Cocktail Shakers & Strainers

57 products

Professional Cocktail Shakers & Strainers for Bars

Cocktail shakers and strainers are core tools for any bar program. Whether you are building out a full cocktail menu or equipping a server station, the right shaker and strainer setup keeps service consistent, fast, and professional.

This collection includes cobbler shakers, Boston shakers, weighted shakers, bar sets, cocktail strainers, and mixing glasses — sourced from professional bar brands including Mercer Barfly, Browne, Spill-Stop, and Rabco.

Top picks What you'll find How to choose Shaker types FAQs

What you'll find in this collection

This collection brings together the essential shaking and straining tools used behind professional bars. The Libbey 16 oz Bar Shaker Mixing Glass and Libbey 20 oz Stacking Mixing Glass are by far the most ordered products in this category — reliable choices for high-volume bar programs.

For shakers, the Browne 30 oz Cocktail Shaker and Browne 3 Piece Shaker Set are consistent performers. Bar sets that bundle shaker, strainer, and mixing glass are also included — useful when outfitting new stations or standardizing across multiple locations.

Best fit for RH customers

  • Restaurants and bars building or refreshing a cocktail program
  • Hotel bars and banquet operations standardizing bar tools
  • Bar managers spec'ing tools to match a specific aesthetic or finish
  • Operations replacing high-turnover bar equipment on a regular cycle

How to choose the right cocktail shaker

Start with how your bartenders prefer to work. Cobbler shakers are a common choice for bars that want a simple, self-contained tool — the built-in strainer means one less piece to manage. Boston shakers are favoured in higher-volume programs where speed and technique are the priority; they require a separate strainer like the Browne 4 Prong Bar Strainer but allow faster shaking and easier pouring.

Next, consider finish and durability. If your bar has a defined aesthetic — dark, polished, or warm-toned — choosing shakers in a consistent finish like black or antique copper helps reinforce presentation. For back-of-bar use where looks matter less than durability, brushed stainless steel is the practical standard.

Finally, think about standardization. Stocking one or two shaker styles across all stations simplifies training, replacement ordering, and inventory management — especially in multi-location operations.

Cocktail shaker & strainer type guide

Tool type Best for What to know
Cobbler shaker (3-piece) Full-service bars, casual cocktail programs, lower-volume stations Built-in strainer keeps the tool set compact. Easy to use and train with. See the Browne 3 Piece Set.
Boston shaker (2-piece) High-volume bars, craft cocktail programs, experienced bartenders Faster to shake and pour. Requires a separate strainer such as the Browne 4 Prong Bar Strainer.
Weighted shaker Bars prioritizing durability and control during high-pace service Heavier base improves grip and reduces slippage. See the Browne 30 oz Cocktail Shaker.
Bar set (shaker + strainer + glass) New station builds, standardized setups, multi-location operations Ensures matching tools across the bar. Simplifies ordering and training.
Cocktail strainer Used with Boston shakers or mixing glasses for stirred cocktails Hawthorne strainers suit shakers; Julep strainers are standard for mixing glasses.
Mixing glass Stirred cocktails — Manhattans, Negronis, Martinis The Libbey 16 oz Bar Shaker Mixing Glass is our top-ordered product in this category. The 20 oz Stacking version is popular where space efficiency matters.

Match your shaker style to your bartenders' workflow first, then choose finish and size to fit your bar program and aesthetic.

Buying advice for operators

For most bar programs, a consistent shaker style across all stations is easier to manage than a mixed assortment. It simplifies staff training, reduces the chance of mismatched lids or strainers, and makes reordering straightforward when tools wear out.

Shakers in premium finishes like black or antique copper tend to show wear more visibly than standard stainless, so it is worth factoring in replacement cycles if your bar runs heavy covers. For back-bar or prep use, standard brushed stainless — like the Browne 30 oz Cocktail Shaker — usually offers the best balance of durability and cost.

If your team regularly makes high-volume shaken cocktails, a heavier weighted shaker or a complete set like the Browne 3 Piece Shaker Set can meaningfully reduce fatigue and spillage. Pair it with the Browne 4 Prong Bar Strainer for a reliable, cost-effective setup.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a cobbler and a Boston shaker?
A cobbler shaker is a 3-piece tool with a built-in strainer cap, making it self-contained and easy to use. A Boston shaker is a 2-piece tool — typically a metal tin and a mixing glass or second tin — that requires a separate strainer. Boston shakers are faster and preferred in high-volume bar programs; cobbler shakers are more approachable for general use.
What size cocktail shaker should I buy?
Most professional cocktail shakers range from 16 oz to 30 oz. A 28–30 oz shaker is the most common size for single or double cocktails in a bar setting. Larger shakers are useful when batching or shaking multiple servings at once.
Do I need a separate strainer if I have a cobbler shaker?
Not necessarily — cobbler shakers have a built-in strainer as part of the cap. However, many bartenders use a separate strainer for double-straining, which produces a cleaner pour by removing ice chips and small herb or citrus particles. The Browne 4 Prong Bar Strainer is a practical and affordable option for this.
What is a mixing glass used for?
A mixing glass is used for stirred cocktails like Martinis, Manhattans, and Negronis. Unlike shaken cocktails, stirred drinks are mixed with a bar spoon directly in the glass, then strained into a serving glass. The Libbey 16 oz Bar Shaker Mixing Glass is our top-ordered product in this category and works well across most bar programs.
Can Russell Hendrix help spec bar tools for a new or renovating bar?
Yes. If you are outfitting a new bar, refreshing a program, or standardizing tools across multiple locations, the Russell Hendrix team can help you identify the right shakers, strainers, and bar accessories for your operation and budget.

Need help choosing bar tools for your operation?

Russell Hendrix can help you spec the right cocktail shakers, strainers, and bar accessories to match your program, pace of service, and aesthetic.

Talk to a Russell Hendrix specialist