Cocktail shakers are a staple in every bar. Whether it gets used at a company party or is given as a gift, having a quality martini shaker makes those mixed drinks all the better. You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg for a fancy cocktail shaker set, though. Simple shakers in metal, plastic or in “minis” are a great way to save some money.

When looking into cocktail shakers pricing and costs, you must first decide what type of shaker you want to purchase. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Think about a metal martini shaker for a classic look and feel.

2. Stretch your advertising dollar with custom plastic cocktail shakers with your logo on them.

3. Have some fun with unique, mini cocktail shakers.

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Enjoy a touch of class with a sterling cocktail shaker

If you're looking for a classy gift for a long time client or a gift to say 'thank you' to a well-deserving employee, consider a silver cocktail shaker. These can come in the form of a sterling or a chrome cocktail shaker. Metal martini shakers make a great gift idea for any special occasion. They are middle-of-the-road cost-wise and will last through many company parties.

I recommend: Drinkgifts.com has stylish metal cocktail shakers starting at about $20 and going all the way up to around $33. Check out Promopeddler.com for these metal cocktail shakers that range in cost from around $6 up to about $100.

Get more for your marketing dollar with plastic cocktail shakers

Plastic cocktail shakers are a clever idea to use as giveaways at company parties or trade shows. A custom martini shaker is a great way to get your company name and logo out there and noticed. These shakers are some of the lowest cost shakers available, so not only will you be able to customize them with your name and logo, but they are a economical way to market your company.

I recommend: Kardwell International has plastic cocktail shakers in a variety of colors from about $2 up to around $3. If you’re looking for either neon colored or clear plastic cocktail shakers then look no further that Ace Mart. For around $3 you can have your choice of colors.

Make a statement with fun and whimsical mini cocktail shakers

Mini cocktail shakers are one of the hottest new things in barware. Impress everyone at your next company party with one of these petite drink mixers. The mini cocktail shakers pricing and costs depend on what material the shaker is. Plastic ones are the least expensive options while metal and glass cocktail shakers are more expensive.

I recommend: Beaucoup.com sells cute mini cocktail shakers like these that cost around $7 with volume discounts available. Wrapables.com features these unique “Moc Croc” mini cocktail shakers for about $30.

Stocking your bar with the highest quality barware, whether cocktail shakers or standard glassware, can be a daunting task. You want affordable items that reflect the best your company has to offer. Whether you need smaller-size, 10-ounce cocktail shakers or the larger, 32-ounce martini shakers that are more your style, it's easy to locate what you need.

Don't underestimate the barware's appeal. Your inventory is vital to keeping your employees and customers happy. You want items that are up-to-date yet give your bar a unique appeal. When looking for cocktail shakers, consider the following:

1. Equip your bar with the best cocktail shakers made by high-end manufacturers.

2. Choose cocktail shakers that are out of the ordinary.

3. Find promotional companies to advertise on your custom cocktail shakers.

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Locate manufacturers of commercial cocktail shakers

Finding companies to produce your barware is the most important step in stocking your bar. Silver cocktail shakers are the most common, but glass or vinyl shakers shouldn't be forgotten. Again, it depends on the celebration your bar is hosting--if you're stocking your bar for daily activity, stick with stainless steel or other hardy materials. If you're hosting an outdoor festivity, plastic or vinyl may work better.

I recommend: KegWorks knows how to mix things up with their three-piece cocktail shaker set. Made of stainless steel, the 16-ounce shaker can meet all your mixing needs. Offering different sizes from 10 ounces all the way to 32 ounces, Styles And Stainless, Inc. can provide all your silver cocktail shaker needs. If a large selection of vinyl or plastic cocktail shakers are more your style, check out Bar Supplies Direct.

Shake up your barware by adding a martini shaker with flare

Don't feel like you only have one type of covering to choose from for your cocktail and martini shakers. Although stainless steel is the most popular type to own, powder-coated shakers as well as glass cocktail shakers can add pizazz. Vintage cocktail shakers are another option, as there are retailers worldwide who collect them.

I recommend: Bar Supplies.com offers three-piece cocktail shakers that can amaze patrons as the multicolored LED shaker lights up while you mix. Mood Indigo features Art-Deco-inspired cocktail shakers, including one shaped like a woman's leg. Head over to Cooking.com, and check out the Boston shaker that has a glass top and a stainless mixing glass. Some bartenders have a difficult time with the traditional stainless glasses, since condensation can cause the top and the bottom to stick, making it difficult to remove. The Boston shaker can eliminate that problem.

Secure promotional advertising for your cocktail shakers

To market your cocktail shakers, you need to locate reliable and reputable promotional companies. Displaying your custom martini shaker can provide the extra word of mouth your company may need. This can also be a great gift to give away at parties or fund-raisers.

I recommend: USimprints offers a three-piece stainless steel cocktail shaker set on which you can print one-color designs. They require a minimum purchase price and charge extra for a second color. To expand your client base, order a martini and poker set from Absorbent, Ink. The martini shaker set comes in a leather carrying case along with 120 ABS poker chips and two decks of playing cards.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Mini cocktail shakers are an option if you're hosting a large gathering, such as a wedding or corporate event. Many places offer engraving for these favors.

