Boston Vs Cobbler Vs French Shaker Pros & Cons

When looking at types of cocktail shakers and choosing between a Boston, Cobbler or French shaker consider their features to suit your cocktail crafting needs. The Boston shaker, loved by professional bartenders, is a metal tin and mixing glass, requires skill to seal but allows for more vigorous shaking.

The Cobbler shaker, great for beginners, has a built in strainer for ease of use but may require double straining for finer textures. The all metal French shaker is sleek and has a great seal, perfect for those who like the look and don’t mind using a separate strainer.

Your choice will affect not only the cocktails you make but how you’ll approach mixology from now on.

Summary

• Boston Shaker: Versatile for pros but requires skill to seal and separate strainer.
• Cobbler Shaker: User friendly with built in strainer, great for beginners but may need double straining for finer cocktails.
• French Shaker: Sleek, all metal design, great for frequent use but requires separate strainer and more skill.
• Cost: Boston shaker is cheaper, French shaker is more expensive because of durability and design.
• Durability and Storage: French shaker is more durable and easier to store, Boston shaker is less durable because of glass parts.

Cocktail shaker history

The history of the cocktail shaker is as old as it is cool, dating back to around 7000 BCE when South American archaeologists found gourds with traces of alcohol inside. You might be surprised to learn how these ancient mixing vessels evolved into the tools we use today.

Initially bartenders would mix drinks by tossing liquid between two glasses. This primitive method laid the groundwork for a major innovation: the cocktail shaker.

By the mid 19th century the modern cocktail shaker started to become popular. The Boston shaker was one of the first and became a favourite among American bartenders. This type of shaker is a metal tin with a glass or another tin, simple and efficient.

Unlike the others the Boston shaker allows for a more hands on approach to mixing, you can shake or stir depending on the drink.

Knowing the history of the cocktail shaker, especially the Boston shaker gives you insight into the art and science of bartending. It’s not just about mixing drinks, it’s about embracing a history that spans centuries from gourds to the metal of today’s shakers.

Cobbler vs Boston

You may find yourself choosing between a Boston shaker and a Cobbler shaker. If you’re running a busy bar you’ll like the Boston’s robust design which allows for fast and efficient mixing.

But if you’re just starting out the Cobbler’s built in strainer and simpler operation makes it a more beginner friendly option.

Boston Shaker

While the Cobbler shaker may appeal to beginners because of the built in strainer it’s the Boston shaker that really shines for its versatility and capacity. As you get into mixology you’ll find the Boston shaker is very accommodating.

Unlike the Cobbler this style has two parts: a metal tin and a glass or another tin, so you can shake like crazy without worrying about leaks or breakage.

You’ll love the Boston shaker for its ability to handle many cocktails, especially those that need heavy shaking like those with egg whites or creamy liqueurs. Because of its larger size you can make multiple drinks at once, great for busy hours at the bar or parties.

But there are some downsides. Mastering the seal between the two parts takes practice and you may find it tricky at first.

And it doesn’t come with a built in strainer so you’ll need to buy one separately. Once you get the hang of it the Boston shaker is durable and easy to clean and is suitable for both amateur and professional bartenders.

Cobbler Shaker

Now let’s look at the Cobbler shaker. You’ll see its user friendly design is more appealing if you’re just starting out in mixology. The cobbler shaker with its built in strainer is a streamlined way of making cocktails, no need for extra tools and messy transfers. Great for casual home bartenders and those who want convenience in their cocktail making.

But the Cobbler shaker isn’t without its downsides:

• Ease of Use: Great for beginners because of its simplicity and built in strainer, less intimidating.
• Convenience: No need for a separate strainer, setup and cleanup is a breeze.
• Stylish: Vintage looks great in your bar setup.
• Smaller Capacity: Good for single serves not large batches.
• Strainer Issues: Larger holes may require you to double strain your cocktails to get the right texture.

While the Cobbler shaker makes it easy, it may not be for everyone especially if you want to make drinks in larger quantities or need a finer strain. Keep that in mind as you choose your cocktail tools.

