What is the difference between Boston and Manhattan cocktail shakers?

The shaker is undoubtedly the most iconic and recognisable piece of the cocktail-making tool kit. It's worth taking a moment to get to grips with the main differences between the two-piece Boston shaker and the three-piece Manhattan shaker. This will hopefully make it a little easier when choosing yours…

The two-piece shaker 

Also known as a Boston shaker, it consists of two different sized 'tins' which are essentially wedged into one another. The Boston shaker is typically the professional mixologist's go-to because of its two important features. Firstly, there's a greater amount of space inside the shaker for the ice to move around when shaking. This also allows more oxygen to flow inside. Increased aeration creates the ideal environment for ingredients to really blend together and helps to achieve the optimum chilled temperature. Secondly, once cocktail shaking has been mastered (it will take a bit of practice), then using a two-piece shaker is definitely quicker and more streamlined. Hence why the Boston Shaker is most bartenders' preferred choice for those busy Saturday nights!

If you fancy shaking like the professionals, our Boston-style sets – the silver Bloomsbury and copper Belgravia – come with everything you need to master the technique, from strainer to jigger, with free UK mainland delivery from £10. 

Rusty Barrel Boston Collection

The three-piece shaker

Often called a Manhattan shaker, it has an in-built strainer on top which immediately distinguishes it from the Boston shaker. The removable cap piece covering the strainer being the third component in the three-piece set. To pour, remove the cap and strain through the holes in the lid. Our complete sets also include a Hawthorne strainer for pouring from the open shaker. The three-piece design is straightforward to use, without the two-tin technique of a Boston shaker. This definitely makes it the more popular choice for any home bar and mixologist-in-the-making.

Our Manhattan-style sets come in four finishes to suit any home bar – the bestselling silver Mayfair, charcoal black Knightsbridge, rose gold Chelsea and copper Park Lane – each with all the tools included and free UK mainland delivery from £10.

Rusty Barrel Manhattan Collection

Whatever stage you’re at in your cocktail-making journey, rest assured we have the perfect shaker for you!

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Rusty Barrel Manhattan Collection

Rusty Barrel Boston Collection

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