How to Use a Cocktail Shaker to Craft the Perfect Drinks

The term “cocktail shaker” can be intimidating, to say the least. However, using a cocktail shaker to create delicious cocktails (or mocktails) is super simple with a little practice.

If you didn't already know, a cocktail shaker is a tool designed to mix drinks through shaking instead of other methods such as stirring. In most cases, you’ll add ice and your liquid ingredients to the shaker, shake, and then pour.

Here, we’re going to show you how to use our leakproof, insulated cocktail shaker while at home or on the go. We also share three simple and yummy recipes you can create to practice your newfound shaker skills.

Table of Contents

• How Does a Cocktail Shaker Work?

• How to Use the BrüMate Cocktail Shaker at Home

• How to Use Our Cocktail Shaker On-the-Go

• 3 Cocktail and Mocktail Recipes to Try

How Does a Cocktail Shaker Work?

The way a cocktail shaker works is quite simple. After adding in all of your ingredients and ice, you simply shake to mix your drink. As you shake, the ice will work to chill your drink quickly and thoroughly. Plus, as the ice breaks apart, the water will slowly dilute the drink to improve its taste.

Another benefit of a cocktail shaker is that shaking your ingredients ensures your ingredients are completely mixed, which results in a tastier drink. Shakers are easy to use, even for beginner mixologists. So, what are you waiting for?!

How to Use the BrüMate Cocktail Shaker at Home

Using a cocktail shaker is easy to do. It’s even easier when you don’t need multiple tools in order to use it.

One of the benefits of the BrüMate Cocktail Shaker is that it includes interior body markings (from 6 oz to 16 oz) and lid markings (4, 1.5 oz increments). This way, you don’t need a separate cocktail jigger to measure your ingredients. Say goodbye to eyeballed drinks and piling dishes!

Now that you have your shaker, you may also want to pick up a cocktail tumbler that you can use to enjoy your drink, such as our Rocks tumbler. Better yet? Grab the bundled set which includes one Cocktail Shaker and two Rocks glasses for the ultimate set up. Lastly, you’ll need a recipe to try.

Alright, now it’s time to get started. Follow these simple steps to use your cocktail shaker:

1. Add in your ingredients and ice. Measure your liquid ingredients directly in the shaker body and lid. Then, add your favorite liquor, juice, herbs, spices, or fruit, and finally, ice to the cocktail shaker

2. Seal and shake. Make sure your cocktail shaker is sealed properly to avoid a spill. When you’re ready, shake your drink! The best way is to hold the shaker horizontally, using both hands (one on each end of the shaker). Then, shake the shaker over your shoulder for about ten seconds.

3. Strain and pour. Once you're done shaking, open the shaker and pour your concoction. The built-in strainer ensures that any fruit or herbs stay out of your glass.

Now enjoy! That’s really all there is to using a cocktail shaker at home. Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t be afraid to practice with water and ice until you get your shake down!

Tip: While not necessarily recommended, you can add carbonated drinks to the BrüMate cocktail shaker. Just be aware that there will be a pressure release when you remove the cap before you pour!

How to Use a Cocktail Shaker On-the-Go

Cocktails made convenient - here’s how to use our cocktail shaker on the go:

It's 100% leakproof so you can mix and go without worrying about making a mess, like when bringing drinks to a friend’s house. Once you’re done shaking up your drink, simply make sure the cap is screwed on tight, pop it in your bag, and go. When you get to your destination, take the cap off and pour it up to share with your crew.

3 Cocktail (and Mocktail) Recipes to Try

Ready to play mixologist? Here are three of our favorite recipes to shake up and enjoy.

1. The Paper Plane (Cocktail)

Give your tastebuds a first class experience with the Paper Plane. Bold yet balanced, this drink is designed to impress – no wings required.

For ingredients, you’ll need:

• 3/4 ounce bourbon

• 3/4 ounce Aperol

• 3/4 ounce Amaro Nonino

• 3/4 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed

To mix this drink, add the bourbon, Aperol, Amero Nonino, and lemon juice to a shaker with ice. Shake until well chilled, and then strain into a glass.

2. Mango No-Jito (Mocktail)

Going dry? This delicious mocktail is the perfect drink for a hot summer day (or any time, really).

For ingredients, you’ll need:

• A bunch of fresh mint

• A splash of simple syrup

• Juice of one lime

• 1/4 cup mango juice

• 1/2 cup sparkling water (lemon-lime flavor optional)

To mix this drink, muddle together fresh mint, simple syrup, lime juice, and mango juice. Shake it all together in your cocktail shaker. Then, add it to a glass and top with sparkling water. Yum!

3. Spicy Paloma (Cocktail)

Spice things up with this hot twist on the classic grapefruit tequila combo. The Spicy Paloma cocktail is deliciously tart with an added kick from the jalapeño simple syrup.

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 ½ tbsp tequila blanco

• ¾ ounce lime juice

• 3 ounce grapefruit soda

• ½ ounce jalapeño simple syrup

• Lime wedge garnish

• Coarse sea salt or Tajín for rim

• Ice

First, rim your glass with lime juice and your choice of Tajín or coarse sea salt. Then, add your tequila, lime juice and jalapeño simple syrup to your cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until frosty. Once you’re done shaking, strain the drink into your glass over ice. Add your grapefruit soda, then garnish with your lime wedge.

Shake Things Up With BrüMate

Start mixing your next favorite drink by picking up a new Brü. Check out our wine + barware collection today!