A Parisian shaker is a type of cocktail shaker that falls somewhere between a Cobbler shaker and a Boston shaker. It shares the overall shape and design of a Cobbler shaker, but it lacks the built-in strainer that is typically found in a Cobbler shaker. Instead, the Parisian shaker requires the use of a separate strainer when pouring the cocktail into a glass.
I have personally used a Parisian shaker on numerous occasions while working as a bartender, and I must say that it offers a unique blending of features from both the Cobbler and Boston shaker. The Parisian shaker is typically made up of three main components: a metal shaking tin, a metal cap, and a separate strainer.
The metal shaking tin of a Parisian shaker is similar to the body of a Cobbler shaker. It is usually made of stainless steel or another durable metal, and it has a tapered design that allows for easy shaking and maneuvering. The cap of the Parisian shaker serves the same purpose as the cap of a Cobbler shaker, securely sealing the contents inside during the shaking process.
One notable difference between the Parisian shaker and the Cobbler shaker is the ease of opening. While the Cobbler shaker can sometimes be difficult to open due to the built-in strainer, the Parisian shaker is typically easier to open, as there is no strainer mechanism to contend with. This can be particularly beneficial when working in a fast-paced bar environment where efficiency is key.
However, the lack of a built-in strainer in the Parisian shaker means that a separate strainer must be used when pouring the cocktail into a glass. This adds an additional step to the cocktail-making process and requires the bartender to have a separate strainer on hand. While this may seem like a minor inconvenience, it is important to have the right tools readily available to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow behind the bar.
In terms of functionality, the Parisian shaker performs similarly to a Cobbler shaker. It is designed to thoroughly mix and chill the ingredients of a cocktail when shaken vigorously. The tapered shape of the shaker allows for proper aeration and blending of the ingredients, resulting in a well-balanced and flavorful cocktail.
The Parisian shaker offers a middle ground between the convenience of a Cobbler shaker and the simplicity of a Boston shaker. It combines the ease of opening of a Boston shaker with the familiar shape and design of a Cobbler shaker. While it may require the use of a separate strainer, the Parisian shaker is still a valuable tool for any bartender looking to craft delicious and visually appealing cocktails.