Best cocktail shakers according to redditors
We found 101 Reddit comments discussing the best cocktail shakers. We ranked the 54 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 101 Reddit comments discussing the best cocktail shakers. We ranked the 54 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
link
Non-mobile link, because there is a special place in hell for mobile links.
Not Cocktail of the Week #29: Cakeday Special – Home Bar Edition
It's been a little over half a year since I started writing this weekly "Not Cocktail of the Week" column, so for my reddit cakeday, which conveniently coincides with my birthday earlier this month, I thought I'd take an opportunity to do something different and share my home bar setup along with the new upgrades/acquisitions I got for my birthday.
My Bar
Everyone’s bar is individual and unique, a reflection of their personality, a testament to their tastes. My bar currently utilizes a built-in cabinet unit in our apartment, which worked out wonderfully, despite my initial hesitation, and ultimately gives me more room than I would’ve had in a prebuilt unit. My actual “bar top” is relatively small; I conduct almost all my work on a small hand towel to keep spills and splashes to a minimum, with the photos you see every week staged on the clean area to the right. I only keep the essentials in my actual work space, which is comprised of two pint glasses, a makeshift “Yarai” glass (one day I’ll be able to justify buying a real one), cocktail shaker tins, jiggers, recipe books for inspiration, and my personal notebook.
At eye level above my bar I keep the essential bitters (Angostura, Peychaud’s and orange) and a couple fancy boutique bitters that a friend brought me from Boston. Behind the bitters are small infusions and various homemade “brandied” cherries in small jam jars. My ice bucket and cocktail tray (gifts from the wedding registry) are kept in the center section of the cabinet, though I only find need of it for entertaining. Above all of this are most of my coupe glasses; we acquired a lot for our wedding (hooray for thrift stores) and ultimately ended up keeping a good majority of them. It’s surprisingly useful when entertaining to have a surplus of clean glasses because you don’t have to worry about running out or not being able to offer guests a fresh glass for a cocktail.
To the left of my workspace, I keep the large bottles of “well” spirits for general mixing purposes (bourbon and gin being my spirits of choice), a large bottle of vodka for infusions, and a Sodastream machine, which is used to make fresh soda water. Above these items reside the glassware I use a little less frequently such as Glencairn glasses for proper appreciation of Scotch, some small decanters for serving premixed cocktails while entertaining, Collins glasses, short stubby “Martini” glasses aka Cosmo glasses, and even more coupes glasses (we have a lot).
Underneath my workspace are all my spirits, which I keep in a closed cabinet to avoid any potential degradation from sunlight. From left to right my bottles are organized roughly in the following categories: Scotch, bourbon/rye, brandy/tequila, rum, gin, amaro/herbal liqueurs, sweet liqueurs, and wine. Keeping them in the dark can make it difficult to find bottles in the evening (I took these pictures in the middle of the day), so I have recently installed the first of my birthday presents, a couple motion sensing LED lights. Despite knowing the general location of each of my bottles, it is nice to have the visual aspect while reaching in to grab something.
Cocktail Shakers
Let’s now talk a little about an essential item in any bar, the cocktail shaker. Cocktail shakers come in two standard styles, known as the cobbler shaker and the Boston shaker. A cobbler shaker is a 3-piece affair, comprised of a large bottom tin, a lid with built in strainer, and a cap. The benefits of a cobbler shaker are the strainer is built in and it allows for the Japanese “hard shake” due to its relatively compact size. However its compactness is also its main drawback as you generally will only be able to properly prepare one cocktail at a time. A Boston shaker is what you will typically find at a bar and is comprised of 2 pieces, usually a heavy mixing glass (indistinguishable from a good pint glass) and a metal shaking tin. The cocktail is measured in the mixing glass, the shaking tin is then firmly applied to the top to seal it, and the cocktail is then strained from the shaking tin with the use of a Hawthorne strainer. The Boston shaker will generally have a much larger volume available for mixing, which is beneficial for both making multiple servings of a cocktail at once, and for better aeration while shaking. Some people can find it tricky to separate the two halves of a Boston shaker, but generally a solid slap with the palm of your hand on either side will do the trick.
