Cocktail shakers can leak for two reasons: either the shaker is of low quality and needs an upgrade, or it’s not being used correctly. If it’s the latter, there are several techniques you can try depending on the type of shaker you use. In this post, we’ll guide you through them.
There are three main types: the Boston shaker, the Cobbler shaker, and the French (or Parisian) shaker:
The Boston Shaker is popular among professional bartenders. It has two parts: a metal tin and a mixing glass or another tin. It doesn’t come with a built-in cocktail strainer, so you’ll need a separate one, like a Hawthorne or Julep strainer, to filter out ice and any solids. It has a large capacity so it's ideal if you’re mixing multiple drinks at once.
The Cobbler shaker is a three-piece design with a metal shaker tin, a built-in strainer, and a small cap. It's perfect for beginners since it’s easy to use and includes everything you need to shake and strain a drink. However, you need to be careful with this one—if the shaker gets too cold, the lid can get stuck. A little tip is to run the lid under warm water to release it easily.
The French or Parisian shaker is similar to the Boston shaker but is a two-piece design without the glass. It consists of two metal tins—one fits over the other to create a secure seal. It has a sleek, classic look that many people love, and it’s a bit more common in Europe. You'll need a separate strainer since it doesn’t come with one.
Here's how to use each shaker properly to avoid messy leaks:
Start by filling the metal tin about halfway with ice and ingredients. When you’re ready to shake, place the glass (or smaller tin) on top of the metal tin at a slight angle. Press down firmly with the heel of your hand and twist slightly so that the two parts lock into place. You need to have an airtight seal. If you hear a slight hiss when you’re shaking, you might not have sealed it tightly enough.
When you’re done shaking, hold the metal tin in one hand and tap the side near the top edge with the palm of your other hand to break the seal. If the seal does not separate, tap the tin on the edge of a hard surface.
With a Cobbler shaker, you’re dealing with three parts, so each piece needs a secure fit to prevent leaks. First, fill the bottom tin with ice and ingredients, then press the top with the strainer onto the tin. The fit should be snug to get a proper seal. Make sure not to overfill the shaker, as it can cause pressure to build up and make the top pop off.
After you place the cap on the strainer, give it a gentle twist. If you notice the cap getting loose while you’re shaking, pause and tighten it to avoid spills. After shaking, the tight seal created can make it tough to pull off the cap. If this happens, run the shaker under warm water for a few seconds to loosen it up.
To use a French shaker, start by filling the tin with your ingredients, then place the cap on top. Press down firmly and twist slightly to make sure it’s secure. Some French shakers have a looser fit, so give the top a quick tap to seal it tightly.
While you’re shaking, hold the shaker with both hands—one on the tin and the other on the cap. This way, you can prevent the top from slipping. When you’re done, give the cap a gentle twist and pull to break the seal. Now pour into the pint glass.
A small tip: always make sure the cap is dry before putting it on, as any moisture can make it harder to grip and increase the chances of a leak.
If you’re still dealing with leaks, here are a few reasons why it might be happening:
For the first two issues, it might be time to upgrade or get a new shaker to prevent leaks.
Here are a few simple maintenance tips that will help extend the life of your shaker:
With these tips, you'll be mixing drinks without any leaks in no time! Looking to level up your bartending skills? Check out the Pepe Nero bartender kit—it’s got everything you need to make mixed drinks right at home. Shop with us today.