The Art of Cocktail Shaking and How to Use a Cocktail Shaker: 5 Tips

Being a Bartender by profession means being an artist of Cocktails. It could bring you huge success, recognition and of course, large amount of money. However, preparing cocktails is not an easy task, there are number of methods for mastering this art. The most popular and commonly used method is the shaking method. It is usually done with ice cubes which must fill two thirds of your shaker and then comes other ingredients. If you use little amount of ice, it will quickly melt and the cocktail will be over-diluted. Holding your shaker properly is also an important task. Remember, don’t lose your grip, or you might injure someone and ruin your job. You should hold the shaker with both hands and do not shake fizzy ingredients.

1.    Cocktail Shakers: Standard and Boston

The two types of shakers, the standard and the Boston, differ from their construction and material components. The standard shaker has three parts; it has a conical base with flat bottom, also called as “can”; a strainer that is built in and a cap. On the other hand, the Boston cocktail shaker has two cones, one is steeled and another is made of glass. Since this type of shaker does not have a strainer, it is common to use a Hawthorne strainer which is held by a wire coil on the metal half of the shaker.

2.    How to use a standard shaker?

There are some specific things to consider with regards to using the standard shaker:

•    The shaker has to be filled withice, covering two-thirds of it and all other ingredients should be added then;

•    The top should be placed on the base and the++ cap should be closed firmly;

•    Shaking should be done by both hands, one on the top while other on the bottom. Hold tightly all the time and keep it pointed away from other people.

•    You should shake for about 20 seconds, after that the cap should be removed first and while pouring, the top should be held by one finger.

3.    How to use a Boston Shaker?

The guide to using the Boston shaker is a little more complex:

•    You should use the glass, aka “Boston Glass”, to combine ingredients which go into the glass once fresh icefills two thirds of the glass;

•    After you place metal part on top of the glass, you should seal them by tapping on the top with the heel of your hand;

•    Once you start shaking, one hand should be on the top and another on the bottom, thus keeping the glass always on top and faced away from the guests;

•    You should shake for about 20 seconds and after breaking the seal by taping, where the glass part is probably seated, you can open the shaker. If you don’t manage to open the shaker this way, you can turn it and keep tapping until the seal breaks.

•    Finally, you can put a Hawthorne strainer above the metal part and strain the drink into the glass.

Don’t forget that these steps will help you to master some techniques, however, setting the show for entertaining the awaiting guests is a whole different thing. Being a bartender need further and more intense training, this goes beyond shaking.

4.    Downfalls: what not to do?

While we have already told you how to shake, there are things we have to warn you about that you should avoid doing. For example, never use the ice for a second time even if the drink is exactly the same.

5.    Garnishing your cocktails

Once the drink is strained into a glass, garnishing comes into play. This decoration is done with the glass rim. Properly garnished drink will increase the look, flavor and aroma of the cocktail. Remember, does not use paper decorations, garnishes must be edible!

Shaking cocktails seem rather hard but it actually is not; it is rather quite easy to learn and for sure, it is fun.

About the Author

Sipstrongwater is  one of the company that provides services of Cocktail Shrubs. There are many clients associated with this company.