Best Cocktail Shaker Sets in 2023: Reviews and FAQs

Building a home bar is a task that comes with many challenges. Not only does it have to look good to draw out compliments from your visitors, but it also needs to have the proper bartending tools for the job. From beverage coolers to ice makers, you’ll need all of them to entertain your guests and elevate their experience. And who can forget about a set of cocktail shakers for the best homemade cocktails ever? Yes, the best cocktail shaker sets can add to the occasion too!

However, we understand that choosing a good set of cocktail shakers out of so many offerings from many brands can be daunting. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of top options along with some useful information about cocktail shakers to create this guide for you. Let’s get to it:

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Cocktail is a type of drink that consists of liquor and at least 1 other ingredient. There are a ton of cocktail recipes out there, ranging from simple to complicated levels. When mixing those ingredients together, you’re activating the science element within the recipe and turning it into something far beyond the liquor itself. People love cocktails not only because of their sophisticated flavors but also because of the whole cocktail experience, including the ingredients, the glass, and the making process.

Many people make cocktails right out of the glass because they prefer convenience. What they don’t realize is that doing this actually degrades the quality and taste of the cocktail. You’ll never see professional bartenders do something like that. Instead, they use a set of cocktail shakers to shake and blend the ingredients together. This method helps to soothe the burning nature of the alcohol and add more characteristics to the drink, resulting in noticeably better taste and quality.

There are 3 different styles of cocktail shakers:

• The Cobbler Shaker is a type of shaker that includes a shaking tin, a lid, and a cap (with a built-in strainer). This sophisticated design makes it easier to use, especially for beginners.

• The Boston Shaker is a type of shaker that includes a shaking tin and a mixing vessel. There’s no strainer, and hence it’s mostly used by professional bartenders in bar or lounge settings.

• The French Shaker is basically the Cobbler Shaker without the strainer. This makes it very similar to the Boston Shaker in terms of their working mechanics, but it adds a style point to the whole experience.

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1. Cocktail Shaker Set by Cresimo

Best features: The essence of a Cobbler-style shaker. 

Specifications:

• Type: Cobbler

• Size: 24 oz

• Material: Stainless steel

• Weight: 0.6 pound

• A 1.0/0.5 oz jigger, a twisted bar spoon, and a recipe book included

Things we like:

• Rust and leak-proof design

• Very sturdy

• Easy to use and maintain, dishwasher-safe

• Good customer service

Things we don’t like:

• The top part can sometimes get stuck

Summary: The Cocktail Shaker Set by Cresimo is a good definition of a simple cocktail shaker set that does the job without causing its owner headaches with many complicated parts. Being made from sturdy stainless steel, this shaker can hold up to 24oz of drinks without any issues. You can expect no leakage while shaking, and cleaning up is essentially just leaving it in your dishwasher. You can’t go wrong with such a simple tool like this one.

2. Barillio Elite Cocktail Shaker Set

Best features: The most well-rounded Cobbler shaker set.

Specifications:

• Type: Cobbler

• Size: 24 oz

• Material: Stainless steel

• Weight: 1.19 pound

• 2 pourers, a jigger, a bar spoon, a velvet bag and a mojito muddler included, along with recipe ebooks and booklets

Things we like:

• Rust and leak-proof design

• Very sturdy

• Easy to use and maintain, dishwasher-safe

• Good customer service

Things we don’t like:

• Cold to the touch

Summary: The Barillio Elite Cocktail Shaker Set is a part of a new generation of cocktail shakers that has it all. It comes with 7 different accessories to aid you in bartending work, along with recipe books to keep you inspired and come back for more. The user experience is a breeze, since its smart design already eliminates some of the most annoying issues, including rust and leakage. Cleaning and maintaining it is also as easy as it comes, especially with the help of the experts from Barillio. 

3. OXO Steel Single Wall Cocktail Shaker

Best features: Jigger-style cap with markings makes for easier use

Specifications:

• Type: Cobbler

• Size: 24 oz

• Material: Stainless steel

• Weight: 0.84 pound

Things we like:

• Single wall design with no leakage

• Smart cap design

• Easy to disassemble, use and clean

Things we don’t like:

• No included extras

Summary: The OXO Steel Single Wall Cocktail Shaker represents a simple approach but with hidden sophistications in cocktail making. Although this kit doesn’t come with additional accessories, its cap is already a jigger. The design is reinforced to make sure spilling or leakage doesn’t happen, especially when you have up to 24 oz of drinks inside. The entire user experience is hassle-free, whether you’re a pro or a newbie.

4. Mixology Bartender Kit

Best features: A sophisticated 11-piece kit guaranteed to impress your guests.

Specifications: 

• Type: Cobbler

• Size: 18 oz

• Material: Stainless steel

• Weight: 3.67 pounds

• 11 pieces included in a handcrafted wooden box

Things we like:

• Sophisticated design

• Well-built, good seals

• Easy to use and clean

• Good customer service

Things we don’t like:

• Limited information about the product

Summary: Being a combination of a wooden stand and shiny metal appliances, this Mixology Bartender Kit is made to turn heads. It is a Cobbler-type of shaker, which is very easy to use, even to beginners. With 11 pieces of equipment, you’re bound to create your cocktails in style. The reliable seals also make it easier for you to stay organized and clean up afterwards, and it’s always good to know that the professionals from the brand are on your side and ready to answer your questions anytime.

