To prepare some drinks, you need to thoroughly mix several ingredients. You can use any container that closes tightly enough. There is a device specially invented for this – a cocktail bar shaker.
What is a shaker, and what is it for
This device resembles the shape of a glass, which is tightly closed with a special lid. It is an integral part of a bar.
Various containers for mixing contents have been used for a very long time, thousands of years ago. In South American countries, sealed jars were used for this. Until the mid-19th century, bartenders used a couple of glasses when mixing liquids and poured the liquid from one to the other. It is believed that one of the bartenders invented the prototype of the shaker, connecting glasses of different sizes together. At the beginning of the last century, the invention began to gain popularity.
Today’s shakers are made of stainless steel, glass, and plastic.
Ice cools the drink, as many believe, when mixing, and adds water. And most importantly, it works as an internal mixer, helping to stir the drink.
Types of shakers
In many localities, this item has its design features that differ slightly from its counterparts. The three most famous types of bar shakers are Boston (American), cobbler, and French. Thanks to creative approaches to work, shakers in the form of space rockets and airplanes, roosters, penguins, and other varieties have appeared.
- Cobbler. This shaker is assembled from three components: the main glass made of metal, a conical lid with a filter in the form of perforations, and a cap that covers the filter.
- American or Boston. It is considered the most popular of all the varieties. It consists of a pair of glasses sealed together by a light blow. Both components can be metal, or one can be glass. The first option is considered more durable. Glasses can be weighted for additional weight and rigidity.
- French. This type is distinguished by its elegance and convenience. But despite this, it is less common in bars than in Boston and Cobbler.
What criteria to follow when choosing a shaker
Now that we understand what a shaker is and what it is needed for, it remains to choose the right one. For a beginner, choosing a device for mixing drinks is not easy.
The best choice for use in a bar is a metal one made of thick steel. It will cool the drink well and last longer than its counterparts.
A cobbler is better suited for beginners, as it is easier to manage without the necessary skills.