I purchased my first real cocktail shaker about 3 years ago after experimenting with making cocktails with my dad’s kitschy firetruck set (cobbler shaker was the body, ladder were ice tongs, “hoses” were stirring rods, pail was “jigger”, etc.). I purchased this shaker after some research, feeling like a Boston shaker would be a good long term investment. In retrospect it seems expensive, but it did serve me honorably for the last few years. Some of you may have noticed that recently the very useful measuring glass (great quality since the paint markings have never chipped or worn away) developed a pretty significant crack and started chipping, which I solved by substituting with my favorite pint glass. Regardless, I figured my birthday would be a good opportunity to get a new shaker set and so I acquired the Koriko shaker tins from Cocktail Kingdom which are much cheaper, basically indestructible and beautiful to boot. I’m sure I will be using these for at least the next 3 years.
Jiggers
There are two camps in the cocktail world, those that free pour and those that use jiggers. As a home enthusiast, speed is not a concern, but accuracy and reproducibility are more important, so I fall firmly in the camp of those that use jiggers. For as long as I have been a cocktail enthusiast, I never actually got around to buying some real jiggers. A lot of the jiggers on Amazon, while cheap, their quality seems dubious (at least judging from the reviews). I’ve gotten used to using a 5 oz. measuring glass (surprisingly convenient for mixing multiple cocktails) and a 2 oz. measuring cup, which have really taken a beating over the years. So in addition to the new Koriko cocktail shaker, I also ordered the Cocktail Kingdom jiggers, trusting them to provide a quality product. The new jiggers seem quite nice with a good solid feeling to their construction and imprinted measurements that should never wear away.
Ice
In addition to a cocktail shaker and jiggers, ice is another essential component of making a cocktail (unless you exclusively drink toddies or something). It is important to use the best ice possible as the water component of a cocktail comprises anywhere from 20-33% of the final drink. Therefore in order to avoid any “off” flavors that may exist in your ice, start with filtered/purified water and keep your ice in a sealed container (where do you think all the liquid from freezer burn goes?). While almost any old fashioned ice cube tray will work to make solid cubes of ice, I got a red Tovolo ice cube tray for my birthday which matches my Tovolo KING cube tray. It doesn’t really perform any differently than the old ice cube tray I had (other than being a lot harder to get cubes out), but the perfect cubes do add some aesthetic appeal to drinks served long.
Other Tools
I picked up a couple tools that have been missing from my arsenal, a julep strainer and a channel knife. A julep strainer is traditionally used in conjunction with a Yarai glass to strain ice after mixing. Unfortunately my makeshift “Yarai” stand-in is a bit too wide to properly use the julep strainer I got, so I guess I will just have to wait until I can buy a Yarai glass from Cocktail Kingdom. A channel knife is necessary to make the thin and pretty spiral twists for garnishing. I’ve not been able to make those before, so hopefully you’ll be seeing those in NCotW in the future. I also included a picture of the tools that I regularly use and keep close at hand in my bar. From left to right they are: cocktail picks, bottle opener, citrus reamer, new channel knife, fine strainer, paring knife, muddler, and bar spoon. The one important thing of note is to always buy unfinished wood products for things like a citrus reamer or muddler. Varnished/finished wood is beautiful, but with use the varnish/stain will slowly chip/fade away into your cocktails.
Reading
Finally, a brief note about the books I have been reading. I received a copy of Tony Coligniaro’s new book The Cocktail Lab, which is a beautiful book suitable for the coffee table and filled with inspirational modern cocktails. However, between currently reading David Embury's "The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks" and David Wondrich's "Imbibe!", I haven't had much opportunity to dig into it and try any of his drinks. I’ve only heard good things about the book, so I look forward to reading through it and learning from him.
Cheers!
Hopefully you’re not all too disappointed to not be reading about a proper cocktail this week, I’ll be back next week with a double header to make up for this deficit. I’d love to hear about your home bar setups, preferred bar tools, or anything you think I may have missed. Writing this week’s column was a lot harder than expected, as it fell outside of my usual format. In any case, thanks to all for your continued support of this feature, and until next week, cheers!
