What are the essentials of a cocktail shaker set?

When it comes to making quality cocktails, there is no substitute for having the right equipment. A cocktail shaker set is one of the must-have items and it should be a staple in any home bar or kitchen. Even if you are a seasoned professional bartender, having the right tools for making your drinks will take your skills to the next level.

So what does a quality cocktail shaker set include? Generally speaking, all sets have three major components: Tin Shaker, Hawthorne Strainer, and Jigger. The tin shaker is usually composed of two parts - a lid and a base which fit together snuggly to create an airtight seal which is essential for effective cocktail mixing.

The Hawthorne strainer is a metal spring-shaped device with slots on one end designed to fit over the top of the shaker allowing only liquid ingredients to flow through while preventing bits of ice and fruit from mixing into drinks. The jigger, on the other hand, is used for measuring out precise amounts of liquors and other ingredients in your drink without having to use an accurate scale or measuring cups. They come in two sizes, one side measuring two ounces while the other side measures up to four ounces depending on size you choose.

It's also important that your shaker has some sort of built-in system which allows you to secure its components without worrying about them spilling out when shaking or handling it - either a locking mechanism or simply something magnetic will do nicely (or both!). Finally, it never hurts to have some additional tools such as teardrop strainers (for aerating acidic ingredients like citrus juice) or muddlers (for blending herbs with your drinks).