Cocktail mixing cups are essential barware tools used by bartenders to prepare cocktails. They are specially designed cups that allow bartenders to measure and mix cocktail ingredients together before pouring the finished drink into a glass. Cocktail mixing cups have a few different common names used to refer to them including:
Boston shaker
The Boston shaker is the most popular type of cocktail mixing cup. It consists of two parts – a large metal mixing cup and a slightly smaller metal tumbler which fits loosely inside the larger cup. The two cups are placed together and shaken to mix and chill the cocktail ingredients before straining into a serving glass. Boston shakers are easy to use, durable, and allow for quick chilling and aeration of cocktails. They get their name from their popularity among bartenders in Boston in the late 1800s.
Cobbler shaker
The cobbler shaker is another common type of cocktail mixing cup. It is composed of three parts – a metal bottom mixing tin, a metal or wooden top cap with a built-in strainer, and a small metal cap that fits over the strainer. The ingredients are placed in the metal bottom tin, the strainer cap is placed on top, and then the small metal cap covers the strainer holes while shaking. The ingredients are chilled and mixed together before the small metal cap is removed to pour the cocktail through the strainer. Cobbler shakers provide good mixing, chilling, and straining all in one vessel.
French shaker
The French shaker, also known as a Parisian shaker, is made up of two metal tins – one slightly smaller than the other – that fit together in a nesting fashion. The smaller tin functions as a built-in strainer. The ingredients are placed in the smaller tin which is then covered by the larger tin for shaking. Once shaken, the smaller tin is removed from the larger one to pour the cocktail strained through the small tin’s perforations. French shakers are uncomplicated and portable.
Mixing glass
A mixing glass is a large, thick glass tumbler used to mix cocktails. Cocktail ingredients are placed directly into the mixing glass and stirred with ice using barspoons or paddles until properly chilled and mixed. The cocktail is then strained from the mixing glass into serving glasses. Mixing glasses allow for gentler mixing and cooler temperatures than metal shakers. They are commonly used for stirred cocktails like Martinis rather than shaken drinks.
Other Types of Mixing Cups
In addition to the most common styles, there are also some other more unique or specialized cocktail mixing cups bartenders may use:
- Pint glasses or beer mugs – Can be used similarly to a mixing glass for stirring cocktails.
- Mason jars – Allow for infused cocktails or batch cocktails to be shaken.
- Plastic protein shaker – Portable protein shake cups can also be used to quickly shake up cocktails.
- Pitchers – Large plastic pitchers are useful for batch cocktails or cocktail punches.
Key Features of Cocktail Mixing Cups
The best cocktail mixing cups, regardless of specific type, tend to share some common features that makes them useful for preparing cocktails:
- Adequate size – Big enough to hold multiple ingredients and ice for most cocktail recipes.
- Proper seal – Forms a tight seal with accompanying parts so liquid does not leak while shaking.
- Durable material – Usually stainless steel or glass thick enough to withstand repeated use and washing.
- Insulating properties – Metal cups in particular can get very cold for proper chilling.
- Strainer function – Built-in strainers in cobbler and French shakers make for easy pouring.
- Easy to grip – Shakers should have a shape and surface for bartenders to grip securely.
- Dishwasher safe – Mixing cups should stand up to commercial dishwasher cleaning.
Cocktail Mixing Cup Sizes
Cocktail shakers and mixing glasses come in a range of sizes to accommodate different uses and quantities:
| Cup Size | Capacity | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 16-20 oz | Single cocktails |
| Medium | 28-32 oz | 2-3 cocktails |
| Large | 40-64 oz | Batch cocktails or cocktails with many ingredients |
| Extra Large | 84+ oz | Large batches or punch bowls |
Popular Brands of Cocktail Mixing Cups
Some of the top brands of cocktail shakers and mixing glasses known for their quality and popularity behind the bar include:
- Koriko – Japanese brand making premium Boston shakers and hawthorne strainers
- Cocktail Kingdom – Offers a wide range of professional mixing cups and barware
- OXO – Known for their dual-channel cobbler shakers for easy straining
- VonShef – Affordable quality shakers available in lots of colors and sizes
- KitchenAid – Durable stainless steel Boston shakers in ergonomic shapes
- Ravenscroft – Elegant hand-blown crystal mixing glasses for stirred cocktails
- Barfly – Budget-friendly and colorful acrylic cocktail shakers and tumblers
- Yarai – Makes traditional Japanese hand-blown mixing glasses for stirred drinks
How to Use a Cocktail Shaker
Using a Boston, cobbler, or French cocktail shaker properly is important for mixing drinks correctly and efficiently. Follow these basic steps for shaking cocktails:
- Assemble the shaker by fitting the smaller tin/glass inside the larger one.
- Fill the smaller tin/glass about 2/3 full with ice cubes or crushed ice.
- Pour the cocktail ingredients into the smaller tin/glass.
- Fit the larger tin over the top and seal the shaker by tapping the top edge gently.
- Hold the shaker securely and shake vigorously up and down for 10-15 seconds.
- Strain the cocktail by fitting the smaller tin/glass into the shaker opening.
- Pour strained cocktail into serving glass.
Tips for Proper Shaking Technique
- Use plenty of ice to chill and dilute cocktails sufficiently.
- Make sure the shaker seals well before shaking to prevent spills and leaks.
- Shake up and down rather than side to side for best mixing action.
- Shake vigorously for at least 10-15 seconds for proper chilling and aeration.
- Let foam settle after shaking before straining for clearer cocktail presentation.
- Use a Hawthorne or julep strainer when straining to catch ice and solids.
Caring for Cocktail Shakers and Mixing Cups
Cocktail shakers and mixing cups will last a long time with proper care. Here are some tips for keeping them in good condition:
- Handwash with warm soapy water after each use – don’t put in dishwasher.
- Fully dry shakers after washing to prevent spotting or rusting.
- Store shakers assembled to prevent losing parts.
- Use a cloth between metal parts when assembling or shaking to prevent scratching.
- Polish or shine stainless steel regularly to maintain luster.
- Don’t use harsh cleaning chemicals or abrasive scrubbers or sponges.
- Don’t drop shakers or bang them around unnecessarily.
- Replace broken or bent parts rather than continuing to use damaged ones.
Conclusion
Whether called a Boston shaker, cobbler shaker, French shaker, or mixing glass, cocktail mixing cups are essential tools for any bartender. They allow cocktails to be quickly and easily mixed, chilled, and strained into glasses for serving. With proper selection of a quality shaker, knowledge of shaking technique, and regular care, a good cocktail mixing cup should provide years of service behind the bar mixing up drinks.