If the company's paying for it. Run over to Cocktail Kingdom or Barfly and piece together your kit. Or simply pick up Barfly's super deluxe kit (Barfly website link). I'd add a Big Ass Muddler, Santoku, additional size jigger and whatever else you need. This kit will probably last your lifetime.
If that price is too high...
Pick up this Vino Bravo kit, add what you need and grab a nice work bag from Home Depot/Lowes. It's a B+ kit, as opposed to the A+ of Barfly and Cocktail Kingdom... for 1/4 the price.
I suggest pushing for the first idea if you can.
~Good luck!
ETA: Don't forget a cheap stone or knife sharpener.
Buy a shaker setup that is just a pint glass and large metal shaker, which is essentially a large metal drinking glass. (Like this, but obviously you still need a pint glass). The fancier setup that consists of a pint glass with a two part lid/strainer ends up leaking and is useless. (Like this). There's a reason bartenders use the former. As a setup, it's BIFL worthy in comparison, works better, and is much easier to clean. You can buy a strainer that fits on that type of setup, too. (Like this).
What other pieces are you looking for?
tl;dr: It depends on how long it takes to make a drink. In my (approximate) calculations, if it takes you longer than 26 seconds to make a drink, it's better to use the tin; otherwise, glass is better.
There are two important quantities here. Heat capacity measures the ability of a material to store heat, and has units of heat (energy) per mass per temperature change. Something with a high heat capacity can store a lot of energy per unit mass for a very small change in temperature. Thermal conductivity measures how quickly energy can dissipate out of a material, and has units of power per distance per temperature change. Something with a high thermal conductivity can dissipate a lot of heat in a short amount of time (power) through a large thickness of the material (distance) for a small temperature change. These are related, but different quantities. For example, water has a heat capacity about 20 times larger than most metals, but if you touch water at 200C and metal at 200C, you'll get burned faster by the metal because it has a much higher thermal conductivity.
Now for some calculations.
At 20C, water has a heat capacity of 4.2 J/gK, glass has 0.84 J/gK, and tin has 0.21 J/gK. Glass has a thermal conductivity of about 0.8 W/Km and tin has 67 W/Km.
I haven't ordered many mixed drinks from bars, but I'm assuming that when you're done mixing it, you pour the drink into a different glass. So the amount of time it is in the tin or glass shaker is only the amount of time required to make a drink.
For our other assumptions, let's assume that a mixed drink is about 6 fl.oz., which is 0.18L and that it has about the same density (giving it a mass of 180g) and heat capacity of water. Let's assume we're using this shaker tin, which is 294g, and this mixing glass, which is 1360g.
Let's first assume that you let the drink sit in the container indefinitely (ignoring heat flow into the container from its surroundings). Then
mdrink cwater ΔTdrink = -mcontainer ccontainer ΔTcontainer.
Plugging in values, for the tin container, the drink would increase in temperature by 1.5K, while for the glass container, the drink would increase in temperature by 12K. So if you take infinitely long to prepare your drink (in a frictionless vacuum) then using the tin is better.
However, although it would reach a higher ultimate temperature, the drink would heat up much more slowly in the glass than the tin, since glass has a much lower thermal conductivity.
To describe the time evolution of the container-drink system, I set up a series of differential equations and solved them in Mathematica. If you're curious to see exactly what I did, you can see a screenshot of the notebook here. The equations are commented in the notebook and are fairly self-evident, but it would take a lot of space to explain them in detail here.
For both cases, I assumed that the reasonable range of times to make a drink is between 0-2 minutes. I used the properties described above, and assumed that the glass container has a wall thickness of 5mm, while the tin shaker has a wall thickness of 1mm. I assumed there was no heat flow into the container in either case (which for short timescales is probably reasonable unless you're holding the container while you make the drink).
The temperature evolution of the drink-mixing glass system looks like this.
The temperature evolution of the drink-tin shaker system looks like this.
