To mix cocktails, you need a decent cocktail shaker. Of course, you also need a Hawthorne strainer and a bar spoon. Plus, you'll also need a jigger to measure the ingredients, and possibly a second strainer. Buying all these things individually quickly adds up to a small fortune. That's why it makes sense, especially as a beginner, to invest in a great cocktail shaker set.
In our test, the best shaker set overall was the one from Barfly. It includes a shaker, strainer, bar spoon, and jigger; -but also a quality mixing glass for stirring cocktails. In case you're looking for the best affordable set, it's the one from Mixology & Craft that sells for just $35 and comes in various colors.
In general, most shaker sets include all the essential bartending tools. You can often choose between a whole variety of colors, from silver to copper, gold, and matte black. To save you from inferior sets and research on Reddit, check out our list of the best cocktail shaker sets to buy in 2023.
Best Cocktail Shaker Set for Beginners
- Material: Stainless steel
- Brand: Mixology & Craft
- Color: Gold (also available in steel, black, and copper)
- Price: $35
If you just started making cocktails, this set from Mixology & Craft only has the most essential tools you need to shake cocktails. -And this beautifully designed and packaged gold bar shaker set is of exceptional quality. The set contains two weighted shaker tins, a Japanese jigger, and a solid Hawthorne strainer.
The pricing is reasonable, and you will be hard-pressed to find better value for money. This bundle includes a set of cocktail recipe cards for some of the most popular drinks as a bonus present. It is an excellent choice for anyone who is just starting to learn how to prepare cocktails.
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Available in different colors
- Ideal for beginners
Cons:
- No second strainer and bar spoon included
Best Advanced Cocktail Shaker Set
- Material: Stainless steel
- Brand: Abarabove
- Color: Copper (also available in steel and gold)
- Price: $99
This 14-piece set by Abarabove is ideal if you're seeking something more valuable. It comes with a variety of extra tools packaged in lovely packaging. You also receive a Jigger, bar spoon, three different strainers (Hawthorne, Julep, and fine-mesh strainer), muddler, and other great cocktail picks in addition to the cocktail shaker.
The entire set seems and feels quite substantial. This is all you need to get started preparing your first drinks as a home bartender. A mixing glass would still be a good addition. However, you could also use the larger shaking tin to make stirred drinks. Overall, it's one of the most comprehensive bartender shaker sets available.
Pros:
- Contains everything you need
- Available in different colors
- Ideal for advanced home bartenders
Cons:
- The comparably high price point
- Lacks mixing glass
Best All-in-one Shaker Set from OXO
- Material: Stainless steel
- Brand: OXO
- Color: Steel
- Price: $35
OXO makes some stunning bar tools. I frequently recommend these long-lasting cocktail shakers and strainers. "It's just a shaker," you may think. "What's the big deal about it?" But it goes beyond that. This OXO shaker was thoughtfully designed to be the ideal all-in-one shaker. It has measuring lines on its cap that allow it to double as a jigger and has a built-in strainer, as most Cobbler shakers do.
The beauty of OXO products comes in fancy colors and designs without neglecting quality. That shaker won't leak, drip, get stuck, etc. Its double-walled stainless steel containers won't chill on the outside, keeping your hands warm. The built-in jigger is brilliant, and the built-in strainer performs admirably. Overall, an excellent home shaker, especially if you like Cobbler shakers.
Pros:
- Only one tool for all your needs
- Great if you have limited space
Cons:
- Only allows for shaking cocktails, not stirring
Best Cocktail Shaker Set with Mixing Glass
- Material: Stainless steel
- Brand: Barfly
- Color: Steel (also available in gold, copper, antique copper, black, and vintage)
- Price: $60
For everyone who wants a mixing glass along with a great cocktail shaker set, this arrangement from Barfly is a perfect choice. No bells, no whistles, no nonsense. However, you get all the essential tools to shake up your favorite mixed drinks.
This solid 18-8 stainless steel shaker set comes with shaker tins, a Japanese-style jigger, a Hawthorne strainer, and an elegant mixing glass. On top, the shaker set is even dishwasher-safe and available in different colors. -The perfect gift for yourself or any aspiring home bartender.
Pros:
- Everything included, even mixing glass
- Great quality
- Good value for money
Cons:
- Lacks a second strainer
Best Cocktail Tools Set without Shaker
- Material: Stainless steel
- Brand: Barfly
- Color: Gold (also available in black, copper, antique copper, and steel)
- Price: $50
If you should already own a fine shaker and are looking for a set of tools to go along with it, this set from Barfly is just perfect. Rolled up in a durable canvas roll, it includes everything you'll need besides your favorite cocktail shaker.
It comes with a Japanese Jigger, a bar spoon, a Y-peeler, a citrus zester, and precision tongs. That canvas roll is extremely helpful when you need to transport your equipment to friends and relatives on occasion. If you simply create drinks at home, you may not need this. Except you need a neat place to keep your bartending supplies.
Pros:
- All the tools you need except a shaker
- Includes quality bag
- Great quality
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
How we reviewed the Cocktail Shaker sets
Choosing the best shaker set for you is challenging. That is especially true if you have never purchased a shaker or other cocktail utensils. To give you an idea of what to look for when selecting the best bar mixing sets for you, examine the following criteria:
- Style & Design: Not all cocktail shakers look the same. There are different types of shakers to choose from. But even shakers of the same type or category can look very different. We picked the best beginner-friendly options. -Meaning: leakproof, stainless steel, and different colorways.
- Durability: Cocktail shakers have to be sturdy and of decent quality. Otherwise, you won't be able to use them for a long time.
- Ease of use: I prefer an easy-to-use shaker over a complicated one any day of the week. That's why I mostly use tin shaker sets. They don't break and are super easy to clean. Most Cobbler Shakers, on the other hand, tend to clog the integrated sieve with fruit pulp and other ingredients.
- Price: When buying a cocktail shaker set, you want to save some money by doing so. Therefore the price is, of course, one of the main criteria. You don't want a cheap set, but you certainly do want great value for money.
Keeping these things in mind, we came up with this list of the best cocktail shaker sets on the market. And there's a perfect fit for everyone.
FAQs
Conclusion
Most cocktails that include fruit juice, syrup, or a foaming ingredient are meant to be shaken. That means, the majority of all cocktail recipes out there require a decent cocktail shaker. There are household items you can use as an alternative for a cocktail shaker, but they're not perfect. And simply buying a cocktail shaker also doesn't solve all of your troubles.
You can get a high-quality cocktail shaker set for as little as $35. Of course, there will be cheaper options in supermarkets and online marketplaces but not with the same quality. For a more extensive set of tools coming with a wooden stand, you have to spend up to $75. That may sound much at first, but considering the prices of the individual tools, it's still a bargain.
If I had to start over and buy a beginner mixing set, I probably would recommend the Barfly set which includes a mixing glass. This set has everything you need without additional fluff.
More information on bartending tools
- Learn more about the different types of cocktail shakers - From Boston Shakers to Cobbler Shakers. Find every type explained here.
- Learn more about jiggers
- Our guide to different types of bar spoons
- What is a cocktail strainer?