To prepare some drinks, you need to thoroughly mix several ingredients. You can use any container that closes tightly enough. There is a device specially invented for this - a shaker. After reading this article, you can understand what a shaker is, how to use it, how to choose one for use.
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What is a shaker and what is it for?
This device resembles a glass that is tightly closed with a special lid. The modern name is taken from shake, which in English means to shake, to shake. It is an integral part of a bar.
Various containers for mixing contents have been used for a very long time, thousands of years ago. In South American countries, sealed jars were used for this. Until the mid-19th century, bartenders used a couple of glasses to mix liquids and poured the liquid from one to the other. It is believed that the prototype of the shaker was invented by one of the bartenders, who connected glasses of different sizes together. And at the beginning of the last century, the invention began to gain popularity.
The functional features of the shaker are not only to mix several ingredients. Although simply stirring sugar in cold tea is already a complex process. And the invention of the shaker allows you to mix several different components at once without any problems.
When mixing, ice not only cools the drink, as many people think, but also adds water to it. And most importantly, it works as an internal mixer, helping to stir the drink.
What is the difference between a shaker and a bottle
The shaker has a wide neck and lid, which are designed for more convenient pouring of ingredients and mixing them.
A bottle can also be used for these purposes, but the narrow neck makes it more difficult to pour food into it.
Types of shakers
In many individual areas, this item has its own design features that differ slightly from its counterparts. The three most famous of all types of bar shakers are the Boston (American), cobbler and French. Thanks to creative approaches to work, shakers in the form of space rockets and airplanes, roosters and penguins, and other varieties have appeared. Let's consider the most used inventions.
Cobbler
This shaker is assembled from three components: a main metal glass, a conical lid with a perforated filter, and a cap that covers the filter.
Its advantages.
- The presence of a built-in filter means there is no need to purchase this part separately.
- It is easy to operate. It is easy to assemble and disassemble, even beginners will appreciate it.
Noted deficiencies.
- Leaks are possible in places where the connection is not tight enough.
- There is freezing of water under the cap when it gets there. Then there will be difficulties with opening the lid.
- The large diameter of the holes in the filter allows unwanted pieces of fruit and ice to penetrate into the finished drink.
- The top cap can fly off at the most inopportune moment due to its loose fastening.
This device is more suitable for those who like to make one-time cocktails at home. It is not suitable for a crowded bar, because of its many shortcomings in operation it will not cope with a large influx of orders.
American or Boston
It is considered the most popular of all the variety. It consists of a pair of glasses that are sealed together by a light blow. Both components can be metal, or one of them can be glass. The first option is considered more durable. The glasses can be weighted for additional weight and rigidity.
The advantages of this model include:
- Easy to open and close. Nothing will jam at a crucial moment.
- It is easy to care for and convenient to wash.
- Particularly popular with those who like to juggle at work.
The following disadvantages are noted.
- Lack of internal filter.
- The glass component (for glass options) may break, despite its strength.
This type of device is suitable for beginners, for bartenders with an intensive flow of customers, when you have to work quickly.
French
This type stands out for its elegance and convenience. But despite this, it is less common in bars than Boston and Cobbler.
The advantages of the "Frenchman".
- The parts of the structure have a fairly tight connection due to the upper part being inside the lower one. This also protects them from freezing.
- Elegance and beauty of form is also a positive indicator.
Cons.
- It, like the Boston one, does not have an internal filter.
- It is practically not available in mass trade, you will have to search if you want to buy it.
Speed Shaker
This type of shaker is understood as replacing the top of the Boston shaker with a regular glass, in which the drink will be served. This method saves time on cooling the glass and pouring the drink.
Two-component
These devices are used for sports purposes, alcoholic drinks are not mixed in them. These shakers consist of two sections. Water is poured into the main one, and protein powder or another necessary substance is located in the lower small one. If necessary, the contents of the small part are poured into the water and mixed. These types are usually made of plastic, and for better mixing there is a special mesh or ball inside.
Three-component
This model is similar to the previous one, it is also used by athletes. The only difference is the presence of an additional capsule compartment.
Four-component
There are also such. In these designs, in addition to the water compartment, there is space for 3 additional ones: 2 are used for powders, and another one for capsules.
Electric sports
This device is more like a mixer. It is enough to fill the container with the necessary ingredients and press the button. This device works from regular batteries.
How to use a shaker correctly
How to master the basics of using a shaker correctly? It's not difficult, you just need to know the following nuances:
- To obtain an alcoholic version, juices, fruits, syrups, liqueurs, cream, egg yolks are added to the alcohol. Ice cubes are a mandatory component.
- Before mixing, the shaker must be cooled. To do this, fill it 2/3 with ice, then drain the water or replace the ice completely.
- The device must be held with both hands, after making sure it is tightly closed. The pressure that forms inside can push away parts or push out the top cover. Therefore, beginners must use both hands.
- The ice inside should make rhythmic sounds when shaken. When condensation appears on the outer walls (frost), the cocktail is ready.
- All that remains is to pour the contents into a glass through a stater.
- Sports drinks are even quicker to prepare. There is no need to cool anything. Just pour the powder into the required amount of water. Close the device tightly and shake until smooth.
Attention! First you need to pour water. Then add powder, otherwise it will stick to the dishes. You can not use carbonated water. It is necessary to use the protein mixture within 1-2 hours, to prevent the proliferation of bacteria.
What criteria to follow when choosing a shaker
Now it is clear what a shaker is and what it is for, all that remains is to choose the right one. For a beginner, choosing a device for mixing drinks is not an easy task.
There are basic criteria for such a choice:
- The volume of the shaker should be selected based on the required number of servings. For use in sports interests, the best choice would be a capacity of 0.5 l for protein options or 0.6-0.7 when using other mixtures.
- For classic cocktails, it is better to choose a metal one, which will allow you to feel the temperature of the drink and will not break if you make an awkward movement.
- For sports mixtures, a plastic container with a mount for hanging on a machine or belt will be more convenient.
- A device with a built-in filter will be more convenient for a beginner.
- The presence of measuring divisions will help to add ingredients more accurately. Otherwise, you will have to buy a special measuring cup.
For use in a bar, the best choice would be a metal one made of thick steel; it will cool the drink well and last longer than its counterparts.
For beginners, a cobbler is better suited, it is easier to manage without the necessary skills.
Top Shaker Brands
There are glass, metal and plastic shakers on sale. The design and appearance of the products depend on the wishes of the manufacturers. Among the most famous brands there are devices that have proven themselves from the best side:
- Shaker-cobbler, Italian. Made of stainless steel. The set includes: a glass, a lid with a sieve, a top cover. Capacity - 500 ml.
- Indian Boston ProHotel - shaker glass. This is a glass with a capacity of 0.85 l, made of metal.
- Model by Libbey, made in USA/Italy. Material – glass and plastic. The set includes a glass cup that holds 585 ml of liquid, a plastic strainer and a lid.
During the existence of shakers, they have changed and improved. Today, they are widely used by both professional bartenders and lovers of complex drinks. Athletes of all categories and ages have also appreciated this invention and constantly use it.
