Boston Shaker
A two-piece shaker consisting of two stainless steel tins designed to seal together during shaking. Used to rapidly chill, dilute, and aerate cocktails through controlled agitation.
Essential Equipment
Recommended for every home bar
Price Guide
Alternatives
Budget Alternative
A wide-mouth mason jar with a tight-fitting lid (£3–5) can work for home use, though it lacks the thermal efficiency, balance, and durability required for professional service.
Premium Option
Koriko Weighted Shaking Tins (£35–40) are widely regarded as the industry standard. The 28oz/18oz pairing offers excellent balance, consistent sealing, and long-term durability under heavy service conditions.
Care & Maintenance
Care Instructions
- Rinse immediately after each use to remove citrus and sugar residue.
- Hand wash with mild detergent to preserve the finish.
- Dry thoroughly to prevent water spots and odour buildup.
- Store nested loosely to avoid tins sticking together.
Expected Lifespan
- •Premium tins: 10–15 years in professional use, lifetime in home settings.
- •Mid-range tins: 3–5 years with daily service.
- •Budget tins: 1–2 years before seal performance degrades.
Pro Tip
Instead of aggressive shaking, try a controlled rolling motion for 8–10 seconds when making Daiquiris. This Cuban technique produces a silkier texture while maintaining precise dilution.
Usage
Used for shaking citrus-based cocktails, aerating drinks containing egg white or aquafaba, and rapidly chilling mixed ingredients during professional service.
What to Look For
- A tight, reliable seal that locks without visible gaps.
- Balanced weight that feels stable during vigorous shaking.
- Food-grade 18/8 stainless steel that resists corrosion and flavour retention.
- Rolled rims with no sharp edges to prevent cuts during service.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-shaking, which leads to excessive dilution and muted flavours.
- Filling above two-thirds capacity, reducing aeration and increasing leaks.
- Shaking carbonated ingredients, which can cause dangerous pressure build-up.
- Breaking the seal by striking the rim, leading to dents and seal failure.
Professional Tips
- Chill the tins before service to reduce sticking after shaking.
- Insert the smaller tin at a slight angle to create a secure seal.
- Shake with controlled, consistent motion rather than excessive force.
- Break the seal away from your face and guests.
Specifications
Material
Stainless steel
Capacity
Large tin: approximately 825ml (28oz) Small tin: approximately 530ml (18oz)
Details
Straight-sided tins with a slight taper, designed to create a friction seal when nested together.
History & Context
The Boston shaker emerged in mid-19th-century American bars as a practical alternative to ornate European cobbler shakers. Its two-piece construction eliminated moving parts and failure points, favouring speed and reliability over decoration. During Prohibition, similar tins were often disguised as juice mixers, reinforcing their association with discretion and function. That same emphasis on durability and efficiency keeps the Boston shaker at the centre of professional cocktail service today.