Boston Shaker vs. Cobbler Shaker: Pros and Cons

When you're aiming to craft a professional-grade cocktail, technique isn’t the only key factor—choosing the right tools can significantly impact both the outcome and the experience. This is especially true when you're a beginner bartender, as selecting the right shaker can be even more crucial. Among the many types of shakers, the Boston shaker and the cobbler shaker are the two most popular choices. But which one is the best for you?

In this guide, we’ll compare the pros and cons of both, and offer our recommendation. Once you choose the right shaker, you're one step closer to mastering the art of cocktails! Let's dive in.

Jump to:

• Boston Shaker
• Cobbler Shaker

Boston Shaker

The Boston shaker comes in two main variations based on material: tin-on-tin and tin-on-glass, with the former being the more popular choice. Its design is simple, consisting of a large tin and a small tin, typically with the large tin holding 28 oz (830 ml) and the small one holding 18 oz (530 ml). It's the shaker of choice for many professional bartenders.

Pros:

• Large Capacity: It can hold more liquid and ingredients, meaning you can make multiple drinks at once. This is especially important for busy bars and high-traffic parties.
• Easy to Clean: The simple design makes it very easy to clean, with no hard-to-reach corners. This makes it more efficient overall, as you can quickly rinse it after making one drink and get right back to work.
• Won’t Get Stuck: It rarely gets stuck, making the shaking process smoother. You don’t have to worry about being unable to open your shaker and missing out on that well-earned cocktail.
• Professional Feel: Due to its cultural and historical significance, along with its powerful functionality, it holds a top position in the cocktail world. It's almost synonymous with bartending, giving off an impression of tradition and professionalism.
• Flexible Pairing: As mentioned, the tin-on-tin style is more common, but you can also opt for the tin-on-glass version if you prefer being able to see the ingredients mix. Plus, since the design is relatively consistent, if one of the tins breaks, it’s easy to buy a replacement.

Cons:

• Dependency on Accessories: Its functionality is somewhat limited in scope on its own and typically requires pairing with a strainer, jigger, and other bar tools to fully mix a drink.
• Average Seal Quality: The seal quality can vary depending on the user. Beginners may find it difficult to achieve a proper seal and shake, leading to potential leaks. Experienced bartenders, however, will have better control.
• Larger and Heavier: It generally weighs around 1 pound (about 450 g), with the tin-on-glass version being even heavier. When ice and liquids are added, it feels even more substantial, which can make it slightly harder to handle, particularly for female bartenders. In contrast, for male bartenders or professionals who frequently mix drinks, some prefer the heavier, more stable feel.

Overall, the Boston shaker is highly efficient and reliable, which is why it's favored by professional bartenders. If you have experience with bartending, it’s undoubtedly an excellent tool. However, if you're a beginner, it may take some practice to master.

Cobbler Shaker

The cobbler shaker has a main body, a lid with a built-in strainer, and a cap. It comes in common sizes like 12 oz (350 ml), 16 oz (470 ml), and 24 oz (700 ml). Personally, I’d say it’s incredibly easy to use right from the start.

Pros:

• Versatile: The built-in strainer and cap with a 1 oz (30 ml) measurement make the cobbler shaker highly functional. It allows you to mix cocktails without the need for other tools, simplifying the bartending process.
• Strong Seal: The three-piece structure allows the components to naturally fit together, creating a tight seal that effectively prevents leaks and spills. This lets you shake with confidence and without worry.
• Compact and Lightweight: Its smaller size and light design make it easy to handle, even allowing you to shake with just one hand. The streamlined shape also provides a better grip.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Many find its appearance more refined and elegant, making it particularly suitable for home gatherings or social events. However, this is mainly a matter of personal aesthetic preference.

Cons:

• Limited Capacity: Its capacity is generally smaller, which can reduce its efficiency. However, if you typically make just 1-2 drinks at a time, this may not be a drawback. Additionally, you can choose the 24 oz version to balance this issue.
• Can Get Stuck: It’s prone to getting stuck, especially after vigorous shaking for extended periods, or when parts get deformed or misaligned due to impact or drops.
• Average Straining Performance: While it comes with a built-in strainer, if you're looking for more detailed straining, you'll still need a Hawthorne strainer. The spring in the Hawthorne strainer helps strain out small solid particles like fruit pulp.
• Basic Measuring Function: While most cobbler shaker caps can hold 1 oz, some versions do not feature a measurement function. If you need more precise measurements, it’s recommended to use a jigger.
• Difficult to Replace Parts: Due to the variety of styles and sizes, if you lose the cap or lid, it can be relatively difficult to purchase replacement parts separately.
• Not as Professional: This doesn’t mean it’s inferior. As one of the three most well-known shakers worldwide (the other being the French shaker, also known as the Parisian shaker), its design is certainly professional. However, some people may feel that using it gives off a more amateurish impression, since the Boston shaker—being widely recognized and historically significant—is often associated with a higher professional standard.

The cobbler shaker is highly versatile, making it a favorite among beginners, home bartenders, and cocktail enthusiasts who prefer a simple setup. That said, it’s also well-suited for professionals. In fact, it is widely used in bars across Japan and is highly praised.

Conclusion

Both the Boston shaker and the cobbler shaker have their own strengths, and there’s no definitive answer as to which one is better. Choosing between them depends on your personal needs, preferences, and bartending habits. If you are a professional bartender or someone seeking a more advanced cocktail-making experience, the Boston shaker is clearly the better choice. On the other hand, if you’re a cocktail enthusiast who values ease of use, the cobbler shaker might be more suitable for you.

After reading this guide, you should have a clearer idea of which shaker best suits your needs. However, if you’re still unsure, feel free to purchase both and test them out to see which one fits your style better. If you have any experiences or thoughts while using either shaker, we’d love to hear your insights in the comments section.