Really fancy mixing together a quick cocktail but don’t have a cocktail shaker? Don’t let that put you off! Whilst a cocktail shaker is always going to be the ideal tool for the job, you can find alternatives laying around the house that will do the trick.
Perhaps you’ve lost your shaker, maybe it’s broken, or maybe you’ve just seen a tempting recipe online but you’re new to mixology, so you don’t have a shaker yet – don’t let that stop you. You make that cocktail, and here are five alternative shakers to help you do just that.
Water bottle
This is a good option because almost everyone will have one lying around. However, it has its downsides of course. It may not have the biggest opening to pour ice and ingredients into and it might not be as leak proof as other containers, especially if it’s regularly used. It’s also likely to take a little longer to chill your cocktail than other methods. But, in its simplest form, it’s a container with a lid, so as long as you can fit in your ingredients and it’s watertight, you’ll be able to shake your cocktail with it!
Mason jar
Most people have a mason jar or large jam jar knocking around somewhere, and they can help you out in situations like this. They usually have enough room for ice and come with a tight screw-on lid (make sure it’s not leaking before fully committing to the shake). One piece of safety advice here – make sure your glass is tempered. The rapid temperature change that comes with ice can weaken regular glass, so if you’re unsure if the mason jar is heavy-duty, be very cautious. Slowly cool it down first, and test with a little ice and gentler shaking.
Protein Shaker
It’s even got shaker in the name! Some protein shakers are just containers, but many have mixing balls or other mechanisms built in to fully merge all ingredients together, which is ideal. Many are also made of steel, which will be perfect for chilling the drink in no time at all, similar to an original Boston cocktail shaker.
Blender
Whether you actually turn it on or not is up to you (and whether you want blended ice in your recipe), but even turned off, the blender container can work. They’re a good size, they’re made to be totally leak-proof even when liquid is whizzing around at high speeds, and they should be easy to pour. Sometimes they even come with a strainer too.
Flask
Again, thermos flasks and travel coffee containers are made to be totally leak proof. Also, they often have a double-walled build meaning that rapid temperature changes are no issue at all. They’ll retain plenty of chill from the ice too.
And remember, there are plenty of cocktails that don’t require shaking at all. Martini, Negroni, Old Fashioned, Screwdriver to name a few! For a bounty of delicious cocktail ideas, take a look here for inspiration!