All bartenders need to know how to mix cocktails--and so they must also be familiar with cocktail shakers types and styles. Whether your customers long for a Cosmopolitan or Tequila Sunrise, you'll need the right tools to create their order. Fortunately, the world of commercial cocktail shakers is fairly simple. There are only three main types of cocktail shakers. You may want them all, or you may only require one or two.

There are plenty of novelties out there. Mini cocktail shakers may delight home bartenders, plastic cocktail shakers might be fine for the occasional drink mixer, vintage cocktail shakers may add class and extra interest to your bar and a silver cocktail shaker might impress your customers. But really, most professional bartenders agree, simple is best. So when you're shopping, consider the following:

1. Cocktail shakers best known as "cheater tins"
2. Three-piece cocktail shaker sets
3. Boston cocktail shakers, the choice of most pros

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Select a cocktail shaker 'cheater tin'

Cheater tins, also known as short shakers, small shakers or shaker tins, are usually 16 oz. to 18 oz. in size. They are used to cap 28-oz. shakers and are typically made of stainless steel or have powder coated finishes. Cheater tin glass cocktail shakers are also available, although they are not widely used.

I recommend: For a nice selection of shaker tins in stainless steel, powder coated and Vinylworks finishes, see BarSupplies.com; they also carry shaker tin accessories like "shake tape" and shaker mats. World Bar Supply also carries shaker tins, including many powder coated varieties in blue, red, purple, green, black, white and gold.

Choose a three-piece cocktail shaker

The three-piece cocktail shaker is also sometimes called the 'standard shaker' or martini shaker; it's comprised of a shaker tin, a lid with a built-in strainer and a cap. The material of choice is usually stainless steel. Three-piece shakers come in sizes of 16 oz. up to about 60 oz.

I recommend: KegWorks.com carries several different wholesale cocktail shakers, including three-piece shakers in small to large sizes, all in stainless steel. Another source for three-piece shakers of stainless steel is NewYorkBarStore.com.

Purchase a Boston cocktail shaker

Boston shakers tend to be most popular among professional bartenders. They are comprised of a shaker tin with a separate mixing glass. The glass is a little smaller than the shaker tin, allowing it to sit on top and seal the drink inside, which makes for a clean shake. The shaker itself is usually stainless steel.

I recommend: KitchenAndRestaurant.com offers quality Boston shakers, including one style that has recipes on the glass. Ascot Wholesale sells basic Boston shakers in 28-oz. sizes.

Cocktails are back, and more popular than ever. The cocktail shaker has become one of the most important pieces of bar equipment. Whether your bartenders will be just keeping up with the demand for exotically flavored martinis, Cosmopolitans and more traditional shaken cocktails, or engaging in the entertaining flourishes made popular by Tom Cruise in the movie "Cocktail," you'll need to know your way around cocktail shakers and related equipment. Here are some cocktail shakers key terms.

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Standard shaker

The standard cocktail shaker for commercial bar use is made up of three interlocking pieces: the cup, the strainer and the lid, which also serves as a jigger measure. Standard shakers, sometimes known as European or cobbler shakers, are generally made of stainless steel, but can also be acrylic or glass. A streamlined standard model known as a bullet shaker adds an art deco flair to the bar.

I recommend: View various 3-piece standard shakers, including a bullet model, at A-Best Fixture. Read about vintage and collectible cocktail shakers at The Webtender.

Boston shaker

A Boston shaker combines a 28- or 30-ounce stainless steel shaker tin with a mixing glass. The glass fits snugly upside down inside the rim of the shaker, and the two are shaken together. The Boston shaker was the earliest form of cocktail shaker in commercial use. A model known as the QuickStrain incorporates a perforated edge that serves as a built-in strainer.

I recommend: Read more about the history and use of the Boston shaker at CocktailDB.com. See a description and reviews of the QuickStrain model.

Cheater tin

A cheater tin, also known as a short shaker, is a 15- or 18-ounce metal cup that fits inside the lip of a larger metal shaker to make a lid. Cheater tins essentially replace the mixing glass in a Boston shaker configuration. Cheater tins can also be used for muddling, or bruising ingredients like mint with sugar before mixing.

I recommend: Read more about cheater tins at the New York Bar Store.

Hawthorne strainer, julep strainer

When using a Boston shaker, whether with a mixing glass or a cheater tin, you'll need to use a separate strainer to remove ice or fruit pieces from the drink before pouring. The standard bar strainer, called a Hawthorne shaker, is a slotted metal disc surrounded by a coiled spring. Hawthorne shakers fit either inside or on top of the metal shaker base. Some bartenders prefer to use a julep strainer, a slotted spoon with an oval, flattened bowl.

I recommend: The Coctailiana blog carries a review of an Oxo Hawthorne strainer. See more about julep strainers at KegWorks.

Shaker tape

Home bartenders have been known to resort to electrical or duct tape to make sure that a Boston shaker stays sealed, but bartenders have other uses for the colored electrical tape known as shaker tape. Taping a shaker can give a better grip, and different colors of shaker tape can be used to personalize shakers or designate shakers for certain kinds of drinks.

I recommend: See shaker tape at BarSupplies.com.

Shaker mat

Specially designed shaker mats look like smaller versions of black rubber doormats, with projections that allow the shaker to drain and air-dry after rinsing. Shaker mats save on the use of bar towels and help organize the mixing area.

I recommend: Read about shaker mats at Mario's Bar.