French Shaker vs Boston

You’re deciding between a French shaker and a Boston shaker and it’s time to compare their design, functionality and ease of use.

The Boston shaker has two parts and is generally easier for beginners to use. But it may not be as durable as the French shaker which is known for its beautiful design and build.

And consider the cost and your own preferences as these will play a big part in your decision.

Shaker Design and Functionality

If you’re deciding between a French and a Boston shaker you need to understand their design and functionality.

The Boston shaker has a metal tin and a glass mixing vessel, it’s a classic for many bartenders because of its durability and simplicity. But you’ll need a separate strainer.

The French shaker is all metal, tin and metal cap, some say it looks more elegant and has a tighter seal.

• Aesthetic: The all metal design of the French shaker looks great in your bar setup.
• Durability: The metal French shaker can withstand heavy use and drops better than mixed material.
• Seal: The French shaker has a tighter seal, less chance of spills when you shake hard.
• Versatility: The Boston shaker is good for a wide range of cocktails and mixtures.
• Need for Extras: Both shakers need an external strainer, adds to your tool kit and prep time.

It’s up to you to decide on style, durability and versatility for your cocktail making.

Ease of Use

When choosing between a French and a Boston shaker ease of use is a big factor.

Here’s a breakdown:

The Boston shaker may look more intimidating with the glass part but it’s actually easier for you if you’re a beginner. You’ll find it’s a favourite among pros because of its reliability and simplicity.

Although you need a good tap to make sure it’s sealed properly, it’s generally more forgiving than the French shaker.

The French shaker with its all metal design has a tighter seal which can make it harder to open after shaking. But once you get the hang of it, it’s very efficient especially when you want to prevent spills.

Durability

Although the Boston shaker is a favourite among bartenders, the glass part can break, reducing its durability compared to the all metal French shaker. When you’re mixing drinks in a fast paced professional environment, the last thing you want is your tools to fail.

That’s where the French shaker excels with its all metal construction.

Consider these durability points in a professional setting:

• Longevity: The French shaker being all metal will outlast the glass part of the Boston shaker.
• Reliability: No need to worry about the French shaker breaking mid shift.
• Maintenance: Metal is easier to maintain without the worry of breakage.
• Consistency: With a more durable tool you can get consistent performance.
• Safety: Less chance of glass breakage is safer behind the bar.

These factors makes the French shaker a more practical choice for bars and restaurants where equipment gets heavy use.

It’s durability means it will be a reliable part of your bartending arsenal so you can handle busy nights with ease.

Cost

Now let’s move on to the cost, a big factor in your decision.

When choosing between a Boston and French shaker you need to consider the cost. Generally the Boston shaker is cheaper because of its simpler design and use of common materials. This makes it a good choice if you’re on a budget or buying multiple units.

The French shaker often comes with a higher price tag. This is because of its all metal construction and more elegant design. While the aesthetics and feel of the French shaker might be worth the cost for some, you need to decide if those are worth the extra investment compared to the more practical Boston shaker.

In short if cost is your top priority the Boston Shaker is the more affordable option.

But if you like the sophistication and style of the French shaker be prepared to spend a bit more. Remember the right choice is a balance of cost and your personal preference in tools.

Preference

How do you choose between a Boston shaker and a French shaker?

If you go for tradition and versatility the Boston Shaker is your best bet. It’s simple and effective, a favourite among many pros.

But if you like aesthetics and a bit of a challenge the French shaker might catch your eye with its elegant design and tight seal.

Here are some emotional triggers to consider:

• Nostalgia: The Boston Shaker brings back memories of old school speakeasies.
• Pride: You’ll feel accomplished when you master the French shaker.
• Joy: Imagine the fun of shaking your favourite cocktail with ease with the Boston.
• Awe: The French shaker looks sleek and will impress your guests.
• Pleasure: There’s a certain pleasure in getting a perfect pour from a Boston shaker without a spill.

The cobbler shaker isn’t in this comparison but remember it as an easier, less versatile option for beginners.