The drink remains cooler in the mixing glass until 26.5 seconds have passed, at which point it overtakes the temperature of the drink in the tin shaker.
I would never go for a manhattan shaker. They are notorious for locking up, as soon as there's a bit of liquid in the cracks (unless you buy really expensive japanese ones). They are also harder to clean than the simple two cups of a boston shaker, and the extra strainer isn't really hard to use.
I haven't used a parisian shaker, but that seems like it could do fine, but might lock up on you.
My own kit is made of a lot of individual stuff. Some from amazon, some from local shop, and some from china. If you want, I can do a writeup of where i got it, but since it's from china, it will take a month before you will receive the goods. However, the guys behind AbarAbove.com recently launched their quality bar tools line. They have a complete set of tools, which all seem to be of great quality. They have only gotten 5-star reviews so far: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LVY7VMH. It's $63 for the complete set.
Or you can just buy their boston shaker for $20, and this excellent strainer from OxO ($7), along with this measuring cup ($5)
Then you have a pretty good starter set. A fine strainer can be bought in most dollar stores locally for next to nothing, or you can find one on amazon. They are pretty much all the same, but it isn't really required if you're just starting out. I also have a bar spoon, a mixing glass and a muddler, but to be honest, I rarely use them. If you need to muddle something, use a wooden spoon or something. If you decide you really need one, look for one which is at least 6 inches long, to avoid bashing your knuckles on the edges of the shaker, or google "morgenthaler homemade muddler".
Hope your GF will be happy with your gift!
EDIT: Missed the part about you being from UK. Here's an updated list. I'll let the other one be for any americans who might wander through here.
Seeing as there is a shipping charge, I probably wouldn't go for the OXO Strainer unless there's something else that you need from the american amazon. The one from the Homekeros set should be adequate.
Do NOT get a cobbler. They are a pain to get apart and I haven't used one yet where the top part hasn't all but sealed shut completely. You want a metal on metal shaker. Steel has the best thermal properties and isn't ever going to break.
I personally would advise the following:
Shaker:
https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Steel-Boston-Shaker-Professional/dp/B06Y2NN5N3/ref=sr_1_5?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1501019324&sr=1-5&keywords=boston+shaker
Spoon:
https://www.amazon.com/Hiware-Inches-Stainless-Pattern-Cocktail/dp/B00IRY8CJ2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1501019552&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=bar+spoon&psc=1
Jigger
https://www.amazon.com/Vking-Japanese-Jigger-Stainless-Cocktail/dp/B0126GQ806/ref=sr_1_8?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1501019600&sr=1-8&keywords=jigger
Strainer:
https://www.amazon.com/Winco-Stainless-Steel-4-Prong-Strainer/dp/B000H7VF64/ref=sr_1_4?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1501019642&sr=1-4&keywords=bar+strainer
Muddler (Edit): https://www.amazon.com/HIC-Muddler-FSC-Certified-Beechwood-8-75-Inches/dp/B00KLHNH34/ref=sr_1_14?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1501019848&sr=1-14&keywords=muddler
Barmat (Edit, but HIGHLY recommended): https://www.amazon.com/BonBon-Professional-Bar-Service-Mat/dp/B06X93XN69/ref=sr_1_4?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1501019915&sr=1-4&keywords=bar+mat
To get started in glassware, I would keep it simple. I find that most drinks can be successfully executed with two types of glassware: a 5oz coupe/cocktail glass and an old fashioned/rocks glass. I consider a Collins glass to be optional, as I personally don't like drinking out of them (they're typically served with a straw which is wasteful). I'll often use an 11oz double old-fashioned glass in its place.
In terms of brands I own several sets of the Luminarc Barcraft series coupes (available on Amazon). I like them because they're a fair price, which is great because I don't have to feel bad if one breaks. I also have the highballs which are also pretty decent.
If you're looking for higher end, I really like the New York Bar series from Stolzle. You can checkout the whole line here.
