When should a co*cktail be shaken, and when should it be stirred? It's one of the bar's burning questions and one of much debate, especially when talking about the famous martini. There is a general rule (as "rules" go in bartending, anyway): Stir spirit-only drinks and shake any co*cktail with mixers. There are always exceptions, so it is best to follow a recipe's instructions or experiment with both to see which technique makes the best co*cktail in your eyes.
When to Shake co*cktails
The rules say that you should shake co*cktails when the recipe includes fruit juices, cream liqueurs, simple syrup, sour mix, egg, dairy, or any other thick or flavorful nonalcoholic mixers. Essentially, use the shake whenever you need to ensure that every ingredient (including tart citrus juice) is fully integrated into the finished drink's flavor. It's also vital when a drink's ingredients (e.g., cream ingredients) have the potential to separate.
Shaking a co*cktail aerates the drink and gives it a cloudy, effervescent look at first. This will clear up within a few minutes after straining. Shaking pineapple juice temporarily creates a foamy top, while shaken egg white drinks have a luscious, thick foam that lasts a long time.
Due to the more violent nature of the shake, this method will also break down more ice. The strained co*cktail will have ice shards on top and add a greater amount of water to the drink. Dilution is actually a good thing because it creates a well-balanced co*cktail in which all the ingredients become one flavor.
Shake most drinks for 15 to 20 seconds, and egg co*cktails for at least 30 seconds or until your arms hurt. If a co*cktail is served on the rocks, strain the drink over fresh ice. Only in rare instances is the shaker ice poured into the glass because it is broken down so much that it dilutes too quickly.
Shaken co*cktails to try:
- Cosmopolitan: The cosmopolitan is shaken because the agitation marries the tart lime with the sweetness of cranberry juice and orange liqueur.
- Mai Tai: This classic tiki co*cktail uses as many as six ingredients, depending on the recipe. That's a lot of flavorsthat need to become one, which makes shaking essential.
- New Orleans Fizz: This recipe includes both eggand dairy, so shaking is your only option. In fact, egg drinks are best when shaken without ice (called a dry shake), then shaken a second time with ice to ensure the egg is completely broken up.
- Ward Eight: Whiskey is the only liquor in this co*cktail. Shaking it ensures that the lemon and orange juices are fully integrated with the thick grenadine syrup.
When to Stir co*cktails
Stir co*cktails that include only distilled spirits or very light mixers (including bitters). Stirring is a gentler technique for mixing co*cktails, though it's often done for at least 30 seconds, which is longer than the typical shake. Itis used to delicately combine the drinks to create a crystal-clear co*cktail with a perfect amount of dilution from the ice.
Many gin and whiskey co*cktails are stirred because shaking is said to "bruise" the spirit (though that is also up for debate). A better theory is that stirring produces a silkier mouthfeel, which is ideal for booze-heavy drinks.
Tip
The long handle of a bar spoon allows for the perfect stirring technique. Hold the spoon at the very top, swirling it around and around (not up and down) with a smooth, circular motion of your wrist. If your arm is moving, you're making it more difficult and inefficient.
Stirred co*cktails to try:
- Imperial co*cktail: A classic recipe, this enhanced gin martini includes maraschino liqueur. To retain the delicate balance of flavor, it's best stirred.
- Manhattan: Two ingredients—whiskey and sweet vermouth—make the Manhattan a perfect candidate for stirring.
- Negroni: This recipe is built in the glass over ice, and it only includes liquors. For this reason, it's best stirred.
The Pursuit of Better Drinks
This shaken versusstirred "rule" refers to co*cktails and not necessarily mixed drinks, which are built directly in the glass (think vodka cranberry and screwdriver). These are almost always stirred and served with a straw for further fine-tuned stirring as the drink is consumed.
The point of either shaking or stirring (beyond mixing the ingredients, of course) is to add dilution from the ice. If either technique is done properly, the agitation will add the perfect amount of ice-cold water and bring the flavor of your co*cktails into balance.
Don't skip either, thinking that the shortcut will produce an equally good drink. Take an extra minute of your time to mix your co*cktails properly, and you will have a much more enjoyable drink.
Should Carbonated Beverages Be Shaken?
Soda, beer, and sparkling wine are rarely shaken for a couple of very good reasons. Most important is the fact that shaking causes carbonated beverages to foam up uncontrollably. If you have ever cracked open a shaken soda or beer can, you know the mess involved. Secondly, excess agitation breaks up the carbonation, and the drink will go flat more quickly.
- For shaken co*cktails, the best approach is to shake the other ingredients and then top the strained drink with the fizzy ingredient.
- Mixed drinks with these ingredients, such as the gin and tonic, are best stirred in the glass.
The 7 Best co*cktail Shakers of 2024
FAQs
Shake it! “The general rule of thumb is that if a co*cktail has citrus, egg, cream, or any opaque ingredient, then you shake it,” David says. Essentially, that means shake when you're mixing booze with anything that isn't booze.
