Are you eager to invite your friends to a lovely drink evening? Kul! Att mix cocktails is an art form that is incredibly fun to learn to master and one of the most useful tools for achieving the perfect balance in your drinking glass is a shaker. With the right technique, a shaker can transform your drinks from ordinary to truly outstanding. But how to use a shaker? Here we answer how to use a shaker correctly to create inspiring and delicious drinks that impress everyone. Let's dive into the world of cocktail shaking!
How to use a shaker to impress with delicious drinks
With a shaker you can combine flavors and create magic in the glass. Here comes our guide on how to use a shaker like a pro!
1. Choose the Right Shaker: The Difference Between Boston Shaker and Cobbler Shaker
Step one is of course to choose your shaker. There are two main types of shakers: Boston shaker and Cobbler shaker. A Boston shaker consists of two cups/containers that you assemble when mixing the drink, while a Cobbler shaker consists of three parts: a container, a lid with a built-in strainer, and a lid opening. The advantages of a Boston shaker are that it holds more ingredients and is therefore suitable if you want to make several drinks at once. On the other hand, a Cobbler shaker is very easy to handle and popular among beginners, as well as perfect for mixing individual drinks. Both shaker types work well, so choose the one you feel comfortable with and that suits your needs.
2. Prepare ingredients and bar tools in your very own home bar
Before you start shaking your drink, it's good to make sure you have everything you need on hand. Take out your cocktail glasses, measuring glass, ingredients and ice. To achieve the best flavor, we recommend using freshly squeezed juice and high-quality ingredients. Also, fill part of the shaker with ice to chill the drink. If you want to make high-class drinks but avoid crushing ice yourself with a muddler, är en ice crusher the perfect investment for your home bar.
3. Use a measuring glass for cocktails to achieve optimal balance and desired flavor.
Just like in cooking, precise measurements are important when mixing drinks. Use a measuring glass to ensure correct proportions. Follow the recipe carefully to achieve the balance between the different ingredients and bring out the desired flavor. If you scroll down in the article, we suggest 3 super tasty recipes with measurements to achieve a perfect shaker drink. At Dorres inspiration page we also have even more exquisite drink recipes that you absolutely must not miss!
4. Time to shake it up! You should shake the drink with a shaker for this long
Now it's time to shake it off! To use a Boston shaker, pour the ingredients into the smaller cup and place the larger part over the smaller one. Then gently tap the top with your hand to secure a tight seal. Hold the shaker with your hand around the middle and shake well to mix the ingredients. In a Cobbler Shaker, pour the ingredients into the container, put on the lid, and hold the shaker properly in your hands. It is usually recommended to shaking the drink for about 10–15 seconds To ensure it mixes properly. If you want to be extra creative and shake with style, you can add a little flair by incorporating a spin or two into your movements, but remember to make sure you have enough space. Safety comes first!
5. Strain the drink and serve in elegant cocktail glasses.
After you have shaken the shaker long enough, it's time to strain your drink. If you are using a Boston shaker, place a fine mesh bar strainer over the cocktail glass to then pour the drink. If you have a Cobbler shaker, remove the lid and use the built-in strainer to pour the drink directly into the glass. The straining helps to separate the ice and any other solid ingredients from the finished drink.
6. Decorate the drinks with fruit, cocktail skewers, or a drink stirrer and enjoy!
Finally, it's time to decorate your finished cocktail and enjoy the result of your work. Add a slice of lemon, a cocktail skewers with fruit, a beautiful cocktail spoon, or a parasol to make your drink even more inviting. Take a sip and appreciate the perfect balance of flavors that your shaker has helped you achieve.
Mix drinks at home - Here are our top 3 best drink recipes
Using a shaker to mix drinks is not just a technique, it's an art. By following the right steps and experimenting with different ingredients, you can create unique and inspiring cocktails that are sure to impress everyone. Remember that practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to let your creativity flow. Now it's time to take out your shaker and start creating cocktail magic with our recipes below!
1. Tart & Simple Gimlet Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients:
5 cl Gin
3 cl Freshly squeezed lime juice
2 cl Sugar syrup*
*Sugar syrup:
1 dl Water
1 dl Granulated sugar
Instructions:
- Sugar syrup: Let the water and sugar simmer until the sugar has dissolved. Let it cool for about 30 minutes, then store it in the fridge.
- Pour the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup into a shaker.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake well.
- Serve in a nice cocktail glass.
2. Luxurious Collins with Rhubarb & Elderflower Flavor
Ingredients:
2 cl Rhubarb syrup*
3 cl Freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 cl Elderflower liqueur
3 cl Gin
Soda water to top with
*Rhubarb syrup:
2-3 stalks of rhubarb, cut into pieces
2 dl Water
2 dl Granulated sugar
Instructions:
- Rhubarb syrup: Let sugar, rhubarb, and water simmer for about 5 minutes until the rhubarb becomes soft and the sugar dissolves. Allow it to cool for 30 minutes, then strain into a glass bottle and store it in the refrigerator.
- Pour rhubarb syrup, lemon juice, elderflower liqueur, and gin into a shaker.
- Add ice and shake until the drink is chilled.
- Strain the drink into glasses filled with ice and top with soda water.
- Garnish with rhubarb.
3. Fruity Backyard Smash with fresh berries
Ingredients:
4 cl Vodka
2 cl Sugar syrup*
2 cl Lemon juice
1 tbsp blueberries and wild strawberries
1 egg white
Basil
*Sugar syrup:
1 dl Water
1 dl Granulated sugar
Instructions:
- Sugar syrup: Simmer the water and sugar until the sugar has dissolved. Let it cool for about 30 minutes, then store it in the fridge.
- Pour the vodka, simple syrup, lemon juice, and egg white into a shaker and muddle the berries.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake well.
- Pour the drink into a glass filled with ice.
- Decorate with basil.