A Boston Shaker, a Cobbler Shaker and a Parisian Shaker walk into a bar… The Shaker from Boston looks at the Cobbler and says,

“Hey bloke, why ya got so many pieces?”

To which the Cobbler replies,

“Well, unlike you the two of you, they built me strainer right in.”

You see, the Boston Shaker consists of a metal bottom and a mixing glass. They are inserted into each other for shaking or used separately for stirring or muddling. A separate strainer is required if crushed ice is used, but a skilled bartender would narrowly separate the two pieces and pour the drink through the resulting gap. The Cobbler Shaker on the other hand has three pieces that tapers at the top and ends with a built in strainer. The cap can also be used to measure your liquids. The Parisian Shaker is a two piece shaker with a metal bottom and cap. A strainer is required for this type of shaker, barring the separation method mentioned above.

By the late 19th century, the cocktail shaker as we now know it was in wide use, invented by an innkeeper who, while using two containers to pour drinks back and forth between, noticed that one container’s mouth was smaller than the other’s and held the two together and shook them “for a bit of a show”. During the 1920s prohibition era in the United States, cocktail shakers were produced in many different shapes and designs, including shakers that looked like penguins, zeppelins, lighthouses and airplanes. Cocktail shaker skills and drink rituals became as important in the Jazz Age lifestyle as knowing the latest dance step. It was after prohibition however, that cocktail shakers really reached their zenith of popularity. They appeared in movies, and were associated with the glamorous lives of movie stars. Cocktail shakers became de rigueur symbols of sophistication and symbols of the good life.

Alessi Bauhaus Cocktail Shaker

Presented for the first time in the Officina Alessi catalogue in 1989 after four years of work and research, this piece was originally attributed to Marianne Brandt by the authoritative Bruckmann’s Silber Lexicon which published its photo, assigned it to the Dessau Bauhaus and dated it to around 1925. But the shaker was subsequently re-attributed: research carried out in 1994 by the director of the Bauhaus Archiv, Peter Hahn, discovered that its designer was in actual fact Sylvia Stave from Sweden. A photo very like this shaker was published in the 1937 catalogue of a Swedish maker, C.G. Hallbergs of Stockholm.

Stelton Cocktail Shaker

A part of Stelton’s Classic Collection, this item was developed with simplicity, functionality, and a design-experience in mind. The shaker incorporates the body/cap and removable strainer in a sleek, easy to use format. It is ideal for shaking not stirring martinis or even margaritas. Like so many pieces in the Cylinda-Line, this piece is pure, simple, easy to use and perfect. A true Danish modern design classic designed by Arne Jacobsen. The Cylinda-Line is a perfect example of functionalist design. And was added to the line in 1969.

Pete the Penguin Cocktail Shaker

The Stainless Steel Penguin Cocktail Shaker from Norpro is a fresh interpretation of a whimsical 1930s–era design. Elegant and essential for those who love to entertain, this premiere quality piece of barware is forged of 18/8 stainless steel and features a built–in strainer. The lustrous finish is a complement to almost any style decor and is dishwasher safe.

Metrokane Bullet Cocktail Shaker

The 28-ounce Metrokane Bullet cocktail shaker won’t necessarily make people better bartenders, but it certainly helps them look the part. The art-deco-style Bullet is made of polished 18/8 stainless steel, with smooth lines and a gleaming surface that give any kitchen or den an air of sleek sophistication (think 007). Cocktail shakers work by reducing the alcohol’s temperature in crushed ice without diluting the taste of the beverage. Bartenders merely pour their martinis, margaritas, or Manhattans out of the integral strainer and voila–an attractive, flavorful beverage that looks almost as good as the Bullet itself. The drip-free spout ensures a minimum of spilling, and the entire unit–which comes packaged in a clear gift box–is dishwasher-safe.

Mad Science Bartending Set

Mix up intoxicating concoctions and play the role of the cocktail expert or doctor of love using our hilarious mad science bartending set. Your guests will smile widely and cheer as you shake up wild and crazy drinks using the cocktail shaker with a built-in strainer, or combine various liquors and mixers to make the ultimate cocktail in the large glass beaker, and then serve them in the toxic glass test tubes. A great way to get the conversation flowing, and a truly imaginative way to mix up those cocktails. Contents High-gloss plastic silver cocktail shaker, glass beaker, glass stirrer, 4 glass test tubes, and the black metal display / carrying tray.

Nambé Twist 10-Inch Cocktail Shaker

Guests and would-be bartenders won’t be able to keep their hands off this fantastic, modern cocktail shaker. Like many other Fred Bould creations in the Twist family, the shaker takes it design cues from the spiraling facets of a helix, twisting upward to a spectacular bullet point of a top. The deeply sculpted sides afford good grasping for either stirring or shaking. And because the shaker is made of thermal-retentive Nambé metal, it can be freezer-chilled before mixing, transferring the cold to your favorite concoction without adding unnecessary ice. Rubber rings in both the lid and removable strainer help provide a tight press fit. Made of brightly polished Nambé metal, the 10-inch shaker holds 15 ounces, ready to pour into the equally striking Twist Martini Glasses.

Graffiti Cocktail Shaker

For a shaker with a little more street cred check out this Graffiti Cocktail Shaker by William Kellogg which resembles a vintage Krylon can. The shaker looks like it could be kept in either one of your favorite two places in your home – where ever you keep the drinks and your garage. Just don’t have too many and try to use it to paint your deck. This stainless steel piece holds 14 oz of your favorite liquid. 3″ x 9

Sayer Auto Cocktail Shaker by Ralph Lauren

This sleek and sophisticated cocktail shaker is the perfect addition to the well-appointed home bar. Crafted from highly polished silver-plated brass in a sweeping, cylindrical silhouette that tapers to the base. The shaker is accented with the RL monogram in oversized block letters and comes with a removable warmer in supple stitched leather.