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When you mix drinks, the proper shaker can make or break cocktails, so you will want to choose carefully. Here are some general tips to help you get started while averting potential bartending nightmares!

First, choose a genuine stainless steel shaker, this will make all the difference in taste and mixing. Sorry, but plastics or imitations will not suffice in this case. This shaker should ideally hold within it three pieces such as:

2 caps and ideally one that will double as a measuring cup. A built-in strainer is also part of this since it will save you aggravation and time.

Second, ask yourself what you will use this for. Is it for work or pleasure? What features do you need? Do you have enough knowledge to measure some of the drinks on your own, or do you need a dial-a-mixer? Will others be using your shaker? If you are a new bartender, you will want a shaker that has functionality built in to make your job easier and drink serving quicker.

Third, here are a few names and shapes to search for in the stainless steel variety include: Silver bullet (dome/bullet shaped mixer), Sitlax, Oggi Dial-A-Drink (for beginners and home parties), Boston Shaker, and the Cobbler shaker. All are used with a bit of a different style and technique, but will have much of the same result, a great tasting drink!

Fourth, know that using the correct cocktail shaker can make or break you as a bartender or cocktail party hostess. You want to have time to visit with patrons or your party guests, not fish for shaker parts, shot glasses or strainers. You also want one with good rubber seals, you don't want to spray your guests with an unwanted shower. Investing a little more money in a shaker could take you further in the long run and save headaches.

Fifth, shop around! Prices of shakers range anywhere from $20 to $70 or more depending on where you purchase them. If you are shopping around, look for reviews on Internet websites that sell drink ware from others who have purchased the item in the past.

Sixth, here are some shops online that will suit your fancy for a cocktail shaker and give you needed information and instructions on how/when to use them. Amazon.com, Baraccents.com, and of course, www.cocktailshaker.com.

Take these steps and begin moving forward into purchasing that superb cocktail, wallet and party-friendly shaker.

Sources: www.hormel.com
www.drinkboy.com
www.cocktailshaker.com
www.eHow .com
www.eBay.com

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