As a general thumb rule in using cocktail shaker, the decision to shake
or stir often depends on if the final cocktail is to be clear, or
slightly opaque.
The benefits of a cocktail shaker are :
- It serves to combines the ingredients of the drink.
- It aids in very quickly chilling the drink.
History of Cocktail Shaker
The history of cocktail shaker traces back to 7000 BC in South America.
The jar gourd was valued for its use as a closed container. Ancient
Egyptians in 3500 BC knew that adding spices to their grain
fermentations before serving made them more palatable. Prior to this
most bartenders simply used a mixing glass or pitcher of some sort to
mix their drinks in. Later in 1872, the first patent cocktail shaker
appeared to be filed. This particular shaker was far more mechanical in
nature then what is seen these days.
In the earlier period drinking was considered illegal, so even after
the first cocktail shaker had appeared it was not openly used. The real
popularity explosion of cocktail shakers occurred after the repeal of
Prohibition in 1933.
Types of Cocktail Shaker
- Cobbler Shaker - This is a standard shaker made
of three pieces, a beaker, a lid and in built strainer. There is
also a small cap that covers the lid and the strainer. The strainer
is used to hold back pieces of ice fruit pieces and seeds when
pouring a cocktail. It has two disadvantages : strainer is difficult
to clean and liquid pours out slowly.
- Boston Shaker - This shaker comprises of two
pieces, a metal mixing tumbler and a small glass tumbler. It does
not have the in built strainer. The glass tumbler fits inside the
metal tumbler and has the advantage that the glass beaker is also
suitable for use as a mixing glass.
