The Boston shaker is the most widely used shaker type in professional cocktail bars worldwide. Yet there is also a lot of confusion about how to use it correctly, which version to choose, and how it compares to other shakers. In this article, we explain everything.
What is a Boston shaker?
A Boston shaker consists of two parts: a large metal tin (600–700 ml) and a smaller tin or glass (400–500 ml). You shake cocktails by placing the two parts together. After shaking, you pull the parts apart with a gentle tap against the side.
This is the standard in professional bars for a simple reason: it is fast, easy to clean, and lasts for years.
Boston shaker vs cobbler shaker
The cobbler shaker is the three-piece version with a built-in strainer and cap. You see it more often with home bartenders. In a professional hospitality environment, the cobbler has disadvantages:
- The lid frequently gets stuck due to temperature differences
- The built-in strainer filters less finely than a separate fine strainer
- You lose time with every cocktail
For bars that handle high volume, the Boston shaker is always the better choice.
Tin-on-tin vs tin-on-glass
There are two versions of the Boston shaker:
- Tin-on-tin: both parts are metal. This is the professional standard — more durable, colder, and easier to separate
- Tin-on-glass: the smaller half is a pint glass. You can see what you are measuring through the glass, but the glass is more fragile and heavier
In cocktail bars, you increasingly see the tin-on-tin version, also because of the stylish look on the bar.
How do you use a Boston shaker?
- Measure all ingredients with a jigger and add to the small tin
- Add ice to the large tin
- Pour the ingredients from the small tin onto the ice
- Place the small tin on the large tin and press firmly
- Hold the shaker horizontally and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds
- Tap the side of the small tin to break the seal
- Strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer (and potentially a fine strainer) into the glass
Which Boston shaker should you choose?
Choose stainless steel — it cools quickly, is hygienic, and withstands intensive use. View our range of cocktail shakers, including the popular 47 Ronin Tin-on-Tin series in stainless steel, copper, and gunmetal.
Combine with the right tools
A Boston shaker works best in combination with:
- Jiggers for precise measuring
- Hawthorne strainer and fine strainer for straining
- Bar spoon for stirred cocktails
- Mixing glass as an alternative for stirred cocktails
👉 View all professional bar tools
👉 Read also: Bar Tools for the Professional Hospitality Bar — Complete Purchasing Guide
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