I personally use a Top Shelf shaker which I really like. Feels much nicer then some of the cheaper ones. The strainer I have is from Modern Mixologist. After having so many of the cheaper ones break, I decided to get one that I hopefully wouldn't have to replace. So far its been great and I enjoy using it.
The other tools I would consider getting is a meddler, a fine mesh strainer, a mixing glass, and a bar spoon!
edited: typo
These are pretty good too, and always $5.64 (for black lid, snap-top) without the hassle of coupons/rebates. They're 28oz rather than 32, but that's sill plenty for a serving of KC and room to shake.
http://www.amazon.com/Oggi-7007-Dial-A-Drink-Cocktail-Shaker/dp/B00004SZ8M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413842471&sr=8-1&keywords=cocktail+shaker+with+recipes
found a similar one, $15... already ordered one
Contigo's shaker design is much better. I have no idea why BlenderBottle brand is so popular.
It’s an OXO brand cocktail shaker: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001YH13E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_ADk2DbFFTRQBA
Reasonable priced and pours very nicely.
I highly recommend Contigo bottles ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LX6VHNE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ). They're 28oz and $7 each.
I have the one linked here. and I like it a bit better than the Blender Bottle. I really just hate the cap on the Blender.
I tried the whisk blender bottle and the contigo one with the weighted ball and feel like the weighted ball does a better job mixing. The ball has a soft coating so would probably work fine in mason jars if you want.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00LX6VHM0/
Piña Barware makes some wonderful shakers. Well priced and the best quality and durability I've found as a professional. It's what I buy for my working bar.
Shaking works better than stirring for certain drinks because it creates more aeration and dilution than just stirring. Flash blending also fits this purpose, in a slightly different way.
https://www.amazon.com/Pi%C3%B1a-Barware-Stainless-Commercial-Boston/dp/B01HHMFQOI
I used to hate my cobbler shaker. Then I got this one - http://www.amazon.com/OXO-1058018-SteeL-Cocktail-Shaker/dp/B0001YH13E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1374680581&sr=8-2&keywords=oxo+shaker
I've never had any problems getting the parts to separate after shaking - it's super easy to open. However, some of the reviews complain of leaking. That hasn't been true for me.
[Bottle] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LX6VHM0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_26buybH7PDB9T)
Wallpaper
Bar spoon
Tin
Hawthorne strainer
Jigger
This is a fairly cheap startup kit that will cover your bases.
Old Fashioneds are stirred in the rocks glass directly. Bitters, simple syrup, orange peel -> muddle -> add ice -> add whiskey -> stir til diluted properly.
Use a pint glass with the tin for shaken cocktails. You can also use a pint glass for stirred cocktails that are served up (Manhattan, Martini). Throw down on a Yarai mixing glass if you get really serious, they're awesome.
If you decide to get more serious tools, I've got a ton of stuff from Cocktail Kingdom - really high quality, sees 4 days a week of hard bar use and a bit of work at home, but not cheap. I'd start with their shaken kit, add a spoon and a muddler, and possibly a Yarai glass and fine mesh strainer. Their shipping is a little outrageous, so I usually pick up as much as I can at once to justify it.
Unless you are looking to look fancy don't waste your money. Just go to amazon/walmart and find a shaker tin, all-in-one "jigger", and a pint glass from your local cabinet. That is really all you need to get started.
If you want to add on some stuff just to make life easier you can get a bar spoon, muddler, strainer, fine strainer (get rid of those ugly ice bits), and a citrus juicer.
Save your money for alcohol to make more drinks!
This really only combines 1.5 jiggers and half a boston shaker. For the same price you can find more versatile tools and higher-quality tools ($5 + $9 ).
I've been happy using this shaker from Amazon. It's a little more weighted compared to most other shakers out there
Piña Barware Stainless Steel Commercial Bar Boston Shaker Tin Set - 28oz. & 18oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HHMFQOI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_fbORDbPV9K6MB
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000NNO2X0/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1484408642&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=boston+shaker&dpPl=1&dpID=31d8BgihRpL&ref=plSrch
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0000DAQ93/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484408783&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=hawthorne+strainer&dpPl=1&dpID=51H0dKd5jBL&ref=plSrch
Used this for 3 years, works great, never leaks. Cobbler shakers are kind of clunky and leak on me. With the Hawthorne strainer you will be ready to make 95% of all drinks.
