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