It's not uncommon for a cocktail shaker lid to get stuck. This usually happens cause the metal expands due to the ice when shaking. So how do you open the shaker when this happens? Here’s how to handle this situation.
Why Do Cocktail Shakers Get Stuck?
Credit: Envato Elements/ Olga_Kochina
There are multiple reasons why a cocktail shaker could get stuck:
- You might have a mismatched lid and body.
- The ingredients of the cocktail might be stuck in the opening of the shaker.
- You did not seal the shaker properly when closing it.
- The quick change in temperature due to the ice or cold water caused the metal of the shaker to expand.
How to Open a Stuck Cocktail Shaker Lid
Credit: Envato Elements/ EmanueleRaveccaPhotographer
Got a lid that's stuck? Here are a few ways to unreleased it:
Boston Shaker
The Boston-style shaker is made up of two cups that fit together, usually one metal and one glass or another metal. When it’s stuck, here’s what to do:
- Hold the bottom shaker tin (or glass) in one hand and tap the top half with your other hand’s palm. This should release the tight seal enough for you to twist and pull the two parts apart.
- If tapping doesn’t work right away, try a gentle twist. Grip both parts and twist them in opposite directions while pulling slightly.
- If it’s still stuck, hold the shaker upside down and run hot water over the metal part for a few seconds. The warmth will make the metal expand a bit, loosening the seal. Then try the tap-and-twist again.
Cobbler Shakers
The cobbler shaker is the classic three-piece setup: a large cup, a small cap, and a built-in strainer. These tend to get stuck at the cap part. Here’s what you can try:
- Start by gripping the large base of the closed shaker and try to wiggle the cap back and forth.
- Use the heel of your hand to tap around the top where the cap meets the strainer. Tap, then try to twist and pull off the cap gently.
- If it’s really stuck, hold the base under warm water for a few seconds. This can expand the metal and loosen the seal just enough. Then, go back to wiggling or tapping the cap.
- If it’s slippery or still won’t move, wrap a towel around the cap for extra grip, then try to twist it off.
French Shaker
The French shaker is similar to the Boston, but it’s two pieces without the glass part – usually, it’s all metal. Here’s how to open it when it gets stuck:
- Hold the larger part of the metal shaker and tap where the two metal parts meet.
- After tapping, try twisting the pieces in opposite directions.
- If it's still stuck, warm up the bottom part under some warm water for a few seconds, which should expand the metal just a bit. Then go back to tapping and twisting, and it should come loose.
Summary
There you go! A stuck lid doesn’t have to be a big deal. With a little patience and one of these tricks, you’ll be back to shaking up cocktails in no time.
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