5. A Bar Above Premium Cocktail Shaker Set

Best features: A premium shaker set with an unrivaled weighted/unweighted design.

Specifications: 

• Type: Boston

• Size: 18/28oz

• Material: Stainless steel

• Weight: 1 pound

Things we like:

• Weighted/unweighted design for extended and effective use

• Well-built

• Easy to open, close, clean, dishwasher-safe

• Low-profile, don’t take much space

Things we don’t like:

• Takes more experience to be used professionally

Summary: The A Bar Above Premium Cocktail Shaker Set has something that many other don’t, that is its top-notch weighted/unweighted design. This makes it ideal for longer use in a bar setting, especially when you have guests waiting. For people who have some experience, using this set is not hard at all, and after a long day, it’s good to know that cleaning and maintaining it is just as easy. It’s also a low-profile kit, which allows you to focus on your bartending work more.

6. AOZITA Cocktail Shaker Set

Best features: A high-quality Cobbler shaker set for all your bartending needs.

Specifications:

• Type: Cobbler

• Size: 24 oz

• Material: Stainless steel

• Weight: 1.06 pound

• A muddler, a mixing spoon, a 1.0/0.5 oz jigger and 2 spouts with dust cap covers included, alongside recipe guides

Things we like:

• Durable

• No leakage, rust

• Easy to use and clean, dishwasher-safe

• Good customer service

Things we don’t like:

• Hard to assemble

Summary: The AOZITA Cocktail Shaker Set is often praised by many professionals, and for good reasons. It has a good capacity of 24oz, and comes with many accessories to further round out your bar setup. Using and cleaning it is extremely easy, even if you use the dishwasher for cleaning and maintaining it. It would also make sense as a gift to send to your friend who is looking to set up a bar or become a bartender. 

7. Mixology Bartender Kit: 10-Piece Bar Set Cocktail Shaker Set

Best features: A rare 10-piece kit that is French-influenced.

Specifications:

• Type: French

• Size: 20 oz

• Material: Stainless steel

• Weight: 2.72 pounds

• A muddler, a mixing spoon, a 1.0/0.5 oz jigger, a corkscrew, a wood stand and ice tongs, alongside recipe catalogs 

Things we like:

• Sophisticated design

• Durable

• No leak, no rust

• Easy to clean

• Good customer service

Things we don’t like:

• Spoon keeps falling out of its slot due to the design

Summary: It can be hard to come by a 20oz cocktail shaker kit that comes in 10 pieces, let alone one that is French-influenced. The Mixology Bartender Kit: 10-Piece Bar Set Cocktail Shaker Set is exactly that. As expected, the design is amazing, and the kit functions as well as other top options in its class. The manufacturer also doesn’t exchange good looks for durability, as the whole it is made from quality stainless steel. With the 20oz capacity, you can satisfy quite a few guests and keep them amazed at your bartending skills. 8

8.  Bartender Kit Cocktail Shaker Set by Bournis

Best features: A professional cocktail shaker kit for larger settings.

Specifications:

• Type: Boston

• Size: 24 oz

• Material: Stainless steel

• Weight: 2.57 pounds

• A muddler, a mixing spoon, a 15/30 ml jigger, a corkscrew, a stand, an ice tong and 4 pourers, alongside recipe books

Things we like:

• Organized, sleek design

• Durable parts

• No leak, no rust

• Easy to use

• Good customer service

Things we don’t like:

•   The bamboo stand can be damaged more easily compared to other wood stands

Summary: The Bartender Kit Cocktail Shaker Set by Bournis might be a Boston kit, but it doesn’t mean that it can’t be used in your home. It does take a bit more experience in bartending to get used to, but there’s nothing you can’t overcome, especially with its set of accessories and recipe guide. Shaking 24oz of cocktails has never been more simple, and if you have any question, the experts from Bournis are always willing to help you.

9. Appolab Stainless Steel Bartender Kit

Best features: A sophisticated cocktail shaker set with a matching metal stand.

Specifications:

• Type: Cobbler

• Size: 18/24oz

• Material: Stainless steel

• Weight: 1.2 pounds

• A muddler, a mixing spoon, a 15/30 ml jigger, a corkscrew, a stand, an ice tong and 2 pourers

Things we like:

• Durable parts

• No leak, no rust

• Easy to use and clean

• Good customer service

Things we don’t like:

• Shipping issues

Summary: The Appolab Stainless Steel Bartender Kit is a perfect fit for your home bar, regardless of how many people you’ve got. It has 2 different options of 18 and 24 oz-capacity, and both of those options do come with a set of professional bartending tools that is guaranteed to impress. Most importantly, it has a matching metal stand that won't get wet and deteriorate over time like other wooden ones. It also comes with all the accessories you’ll need, and the user experience is very positive and hassle-free. 

