How to choose the right cocktail shaker
Boston, Parisian or three-piece — a practical guide to picking the shaker that fits your service, your hands and your bar.
Ask ten bartenders which shaker they prefer and you'll get ten answers. The truth is that the right shaker depends on your service style, your hand size and the volume you're pouring. This short guide walks through the three main families and where each one belongs.
The Boston shaker — a tin and a mixing glass — is the workhorse of the modern cocktail bar. Fast to seal, fast to break, easy to double-strain. It's what most competition bartenders reach for, and what we recommend for high-volume cocktail programmes.
The Parisian shaker — two tins that fit inside each other — is quieter, more elegant, and slightly slower. It's a good fit for hotel bars, fine-dining rooms and programmes where the shake happens tableside. The seal is beautiful when it's right, and slightly finicky when it's not.
The three-piece shaker — cap, strainer, body — is the classic choice for smaller bars, home use and any moment where you want to shake and strain in one movement. It's the slowest of the three, and the most forgiving. Our Fjord shaker sits in this family, redrawn for professional weight.
Whichever family you choose, weight matters. A heavier base retains cold, a tighter weld survives service, and a satin finish hides fingerprints under hospitality lighting. Everything else is preference — pick what feels right in your hand and stick with it.
Frequently asked questions
- Which shaker is best for beginners?
- The three-piece shaker is the most forgiving to learn on. Progress to a Boston once you're comfortable with technique.
- Are Boston shakers dishwasher safe?
- The metal tins are; the mixing glass should ideally be hand-washed to preserve clarity.
- What size shaker should I buy?
- 750 ml is a versatile professional size. Smaller 500 ml shakers are lighter and better for home use.
