The cocktail shaker is a bartender’s best friend. The perfect cocktail shaker has the ability to mix ingredients seamlessly, while also maintaining the integrity of each individual ingredient. It needs to be sturdy and leak-proof, with a tight seal and efficient pouring mechanism.

There are many different types of art deco cocktail shakers on the market but in this article, we six of our favorite cocktail shakers that will compliment your home bar setup.

Viski gold cocktail shaker

Viski art deco gold cocktail shaker

This cocktail shaker is a stunning addition to any bar and makes a wonderful gift. The stainless steel cup with gold electroplated finish and decorative etching is an essential bartending tool that includes a built-in strainer and a precise measurement cap. This tool is the height of 1920s glamour, and its 24-ounce capacity is perfect for batch Manhattans, margaritas, or other cocktail recipes.

Godinger dublin copcktail shaker

Godinger Dublin cocktail shaker

Godinger has been producing handmade silver, pewter, crystal, stainless, and alternative metal giftware since 1973. You can find the right present for any occasion, whether it's a wedding present, barware, bakeware, tea sets, or picture frames. Godinger items are sold at major retailers across the United States and Canada.

Joycmall cocktail shaker

Joycemall glass cocktail shaker

This premium cocktail shaker set includes a metallic gold, rose gold, and silver stainless steel lid. Because the lid has a silicone seal around the edge, your mixed drinks will be well mixed. Pour without leaking or splashing thanks to the silicone seal around the rim. If you want to open the cocktail shaker, turn the small cover and avoid spilling extra water.

Viski diamond

Viski Diamond Cocktail shaker

The sparkle-catching diamond divots on this magnificently textured shaker give you an excuse to make a batch of Martinis! This hammered stainless steel bar tool provides a new level of decadence to your cocktail experience. The 25-ounce capacity is suitable for batch cocktails, and the texture reduces the coldness in your hand.

Viski Parisian

Viski Parisian gold plated

This gold-plated stainless steel cocktail shaker provides the decadence needed to make martinis, cosmopolitans, and Manhattans. Using this tool, you can create batch cocktails and entertain. You can bring a French touch to your barware with this bar tool. This bar tool is crafted from gold-plated stainless steel and provides a fresh new look. Its 25-ounce capacity is suitable for large batches and parties.

Highball & Chaser Bartender Kit

Highball & Chaser Bartender Kit

Your bar collection should not be incomplete; ours includes a lemon and lime knife for cutting lemons and limes, a lemon zester with a new channel knife to make lemon and lime twists, and a fine mesh strainer to keep foam and pulp out of tall, straight cocktails. By purchasing our Highball & Chaser Bar Set, you can be confident that you are getting the highest quality, most complete bartender kit available. 

What is a cocktail shaker?

A cocktail shaker is essentially a mixing or serving vessel that is used to blend drinks containing at least two ingredients. Long before the invention of the cocktail shaker, drinks were mixed with a variety of ingredients in other containers, such as a bowl or a pitcher.

The cocktail shaker was invented in the early 19th century in the United States. Although the exact inventor of the cocktail shaker is unknown, the first shakers resembled a common kitchen tea strainer. Since that time, numerous variations have been developed.

During the Prohibition period in the United States (1920-1933), when the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages were illegal, bartenders had to be creative in their methods of preparing cocktails, so drink mixers were created. The drink mixer, which is a two-piece shaker, has been the most common type since the 1930s. The cocktail shaker is used to mix cocktails that contain two or more ingredients, such as the Martini or Mojito. The cocktail shaker can also be used as a decorative serving piece.

How to choose the best art deco cocktail shaker

The cocktail shaker is one of the most essential pieces of equipment in a bartender’s home bar. It’s also one of the most frequently misused. The all-important task of choosing the best cocktail shaker can turn into a bit of a headache if you don’t know what to look for. Here’s our guide to selecting the best cocktail shaker for your home bar.

Type of shaker 

There are 3 main types of cocktail shakers:

  • Hawaii
  • The cafeteria
  • The Japanese

The Hawaii shaker is the most common, though many bartenders prefer the sturdiness of the cafeteria shaker.

The Japanese shaker is a rarer option, but with its “press and strain” method, it’s an excellent choice for people who find Hawaii shakers difficult to work with.

Material

The best cocktail shaker is made from stainless steel. Other materials, such as glass, are not suitable for home bartenders. While a glass shaker might look fancy as decoration in a home bar, it’s not suitable for heavy use.

Some stainless steel cocktail shakers have plastic components, while others have no plastic at all. Stainless steel is a durable, hygienic, and sustainable material that will last for many years. It is also dishwasher-safe and easy to clean.

Volume 

The volume of your cocktail shaker is an important factor to consider. There are many different shaker sizes available, ranging from 4 ounces to 32 ounces. Take note of which size of cocktail shaker is most commonly used in your favorite cocktail recipes. For example, a martini recipe will most likely use a standard 16-ounce cocktail shaker.