I own about 12 blender type bottles 8 of them actual blender brand a couple of cheap freebee type and two contigo bottles and I like the contigo ones best. they are easier to clean and have the heavier plastic mixer ball inside.
https://www.amazon.com/Contigo-Shake-Shaker-Bottle-Carolina/dp/B00LX6VHM0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491864733&sr=8-1&keywords=contigo+mixer+bottle
https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Steel-Boston-Shaker-Professional/dp/B01F2LAZB0/ref=sr_1_5?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1484426815&sr=1-5&keywords=boston+shaker
i use this one, but jesus, it was 15 bucks when i bought it. probably not worth 28 imo
EDIT definitely not worth 32 lol
EDIT2 it is now on sale for a very reasonable 19.99
I always shake my iced coffee. I "procured" one of the iced tea shakers from Starbucks when a store I worked at was closing.
You can get a cocktail shaker for cheap too: link
I will typically brew the coffee at double strength:
30 grams, medium grind
225 water
225 ice
I usually use agave with a splash of vanilla extract and unsweetened almond milk,
Combine and shake. I leave the ice in because it balances out the double strength coffee.
I got this shaker. The cap has the measuring cup built in. So much easier!
OXO Good Grips Cocktail Shaker, 16-Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01731H1AK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_JGKxzbKXH8P16
Here's what I'd buy if getting a home bar set up quickly with good stuff but not spending a ton.
Beefeater gin, Tito's vodka, Angostura 7yr rum or Barbancourt 8yr, (I don't know tequila, sorry), (don't get TN whiskey) Old Grand Dad Bourbon (get the 100 proof if possible), Rittenhouse Rye, Johnny Walker black scotch (JW black is very middle of the road, but I'm assuming you are not an accomplished scotch drinker), (I wouldn't bother with Irish Whiskey unless you particularly like it, and definitely don't bother with Canadian).
You should also get: Angostura bitters, Orange bitters, sweet & dry vermouths (Nolly Prat is fine). You may want to consider some liqueurs that are common in cocktails, such as Contreau (needed for Margaritas), Campari (Negronis), Absinthe (Sazeracs), etc. I always have a bottle of green Chartreuse, but it's not cheap. You will also want limes, lemons and oranges for garnishes and juice. You will need sugar, you can usually use cubes or you can make a simple syrup. Keep the syrup and the vermouths in the fridge. If you don't have one, you may want a basic bar tools set.
I would recommend getting The Bar Book to learn techniques and some good recipies as well. Start with classic cocktails, learn them well, and go on from there: the Old Fashioned, the Manhattan, the Martini, the Daiquiri, etc.
Good luck!
Meh. I guess the third one. Best reviews and it has a metal-on-metal shaker, which is my personal preference. If your interest persists you will probably end up upgrading almost everything in the kit.
You could probably get by for a long time with just a shaker, jigger, barspoon, hawthorne strainer, and a fine mesh strainer.
$47 total and all those products have a much better chance of persisting in a cocktail enthusiast's equipment for the long haul. You could later add quality versions of the other stuff (muddler, more jiggers, etc).
I have owned (and still use!) everything in that above list. Though I am considering upgrading the hawthorne strainer to one with a tighter coil in the spring (I have heard good things about Cocktail Kingdom's).
This one has a rounded inner bottom which should be easier to clean.
[It's a bottle you can put fruit in so it makes your vodka taste fruity!] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B008F4MADS/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482650015&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=vodka+infuser&dpPl=1&dpID=31omcPVQcAL&ref=plSrch)
That's a good reply. I'd just add a recommendation for:
(Just because it's one piece of information I searched in this sub, got a recommendation, and I'm very happy with the product.)
