Cocktail shaker on a bar.

Shaking: Make It World Class

Ready to bring your shaking game to new heights? Discover advanced shaking techniques to raise your cocktail making game. 

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Beyond the basic cocktail shaking techniques, there are some advanced shaking methods that can really bring your cocktail making up a notch. Learn how to shake like the pros, including how to style your shake and exclusive advanced recipes that will match up to your new-found shaking skills.

THE DOUBLE SHAKE

The double shake is a simple technique to both save time and impress guests. It involves shaking and straining two cocktails at once with a shaker in each hand. It may seem simple enough, but to master it, you must remember that not all shaken cocktails work the same. For example, a Daiquiri needs plenty of ice and a hefty dose of elbow grease, as it's best served very cold. A Tom Collins only needs a few solid flicks of the wrist to combine and chill before it's diluted with soda water.

KEY TIPS:

  1. Use your dominant hand to perform an effective double shake for a cocktail served straight up.
  2. With your non-dominant hand, shake a cocktail served on the rocks to maintain the proper texture and level of dilution in each drink.
  3. Every cocktail will need a different shake style so decide what hand to use based on the cocktail you’re shaking. Remember once you add ice, the timer is on.

ADVANCED RECIPE: Ube Daiquiri

SHAKE UP YOUR ADVANCED SKILLS

Aside from shaking there are other skills and techniques like cocktail clarification or foams which can bring your bartending to another level. Discover endless advanced tips and guides for improving your craft.

DRY SHAKE

A “dry shake” refers to shaking ingredients in a cocktail shaker without ice. Any recipe containing egg or egg substitute requires a dry shake. This breaks up the egg white proteins and adds a frothy, “fluffy” texture to the mixture. 

Shake all the ingredients, with the egg white (but without ice), for at least 30 seconds to get froth. When you have the desired texture, add ice and shake again then you’re ready to strain and serve.

KEY TIPS:

  • The longer and harder you shake without ice, the stiffer the froth you get.
  • After shaking with egg white, thoroughly wash the shaker and jigger.

ADVANCED RECIPE: Envy Me

REVERSE DRY SHAKE

A great technique for guaranteeing a well-chilled drink with full foam, the reserve dry shake involves shaking the cocktail with ice first then straining the ice and shaking again without ice.

KEY TIPS:

  • Make sure ingredients like egg whites are as fresh as possible to achieve the best quality flavour. 
  • If using aquafaba, make sure it’s well-strained and not too overpowering in flavour.

ADVANCED RECIPE: Käpre 

3 TIPS TO ELEVATE YOUR SHAKING STYLE

In addition to choosing the right shaking technique, there are endless ways you can bring your own signature style and set your shaking apart.

1. Create a signature shaking move – beyond flipping or over the shoulder shake, there are signature styles that will give your cocktail shaking its edge:

  • Double palm spin:  Placing the cocktail shaker between both hands, practise spinning the shaker before serving.
  • Finger roll: When shaking, hold the smaller part of the shaker and roll it around your thumb for an impressive shake.
  • Reserve shake: Start with a standard shake then halfway through change the direction of your shake for a noticeable unique style.

2. Create Rhythm and Flow

  • Shake to the beat of music to bring a vibrant and elevated experience for guests.
  • Move seamlessly between shaking, straining and pouring to demonstrate your commitment to the overall cocktail serve.

3. Present with Flair

  • Match your new shaking style with an equally impressive high pour into the glass.
  • Top off your shaking game and overall serve with a striking garnish.
  • Discover our advanced guide to creating theatre and flair for more showstopping cocktail techniques and styles.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Double Shake, Dry Shake or Reverse Dry Shake are great options to improve the quality of your cocktails and make them world class level.
  • Consider changing up your shaking signature style to bring flair and a unique quality to your cocktail making.
  • Creating rhythm can bring an added dimension to your shaking.

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