FREE EXPEDITED SHIPPING

0

Your Cart is Empty

August 26, 2024 4 min read

Cocktail shakers are great for making popular cocktails like margaritas, negronis, martinis, old-fashioned and more. But what if you're stuck in an Airbnb or in a place that does not have a shaker? What can you improvise with? Here are several everyday tools you can use to shake up a delicious drink.


Tools You Can Use Instead of a Shaker

 

hands cheering cocktail glasses
Credit: Envato Elements/ seventyfourimages

When you don’t have a cocktail shaker, several common kitchen items can be used as alternatives:


Mason Glass Jars

Spill-proof mason jars are great because they come with a tight-sealing lid, which keeps your ingredients securely inside as you shake. Just add your vodka and other ingredients to the jar, secure the lid tightly, and give it a good shake. The wide mouth also makes it easy to add ice, and when you’re done, you can simply pour your cocktail straight from the jar.


Tumbler and Plastic Wrap

A sturdy tumbler or even a large glass is also a great option. To keep things from spilling, cover the top with plastic wrap, and then hold it in place with your hand. It’s important to make sure the wrap is secure, so your cocktail ingredients don’t end up everywhere. Shake it as you would with a shaker. It’s not as perfect as a sealed shaker, but it gets the job done.


Protein Shaker

If you’ve got a protein shaker from your gym days, you’re in luck. Protein shakers are built to mix, so they’re pretty handy for cocktails too. The built-in strainer is a nice touch, making it easy to pour your cocktail without letting the ice or fruit chunks through. Just make sure it’s clean and free of any protein powder residue unless you’re looking to have a very unique flavor.


Two Cups or Glasses

You can use two cups or glasses that fit snugly together. One should be slightly larger than the other, so you can create a seal by placing the smaller one upside down inside the larger one. Hold them tightly together and shake. It might take a bit of practice to get the hang of it, but once you do, it’s a surprisingly effective method. Make sure the cups are sturdy enough to handle the shaking.


Travel Mug

Your travel mug with a tight-fitting lid can double as a cocktail shaker. Just make sure the lid is secure before shaking. Travel mugs are designed to keep liquids from spilling, so they work well for this purpose. Plus, most travel mugs have a decent capacity, so you can easily make multiple servings at once if needed.


Tupperware Container

A sturdy Tupperware container can also do the trick. Make sure the lid snaps on securely to prevent any mess. Add your ingredients and ice, snap on the lid, and shake it up. Be careful with the pouring, as the wide mouth can make it easy to spill.


Protein Shaker Bottle

If you’ve got a protein shaker bottle, you’ve already got a handy cocktail tool. The built-in strainer is perfect for keeping ice and other large ingredients out of your glass. To use it, add your cocktail ingredients and ice, secure the lid, and shake away.


Thermos

A thermos can be surprisingly effective for making cocktails. Its insulated design keeps your drink cold while you shake it, and the screw-on lid ensures no leaks. Just pour your ingredients and ice into the thermos, close it tightly, and shake. The narrow opening might make it a bit tricky to pour, so consider using a funnel or a fine strainer to help transfer your cocktail into a glass.


Tips for Making the Perfect Cocktail Without a Shaker

 

different types of cocktails lined up on a table
Credit: Envato Elements/ Olga_Kochina

  • Chill whatever tool you’re using for around 30 minutes. This will help keep your drink cold and will give your drink a refreshing taste.
  • Use crushed ice instead of large ice cubes. Crushed ice moves around more easily, helping to mix your ingredients thoroughly. You can crush ice by wrapping it in a clean towel and giving it a few good whacks with a rolling pin or other heavy object.
  • If you want your drink without bits, after pouring your cocktail from your mixing tool, pour it through a fine mesh strainer into your glass.

How to Create a Frothy Cocktail Without a Shaker

 

hands holding different types of cocktails
Credit: Envato Elements/ xapdemolle

  • For cocktails that require a frothy texture, such as a whiskey sour or a Ramos gin fizz, achieving the right consistency without a shaker is possible:
  • Pour your ingredients into a mason jar and shake vigorously for a longer period (about 30-60 seconds) to create froth.
  • If you don’t have a jar, use a small whisk or fork to beat the ingredients in a bowl or large cup until frothy.
  • For an extra frothy texture, blend the ingredients for a few seconds, but be careful not to over-blend and dilute the drink.

Summary


Making a cocktail without a shaker is easier than you might think. With a few simple tools you already have at home and some handy tips, you can mix up a delicious drink in no time. Just remember to chill your tools, use crushed ice, and shake a little longer for the best results.

Ready to take your classic negroni or lillet blanc skills to the next level? The Pepe Nero Bartender Kit has everything you need to make professional-quality cocktails at home. From a sleek shaker to all the essential tools, this kit makes mixing drinks a breeze. Shop with us today.


Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Blog

How to Use a Cocktail Shaker Strainer
How to Use a Cocktail Shaker Strainer

September 30, 2024 4 min read

Here's how to use a cocktail shaker strainer.
What Is in a Bartender Kit?
What Is in a Bartender Kit?

September 16, 2024 5 min read

Let's dive into what exactly goes into a bartender kit and why each tool is a must-have for creating perfect cocktails.
How to Muddle Mint Without a Muddler
How to Muddle Mint Without a Muddler

September 09, 2024 4 min read

Wondering how to use a muddler? Continue reading to learn more.