A cocktail shaker is an essential bar tool for anyone who enjoys making drinks. A good one will help you mix drinks with a perfect balance of flavors, chill your drink fast, and create unique textures in some cocktails like foamy head.

The best shakers are made of stainless steel that won’t rust or tarnish over time and have a strong seal. They also have smart features like an exterior silicone grip so they don’t slip out of your hand during vigorous shaking and a slotted strainer that keeps lemon seeds and loose mint from falling into your drink. Some of the best shakers come with a reamer attachment, which makes it easier to juice citrus directly into your drink.

Top 5 Premium Cocktail Shakers for Bars and Home Use

Many professional bartenders use a Boston shaker, which has two metal or stainless steel tins that form a tight seal and include a built-in strainer. The tins are the same size, so you can shake up two or more cocktails at once. Another popular style is the French shaker, which has a similar shape to the Boston shaker but doesn’t include a built-in strainer.

Some home entertainers choose glass shakers instead of metal because they don’t rust or chip as easily. Glass can also be more visually appealing, especially if you’re looking to impress your guests with your bartending skills. But the key thing to consider when choosing a glass shaker is whether it will hold enough ice and liquid. If the tin is too small, your drink may turn out watery. And if the tin is too large, your shaker will be difficult to handle and won’t make a tight seal.