Don't do Manhattan, really well built ones are near impossible to come by and will lock up and leak all over the place. Simple Boston style two-tin is easiest. Doesn't really take long to get the hang of how to use them. These are the ones I use. Good quality tins are important for a good seal. She'll need a Hawthorne strainer. After that a few jiggers of different sizes so that she can measure all increments of 1/2 oz and you'll be set for most shaken drinks.
This is he one I use. Works perfect every time!
Contigo Shake & Go Fit Snap Lid Shaker Bottle, 28 oz., Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LX6VHNE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_G-p-AbP0ZRXM5
I used to use an OXO angled measuring cup (by pure happenstance—they're the only measuring cups we own), but recently transitioned to a twist on a Boston shaker: A stainless steel shaker with a measuring mixing glass. The OXO is slightly easier to read with the angle and all, but the fact that I can measure, then shake, with the mixing glass eliminates extra steps and vessels that need cleaning.
Classy unicorn home
Metal AF
I love home decor
Fill it with glitter and shake it at ppl who need to lighten tf up!
Cool enough your husband will let you hang it
There's no way you're living your best life is this isn't your table runner
This ones my favorite! It definitely mixes wells and seals nicely. Never messy either.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BD0R52G/ref=twister_B01FX5GHXK?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I used to carry a blender bottle style bottle when I was drinking soylent for breakfast daily, it was one of these from Contigo: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LX6VHM0/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_4aGMxbZD2V04T
I got it from Walmart and snapped a carabineer on it, it was great. The bottom is rounded on the inside so there aren't corners for powder/drink mix to hide from the ball, the ball is easier to clean than the little wire ones in other blender cups, and the ball weighs more too, so it does a better job of breaking up tough clumps. I highly recommend it if it fits your needs. Walmart will usually have them in store as well
[unicorn sprinkle shaker!] (http://www.amazon.com/Spinning-Hat-Unicorn-Sprinkles-Shaker/dp/B00BLWFCLS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394659020&sr=8-1&keywords=sprinkles+hat)
TITTTAYYY SPRINKLESSS
titty sprinkles
For new items, I have been very happy with my set though appearance was pretty important to me so they cost more than other options. I have had the below trio for a little over 4 years. WMF Boston Shaker, their measurer and their new strainer (I have a previous version that is curvier). Everything has held up well, the ink on the glass has held up through occasional machine washings, the styling is beautiful, the metal pieces get dropped all the time and nothing has dented or scratched.
One thing to remember, the jigger is not standard size since it is from Germany. This never bothers me and it is so pretty and easy to clean that I think it is worth the tradeoff.
Boston shaker. For a dry shake dead center straight down. For shaking with ice (note, do not get a glass this big with the shaker LOL).
The first placement is good for dry shake since it's a stronger seal actually, but it can be released with ice clacking around so you don't want to do it when there is more weight hitting the glass as you shake. For the second orientation the drink getting cold causes the tin to compress and tighten the seal. If you get a good combo, you can hold it by the tin with the glass on the bottom and the seal won't break like so. This combo is what I use, cheap and effective.
http://www.amazon.com/Winco-Stainless-Steel-Shaker-30-Ounce/dp/B000NNO2X0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1463751871&sr=8-2&keywords=boston+shaker
http://www.amazon.com/Anchor-Hocking-Pint-Mixing-Glass/dp/B00BJ5IPIE/ref=pd_sim_79_4?ie=UTF8&dpID=313BRYWafDL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=10BA3MFA02KN8WBB88CP
The inner metal shaker part of this with a some random large polycarbonate pint-size glass that I have. Nothing fancy (I'm not safe to be around with glass in the kitchen), but it works.
I used to be a vodka-soda-extra-lime person. But after some tweaking, I ended up with something more flavorful and more refreshing.
1oz vodka
.5 oz lime juice
Fill the rest of the glass with flavored soda water. I prefer either La Croix cranberry or (a cheaper and slighly more flavorful) Canada Dry Raspberry Seltzer Water.
Also, just throwing this out there.
It's pretty cheap and has turned my home bartending game around. You can use it for more than just vodka (though that's what I primarily use it for). You can infuse your booze with almost any flavor and it works really well. Highly suggested for anyone who is missing the sugary cocktails and wants to elevate their more plain, lower calorie drinks. I just spent Sunday adding ginger-peach-apricot vodka to iced tea and sitting on my balcony in the sun.
