Glossary
Boston shaker
A two-piece cocktail shaker made of a large metal tin and a smaller tin or mixing glass, favored by bartenders for speed.
A Boston shaker is made of two pieces, most often a large metal tin paired with either a smaller metal tin or a heavy glass, that seal together when tapped and pressed. It has no built-in strainer, so a separate Hawthorne strainer is used to pour the finished drink. It is the shaker most working bartenders reach for.
The two-piece design seals faster and holds a stronger seal when the metal contracts around ice, which is part of why it is preferred behind busy bars. It also breaks apart easily with a firm tap, even after a hard, cold shake, whereas some other shaker styles can jam shut. The larger volume also handles bigger drinks or double batches without overfilling.
When choosing one, look at wall thickness and weight, since thin cheap tins dent and warp, which then makes them harder to seal and separate. A weighted or textured grip on one tin helps with control during a vigorous shake. A common mistake for beginners is under filling with ice, which slows chilling and gives a weaker, less diluted result than intended.