Cocktail Shaker FAQ

To open a Boston shaker, hold the side where the cups seem more stuck, your pointer and middle fingers on the top cup. Then use your other palm to tap the frosted seal until the tins wiggle loose from each other. We have a detailed video to show you exactly how to do this.

To clean a Boston shaker, first separate the two components. Hand-wash both pieces in warm, soapy water with a soft cloth or sponge, & rinse thoroughly. Allow it to air dry before reassembling the shaker before your next bartending session. The A Bar Above Boston shaker is also dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

Using a Boston shaker can be intimidating at first, but with practice, it becomes much easier. To use it properly, fit the two components together firmly, & shake vigorously for about 10 seconds. It is important to make sure you have a tight seal so that no liquid escapes during shaking.

The Boston shaker is named for its place of origin, the city of Boston. It was invented by European bartenders who migrated to the U.S. during the 19th century & was popularized in the early 20th century during Prohibition.

There are two main types of cocktail shakers, the cobbler and Boston shakers. The cobbler shaker is a three-piece shaker that consists of a metal cup, a cap with a built-in strainer, and a lid. The Boston shaker is a two-piece shaker that consists of a larger metal mixing glass and a smaller metal shaker tin.

A Boston Shaker is weighted on the bottom to keep ingredients in place while you mix cocktails. In addition to the weight, it also comes with a lid that fits snugly onto the ends of the two separate parts of the shaker. A weighted Boston Shaker is essential for any home bartender or aspiring mixologist.