10. BrüMate Shaker

Best features: A high-quality set of cocktail shakers that doubles up as a tumbler to drink from.

Specifications:

• Type: Cobbler

• Size: 20oz

• Material: Stainless steel

• Weight: 1.3 pounds

Things we like:

• Triple-insulated design makes for no mess, no leak, no condensation

• Doubles up as a tumbler

• Very well-built

• Easy to use and clean

• Works well as a part of a collection of bartending tools

• Good customer service

Things we don’t like:

• Slightly expensive

Summary: The BrüMate Shaker is a wonderful companion for the moments that you want to enjoy by yourself. This shaker can hold up to 20oz of drinks, and you can craft your cocktails without worrying about spilling or leaking. Its triple-insulated design plays an important role in that, not to mention the fact that it also acts as a tumbler for you to drink from. If you have a collection of tumblers from the same brand, this is also a great addition that will undoubtedly fit in well.

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What we just listed are some of the best cocktail shaker sets that are out there on the market. Maybe the list has already helped you narrow down the options that you’re looking for. However, you’ll need more than that in order to truly nail down the cocktail shaker set for you. Here’s a couple of factors that you need to take into consideration:

• Your level of expertise: You’d have to be completely honest with your cocktail-making skills. It’s always better to start out with the Cobbler shaker, then move on to the Boston shaker after acquiring more experience.  

• Size: You either have to serve drinks for a lot of people, or just for yourself and a couple of family members. For one person or a few people, a 12-18oz cocktail shaker should be enough. For larger crowds, a shaker that can hold 28oz or more should be more suitable.

• Sealing: You never want to spill cocktails over when using your cocktail shaker. A Cobbler shaker would be the best choice for reliable sealings, especially if you err on the side of caution.

• Materials: This is an important factor to consider since it can affect your cocktail shaker in terms of cosmetic appearance and durability. Obviously, you don’t want your set to break down after a few days, and you also want it to look good in front of your guests. The best option would be a set made from stainless steel, because it will maintain its shape and shine for years, and its striking look will undoubtedly leave your guests with a good impression.

• Weight: Weighted cocktail shakers are easier on your arms, especially if you have to do bar work for an extended period of time. The design of one weighted side and one unweighted side also makes them more solid and creates tighter seals.

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What are the benefits and drawbacks of each type of cocktail shaker?

Here are some notable benefits and drawbacks for the 3 aforementioned types of cocktail shakers:

	The Cobbler Shaker	The Boston Shaker	The French Shaker
Benefits	Widely available Easy to use, no extra tools needed	Easy to use and maintain Fast in use	Very stylish Easy to use and maintain
Drawbacks	Hard to clean and maintain Shaking and straining takes a long time	Extra tools and more shaking skills needed Glass tin can crack	Hard to find Expensive

How to use a cocktail shaker?

Before making the cocktail, you should prepare the ingredients to stay organized. After this step, add them to your shaker along with a moderate amount of ice. Always remember to use more ice cubes than you would normally, because you want your cocktail to stay cold as long as possible.

Next, seal your shaker and shake it vigorously for about 15 seconds. When the sides are frosted over, strain your shaker to eliminate ice chunks, seeds, … Pour the cocktail into a glass, add decorations (if needed), and serve or enjoy.

Which cocktails should be shaken?

Generally, any cocktails that have fruits as their ingredients should be shaken. This is due to the fact that liquor and fruit juices have different densities, which require generous agitation and blending to be mixed together. Additionally, shaking is a good way to activate the fruit juices and eliminate their bitter flavor while making the drink lighter and frothier.

Is there any use for plastic cocktail shaker sets?

The material that your cocktail shaker set is made from will determine its aesthetic look and reliability. In our buying guide, we’ve recommended stainless steel as the ideal material. Plastic cocktail shaker sets aren’t good enough for long-term use, but they’re cheap and widely available. In this sense, they work well as a short-term solution to either test out certain cocktail shakers or practice your shaking skills.

Which is the best set of cocktail shakers for purchase?

This is a common question amongst people who are looking to step up their cocktail game. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer for this type of question. The best cocktail shaker set for you can only be determined through considering a number of factors. In our buying guide, we’ve already mentioned some important ones, such as your level of expertise, the capacity and materials. Contemplate those factors, and it won’t take long before you find your perfect cocktail shaker set.

For those of you who need a shortcut, here it is. If you own a high-volume bar that operates all day, the A Bar Above Premium Cocktail Shaker Set is certainly a must-have. If your intention is to make cocktails to enjoy yourself from time to time, the BrüMate Shaker can do wonders for you. 

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And that’s all you need to know about the best cocktail shaker sets on the market. Not only will you be able to provide your guests with amazing homemade cocktails, but you’ll also be able to streamline your bartending work much better. And the great thing is that you don’t even have to get out of your home to purchase it.

We’ve already taken all the guesswork out of it by providing recommended links to the aforementioned options. From there, all you have to do is figure out your choice, make your order and let sellers handle everything else. 

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