In the end whether you prefer the rugged practicality of the Boston or the stylishness of the French your choice should make your cocktail experience better.

Cobbler vs French Shaker

You’re probably wondering what’s the difference between a Cobbler and French Shaker when choosing which to add to your cocktail toolkit.

The Cobbler shaker is known for its built in strainer and ease of use, perfect for beginners.

The French Shaker is sleek and elegant but requires a bit more skill to seal and shake properly but adds a touch of style to your bartending.

Cobbler

While the Cobbler shaker isn’t as well known as its Boston counterpart it has its own benefits that make it a favourite among novices and home bartenders. The cobbler shaker is great if you’re just starting out in the world of cocktails.

Its built in strainer simplifies the process, no need for a separate tool and makes cocktail making less daunting.

Here are some reasons you might like the Cobbler shaker:

• Easy to Use: You’ll love how easy it is to use especially when you’re trying to impress your friends with your new cocktail skills.
• All-in-One: Built in strainer means fewer parts to manage and clean.
• Small Gatherings: Perfect for personal use or small groups.
• Stylish: Looks great on your bar cart or in your kitchen.
• Medium Durability: You’ll need to check it’s sealed properly but overall it’s good for regular use.

Enjoy the functionality and style of the Cobbler shaker as you make your favourite cocktails at home.

French Shaker

Now onto the French Shaker, it’s the Boston Shaker with a bit of the Cobbler’s style. The French Shaker is two pieces: a metal tin and a metal lid, it simplifies your cocktail making without sacrificing style. But unlike the Cobbler you’ll need a separate strainer to filter out the ice and other cocktail ingredients, usually a Hawthorne strainer.

It’s medium ease of use makes it a favourite among both novices and experienced bartenders. The pieces fit and separate smoothly, a big plus when you’re mixing under pressure.

It’s not just functional it’s also stylish to any bar setup.

Here’s a quick rundown of the French Shaker:

If you want durability and a bit of sophistication in your cocktail making this is the one to choose.

Key Differences

Now that we’ve seen the style and functionality of the French Shaker let’s compare it to the Cobbler Shaker to see the key differences that will help you decide.

The Cobbler Shaker is known for its beginner friendly design, has a built in strainer that simplifies the cocktail making process. This is different from the French Shaker which requires a separate strainer, adds an extra step to your mixology routine.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Built-in Strainer: The Cobbler has a strainer, no extra tools needed. The French Shaker requires a separate strainer, adds extra complexity to your setup.
• Ease of Use: You’ll find the Cobbler easier to use especially if you’re new to cocktail making.
• Style: The French Shaker is sleek and stylish, perfect for upscale environments.
• Durability: Robust, the French Shaker outlasts many, worth it for frequent use.
• Skill Level: The French Shaker is for those with more experience who want a tool that will challenge them.

Now that we’ve weighed the pros and cons between the Cobbler and Boston shaker you can decide which one fits your bartending style.

Which shaker is best?

So which shaker is best for you? If you’re just starting out in the world of cocktail making the cobbler shaker might be the way to go.

It’s user friendly, has a built in strainer and a cap that doubles as a measuring tool. You won’t need to juggle multiple pieces, it’s less intimidating for beginners.

But it has a smaller capacity and might not be the best for making drinks in large batches.

On the other hand the Boston Shaker might be better for you if you have more experience or host larger groups.

It’s a favourite among professional bartenders because of its versatility and efficiency in high volume settings. This two-piece shaker requires a bit more skill as it needs a separate strainer and a bit of practice to master the seal between the metal tin and the mixing glass.

Ultimately it’s up to you.

Regardless of your preference for simplicity and ease of use, versatility or professional grade tools there’s a shaker for you.

Last Orders

In summary you’ve seen each shaker brings its own flair. The Boston is versatile, the Cobbler has built in convenience, the French is stylish. Ultimately it’s up to you. The right shaker will make a big difference in your cocktail making journey whether you’re shaking hard or stirring soft.