be sure to research to end up with a cocktail shaker set that is well worth the investment.