Three Main Types Of Cocktail Shakers: Pros And Cons Explained

Different cocktail shakers have different customers and product positioning, so selecting suitable cocktail shakers according to the actual situation for your business is important. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of the three main types of cocktail shakers to provide a reference for you.

Pros And Cons Of Three Cocktail Shaker Types

There are three main types of cocktail shakers: the Boston shaker, the Cobbler shaker, and the French shaker. Different cocktail shakers have differences in structure, efficiency, and usage methods.

Boston Shaker

The Boston shaker is composed of two cups, a big one and a small one. It can shake cocktails after being stacked together and forming a sealed space. There are two main types of  Boston shaker: glass-and-tin and tin-on-tin shaker.

Pros

For those bartenders in the commercial bar, a Boston shaker is often the first choice. Its efficiency is relatively high, because it has a big capacity and can make two drinks at a time. When customers make cocktails that need egg whites, such as Whiskey Sour or Ramos Gin Fizz, a big capacity and a good seal can help make a better foam.

When cleaning the cocktail shaker, the simple structure can make it easy to clean. You will also spend less money on the product packaging because of the smaller package size.

In places where the cocktail culture is mature, like North America, Boston shakers have a stable demand in the market. The product design changes are small, you don’t need to worry about frequent updates and the pressure on inventory.

Cons

But when a beginner uses this cocktail shaker, he may not fully seal the shaker due to the wrong operation. The correct approach is to tap along the bottom edge of the small cup with the base of the user’s palm. So some customers may return the goods, because they are unable to learn how to use them.

Though tin-on-tin Boston shakers are always durable, glass-and-tin Boston shakers are more fragile. Both of them need to buy a separate filter, so some customers may find it inconvenient.

Now, the low-end market of Boston shakers is highly competitive. If you want to choose Boston shakers as your main marketing product, you had better improve the quality of the shakers, then move towards the mid-to-high-end market.

Cobbler Shaker

The Cobbler shaker is composed of a cup body, a top cover with a built-in filter, and a small lid. Now, the majority of Cobbler shakers on the market are made of stainless steel, some will be coated with a layer of copper outside the stainless steel.

Pros

For beginners, the Cobbler shaker is easier to use and doesn’t require any skills, such as how to seal it. It has its own filter, so there’s no need to purchase additional accessories.

The Cobbler Shaker is usually made of stainless steel with a brushed or polished finish, which makes it look more decorative.

Japanese cocktail culture pursues precision, elegance, and a sense of ceremony, so to some Japanese bartenders, the Cobbler shaker is a good choice.

The Cobbler shaker has more options for customization, like different surface treatments and shapes. So it is very suitable for sale as a gift, for use in households, or for retail channels.

Cons

The Cobbler shaker has one more accessory, which makes it inconvenient to clean after use. The filter on the top cover has many tiny holes and crevices. It is easy to retain wine and fruit. So the user needs to clean it in time.

After shaking, the lid and body will suck very tightly, because of the change in air pressure inside the cup, combined with the thermal expansion and contraction of the metal. So users may have difficulty opening it. The Cobbler shaker is not always the choice for a professional bar, because of its low efficiency.

The high-end market of the Cobbler shaker is basically monopolized by Japanese brands. If you choose the Cobbler shaker, you may only be able to develop in the mid-to-low end.

French Shaker

The French shaker, also named the Parisian shaker, lies between the Boston shaker and the Cobbler shaker. It is a two-part, all-metal shaker, and has both the simple structure of the Boston and the elegant appearance of the Cobbler shaker. The French shaker is often made of stainless steel and looks like a beautiful vase.

Pros

The French shaker is typically made of 304 food-grade stainless steel, so it is unlikely to break. Its structure is simple, just including a large body and a small lid, so for users, it is easy to clean. Before shaking the wine, the user doesn’t need to study any skill, they just put the little lid directly into the large body.

French Shaker has a strong advantage in appearance and can be sold as a decoration, so it is more suitable for the gift channel or high-end retail. If the packaging is better, it can be sold at a good price.

Cons

Like the Boston shaker, the French shaker also needs to purchase additional filters, always a Hawthorne Strainer or a Julep Strainer.

The French shaker has inherent design flaws. After a shaking, it may be difficult to open. This requires the user to tap the side of the shaker with their palm or rinse it with hot water. The standard capacity of this shaker is also relatively small, usually only 500-700ml, so it is not suitable for professional bars.

The American cocktail culture is centered on efficiency, practicality and speed, so the French Shaker has a relatively low acceptance rate in the American market. But in Europe, especially in France and the UK, the French shaker has always had its own market, because they often pay more attention to ceremony and appearance.

Key Differences Of Three Cocktail Shaker Types

The Boston, Cobbler, and French shaker mainly differ in the number of parts, whether they come with filters, whether they are easy to get stuck, and capacity. This article provides a table to help you more clearly see their differences.

If your core positioning is a professional tool and your target customers are professional bars, then the Boston shaker is always the most suitable choice for you.  If your target users are beginners, then it is recommended that you choose the Cobbler shaker. The French shaker is suitable for mid-to-high-end gift channels, and it can gain more profits through custom appearance and packaging.

FAQ

What Size Cocktail Shaker Is Most Popular In The Market?

The size of cocktail shakers on the market is generally divided into three categories: those under 500ml, those ranging from 500 to 750ml, and those over 750ml.

The most popular size of cocktail shaker in the market is 24 oz (approximately 700-750 ml). After adding ice cubes, leaving space for shaking, you can make two to three cocktails at once.

What Material Is Best For Cocktail Shakers For Commercial Use?

High-quality stainless steel is generally regarded as the best material for making cocktail shakers. It is durable and hygienic. Although there are also cocktail shakers made of glass or plastic, they are generally not recommended for professional use.

What Accessories Are Usually Sold With Cocktail Shakers?

The accessories usually sold together with cocktail shakers include strainers, jiggers, mixing spoons and muddlers. There are also some additional items, such as ice picks and wine dispensers.

Can I Put A Cocktail Shaker In The Dishwasher?

Most cocktail shakers can be washed in the dishwasher, but the key still lies in the material and surface treatment, because some special surface treatments on cocktail shakers may be damaged.

What Should Be Considered When Choosing A Cocktail Shaker Supplier?

When choosing a cocktail shaker supplier, you should consider the price, the product quality, whether the delivery is timely, and how the after-sales service is.

If you require customization, you also need to pay attention to the design capabilities of the supplier.

Final Thought

As a professional custom cocktail shaker manufacturer, Kreat offers a full range of customized cocktail shaker services, including design, surface printing and other aspects. No matter which cocktail shaker you choose, Kreat will do its best to provide you with the highest quality service. Welcome to contact us!