Should you shake or stir a co*cktail? ›
A common rule of thumb is to shake if there's citrus, stir if there's not. If the co*cktail ingredients are mostly, or entirely, spirits (such as in a Manhattan, Martini or Negroni), you should stir. If a co*cktail includes juice (such as in a Margarita, Daiquiri or Cosmo), you should shake.
How much should you shake a co*cktail? ›
You should shake each co*cktail vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds. "You might start to feel the ice breaking up, and you can feel the temperature when the tin starts to get frosty, so use your instincts," she says.
Do you shake or stir an old fashioned? ›
DO NOT shake an Old Fashioned, always stir it. This has nothing to do with temperature but everything to do with texture. Shaking it will add air and water, diluting the co*cktail too quickly. Since the drink is primarily spirit, all you have to do is gently stir with ice, allowing for a smooth, velvety texture.
Should you shake or stir rum and co*ke? ›
The general rule is drinks with only booze in them should be stirred, as you don't want ice chips (which shaking will add) but you do want a consistent mouth feel. You also should stir (or build) drinks with sodas or other carbonated ingredients.
Why shake instead of stir? ›
In stirred co*cktails it's more like the components are layered on top of one another, so individual flavors stick out a bit more. Shaking is better for drinks with fresh ingredients because those co*cktails tend to be lighter, citrusy and more refreshing.
Why is shaken not stirred better? ›
As discussed above, shaken co*cktails quickly reach a maximum dilution/chill level. Shaking is easy because the aim is simply to hit that maximum level. Stirred drinks are intended to be spirit-forward, and if they hit that maximum dilution level, they will taste over diluted.
Is there a wrong way to shake a co*cktail? ›
So despite the many ways you may see bartenders shaking co*cktails, the proper method is the over-the-shoulder technique. Home bartenders should also avoid overshaking, which can lead to too much drink dilution. Use a slow 10 count. At 15 seconds, you've probably shaken too much.
What is the basic rule of co*cktails? ›
10 Rules for Making co*cktails
- 1 Start with the classics. ...
- 2 Alcohol is the most important ingredient. ...
- 3 Ice is the second most important ingredient. ...
- 4 Mixers? ...
- 5 Keep it simple. ...
- 6 A co*cktail is supposed to look nice. ...
- 7 A co*cktail should be balanced. ...
- 8 Only shake co*cktails with fruit juice in them.
How to use a co*cktail Shaker
- Add ingredients to the co*cktail shaker.
- Fill shaker with ice.
- Secure lid and hold shaker in both hands before vigorously shaking in a horizontal motion over your shoulder.
- Shake for a slow count of ten.
- Strain the co*cktail into a chilled glass.
With co*cktails that are spirits, liqueurs and fortified wines only (this includes your, Manhattan, Martini, Old Fashioned, Negroni, they should be stirred, not shaken, because over-oxidation makes the whole inferior to the sum of the parts.
What spirits do you not shake? ›
If a drink is made with all spirits, it's stirred, not shaken. Drinks like Martinis, Manhattans, and Old Fashioneds are made with all spirits.
Are Martinis supposed to be shaken or stirred? ›
While some notable pop culture examples may have preferred theirs shaken, not stirred, we beg to differ. If you shake a martini co*cktail it can produce ice chips in an otherwise crystal-clear co*cktail, and it can add up to 10% more water. Because of that, we suggest you stir a martini co*cktail gently.
Do you shake or stir a vodka soda? ›
How to make: POUR ingredients into ice-filled glass and lightly stir (so as not to lose fizz). Don't serve with straws.
What are Malibu and co*ke called? ›
Your favorite Malibu with a bit of sparkle. By mixing Malibu Original and Cola over ice, you'll get a round and sweet drink with a bubbly fizz. If you're looking for bubble, you've come to the right place.
Is there a proper way to shake a co*cktail? ›
Secure lid and hold shaker in both hands before vigorously shaking in a horizontal motion over your shoulder. Shake for a slow count of ten. Strain the co*cktail into a chilled glass.
Does it matter if you shake or stir a martini? ›
While some notable pop culture examples may have preferred theirs shaken, not stirred, we beg to differ. If you shake a martini co*cktail it can produce ice chips in an otherwise crystal-clear co*cktail, and it can add up to 10% more water. Because of that, we suggest you stir a martini co*cktail gently.
Can you stir a co*cktail in a shaker? ›
The Equipment You Need to Stir a co*cktail
You'll also need either a mixing glass or a co*cktail shaker to fix your drink in. This Stemmed Mixing Glass makes a beautiful addition to your bar and is always perfect for swirling. Or opt for any co*cktail shaker with a flat base, choosing the style based on your preferences.
Do you shake or stir a Moscow Mule? ›
Begin by filling your co*cktail shaker with ice, stopping around ¾ of the way up. Add vodka and lime juice, and shake thoroughly until chilled. Strain over crushed ice in your own copper mug, top with ginger beer and garnish with a slice of lime.
