The shaker is one of the most necessary tools behind the bar in case of making cocktails. The bartenders and cocktail lovers are obsessed with two kinds of shakers that are popular and are known as the Boston cocktail shaker and the Manhattan shaker. They both have their own unique benefits and the decision made between the two will be based on the type of drinks one prepares, the available space and personal preferences. We shall explore the characteristics, advantages, and variations of these two iconic cocktail shakers in this blog.
The Boston Cocktail Shaker
The Boston shaker is considered to be the standard shaker of most bartenders, both professional and at-home. It is also known to be versatile and efficient. The shaker set usually includes two components, which include a mixing tin and a smaller one of a tin or a glass. The bigger tin contains the ingredients and the smaller one or glass is used as the lid.
A large capacity of the Boston shaker is one of the largest factors that make it a favorite amongst professionals as it can be used to shake several portions of cocktails or large volumes of cocktails at a time. This is particularly applicable in busy bars or events. The Boston shaker is also famous due to its easy usage design. The mixture is well sealed by the combination of the two tins and shaking of the mixture is smooth when the two tins are firmly in place.
Its open-ended design makes it incredibly easier to pour the contents of a shaker once mixed, with the help of a strainer. It is also convenient, which contributes to its attractiveness, particularly when making cocktails with a strain filter in order to get a smooth finish.
Although deemed to be efficient, the Boston shaker takes a certain amount of manpower to master particularly in tightening the two tins to prevent spills. Nevertheless, bartenders are able to conceive impressive drinks in only a few seconds, but at the same time, in a precise way.
The Manhattan Shaker
Manhattan shaker on the other hand is a more classic, fancy instrument that gives out a smooth look. This is mostly sold in a two part system, including an inbuilt strainer on the cover and is thus ideal to other individuals who would want to have a small shaker. It has a more elegant and polished design which is usually thought to be better than that of the Boston shaker.
Manhattan shaker is more popular among home bartenders or with professionals, who make traditional cocktails, such as Manhattan itself. Its smaller size and built in strainer is more convenient to use when making single servings and providing a more streamlined cocktail experience. It suits best bartenders that specialize in making cocktails that are delicate and precise like martinis or old fashioned.
The other advantage of the Manhattan shaker is that the lid is closed thus it fits tighter to shake. This is because you do not have to worry about the lid going loose during the shaking process that in other cases occurs with the Boston shaker. Nonetheless, the tightness can render it somewhat harder to use by the novices than the Boston shaker.
The Manhattan shaker is a smaller design that can fit anywhere and is also a good alternative to those with limited bar space. Also, the strainer is inbuilt with the lid so that you can have everything under one smooth tool.
Let’s Compare
Although the purpose of the two shakers is the same, that is mixing cocktails, they differ in terms of their size, capacity, ease, and style of design.
1. Capacity and Versatility
The Boston shaker has a larger size of up to 28 oz in the tin, and therefore, it can be used to mix multiple drinks simultaneously. It works best at partying or in the office where you may be required to shake various portions simultaneously. Manhattan shaker, in its turn, is usually smaller, having a 16 oz capacity, which makes it appropriate to single servings and more sophisticated and elaborate cocktails.
2. Shaking Process
Many people prefer using the Boston shaker since it enables possible vigor placement that facilitates the attainment of a smoother finish in certain cocktails. Nonetheless, the seal of the Manhattan shaker is a bit looser to allow the non-expert bartender to make the drink yet still mastering the art of shaking.
3. Straining
The Manhattan shaker also includes an inbuilt strainer on the top so that it is specifically convenient to serve beverages in the shaker without use of any other equipment. The Boston shaker however needs another strainer and this might look like an extra step, but at least the process of straining can be better controlled.
4. Storage and Portability
The Manhattan shaker is smaller and therefore more portable and it can be easily stored compared to Boston shaker. This enables it to fit perfectly in home bars or limited counter space areas. In the meantime, the Boston Shaker is a larger but highly useful device in most workplaces because of its capacity and effectiveness.
5. Aesthetic and Presentation
The Manhattan shaker has a smoother and more traditional appearance whereas the Boston shaker is more functional in its appearance. They are both professional devices, but in case you value the appearance of your bar tools, the smooth and fancy design of the Manhattan shaker can fit better in your living room.
How to Choose Between the Two Shakers
There is no need to be elaborate when making the decision on whether to use a Boston shaker or a Manhattan shaker; that is, depending on your needs and preferences. The Boston cocktail shaker can be the best option in case you have to work with big crowds and have more batches to prepare. The Manhattan shaker may also be more suitable in case you want to make one cocktail at a time in a more sophisticated yet smaller design.
Interplay Concepts has a range of bar products too including cocktail shaker and other bar tools that are perfect in the hands of both professionals and amateurs. Their Shaker Set gives a perfect choice to any person who wants to make his or her cocktail-making experience more valuable.
It does not matter whether you shake a classic martini or you are making a creative cocktail, a shaker will matter. Finally, the Boston shaker and the Manhattan shaker have their advantages. With the knowledge of their differences, you will be able to choose the shaker that fits your bartending style and requirements.