These things are very common for cocktails
https://www.amazon.com/Sanlan-cocktail-Measured-Stainless-Beginner/dp/B07PHMGB82/
I prefer the Boston style shakers personally. They're simple and easy and bulletproof. I have this one, though I didn't pay nearly the price that they want for it at amazon.
Try a Contigo brand shaker bottle, the interior has a rounded base.
Contigo 28oz Shaker Bottle
I go with a simple tin boston shaker [from amazon]
(https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Steel-Boston-Shaker-Professional/dp/B01F2LAZB0/ref=sr_1_3?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1499789596&sr=1-3&keywords=boston+shaker).
It's worked great for me, easy to seal and to open. The cheater tin is smaller than the standard pint glass, but I use it for stirring drinks and haven't had any problems.
OXO makes a really nice and reasonably priced cobbler style shaker that has double wall insulation similar to Yeti cups. During the summer/spring/fall I use my tins, but in winter I use my OXO. Its only downfall is that only the cup part is insulated.... the center part is not. The top cap (and jigger) however has their typical soft rubber coating. So, with minimal practice you can hold the shaker by the cup and the cap and avoid all contact with the cold part.
I bought mine at target, but this is the one:
https://www.amazon.com/OXO-1058018-SteeL-Cocktail-Shaker/dp/B0001YH13E/ref=asc_df_B0001YH13E/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167123558869&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4306501711445619484&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9022864&hvtargid=pla-272524682100&psc=1
Yes! I've encountered this as well...I recommend a parisian style shaker they tend to be smaller..I personally use this one in a high volume cocktail bar without any issues. shaker
The basics:
Shaker: http://www.amazon.com/Premium-Cocktail-Shaker-Set-Stainless/dp/B000796F1W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377017012&sr=8-1&keywords=cocktail+shaker
Spoon: http://www.amazon.com/RSVP-Endurance-Stainless-Steel-Handle/dp/B000F7JY00/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1377017049&sr=8-3&keywords=cocktail+spoon
Muddler: http://www.amazon.com/Tablecraft-H4258-Stainless-Muddler-Plastic/dp/B0032FOQY6/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1377017078&sr=8-8&keywords=cocktail+muddler
My fav strainer: http://www.amazon.com/OXO-1058016-SteeL-Cocktail-Strainer/dp/B0000DAQ93/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377017130&sr=8-1&keywords=cocktail+strainer
Jigger: http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Steel-Angled-Measuring-Jigger/dp/B00B6LUAPW/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1377017174&sr=8-6&keywords=oxo+measuring+cup
These few things should get her to a good start. If she prefers a Boston Shaker (http://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Steel-Cocktail-Shaker-oz/dp/B000NNO2X0/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1377017243&sr=8-6&keywords=cocktail+shaker), all you'll need is a typical pint glass to go with it.
Oh, you've gotta get these big ice cube trays. Only way to enjoy your cocktail, if you're serious about your drinks.(http://www.amazon.com/Tovolo-KING-Cube-Trays-Blue/dp/B00395FHRO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377017434&sr=8-1&keywords=big+ice+cube+tray).
Does she has glassware? Collins glasses, old fashioned glasses, highballs? Might be good to look for some of those too. Also, people often give away glassware on Craigslist for free or for next to nothing.
If I can think of anything else, I'll come back to this. Should get you off to a good start though.
Honestly, never considered not buying something at wholesale so I don't know much about the sets.
However, this one seems pretty high quality for very a reasonable price:
http://www.amazon.com/Cocktail-Ultimate-including-Hawthorn-Stainless/dp/B00LPX7NO2/ref=sr_1_8?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1449946076&sr=1-8
As does this one:
http://www.kegworks.com/pro-bartender-cocktail-mixing-set
I remember seeing a sale on this one from Contigo a couple weeks back. Not on sale anymore, but worth a look. I don't have ant personal experience to say how it is.